Suggestions - help!

[PennyFarthing]

Just pumped my back tyre up (actually Mr. Penny Farthing pumped it for the first time with the same pump etc I use) and air started hissing out of the valve (is that the correct term?). It won't stop hissing and of course its deflated now. Why would a valve do that? All suggestions appreciated.

The bike was only bought in the Summer and I'm having a few minor teething problems at the moment, but that is the worst.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Forgot to mention: air is definitely hissing out of the valve and not elsewhere.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Did you put slime in it?
Assuming that you didn't, then the valve is not screwed in properly or it's got a bit of dirt on it. You need a valve key from a bike shop. Unscrew thw valve; make sure it's clean; screw it in again and it should be OK.

 

[overlander]

It would depend on the type of valve, is it like the ones on a car (Schrader valve) or is it a presta valve. On the presta valve you have to unscrew the core before you put the pump on, on the car type you just put the pump on.

Presta vaves can leak if you have not screwed the tip in correctly sometimes i use a pair of pliers to just nip it up.

Schrader valve the core could be loose, buy a core spanner and tighten up.

That should say you can only change the schrader core.

 

[PennyFarthing]

I haven't a clue what type of valve it is. Boo hoo. I have already tried to tighten the bottom ring (sorry, that's as technical as I get) and its finger tight. So I guess you are suggesting it might need tightening further. I just get the impression somehow its the valve that is the problem. Not sure why, but I do.

Thanks for your replies - I REALLY appreciate it.

 

[daudi]

Take a look at these images. Does yours look like either of these?
Carless in Albuquerque: Know Your Bike
[Disclaimer: I'm completely new to bikes and don't actually know anything about valves.]

 

[flecc]

The three valve types found on bikes, click on image:

 

[PennyFarthing]

Thanks for the images and pics and info. We think (its dark now so can't double check) that is the Woods/Dunlop valve. Not a presta and not a shraeder. Does that help to give me some clues at all?

Many, many thanks,
Penny

 

[flecc]

If it's the Woods/Dunlop valve, unscrewing the collar will allow the narrower inner part to be withdrawn. In that there's usually a tiny ball valve in the later ones and that will be fouled with dirt. You may be able to clear that out and get the valve insert sealing again. If not, you'll need a new insert, but they are not very common in the UK, check with a decent local bike shop.

Alternatively, a new inner tube won't cost much and the Schrader valve type fit the same rim hole. That's the most universal valve in the world, being used on motor vehicles as well, but it does mean a different pump.

 

[PennyFarthing]

MANY thanks for your reply!!

 

[Biged]

If they are Woods/ Dunlop i would suggest changing your tubes to Schrader type tubes. I changed mine pretty much as soon as i got the bike.

Why:-

1 Easier to pump up, can be done at any garage

2 Easier to check the pressure, its almost impossible with the Woods/Dunlop

3 Standard fittings, dust caps etc, just the same as a car

4 Valves are dead easy to remove/change, you can get a dust cap that doubles as a valve removal tool.
valve removal dust cap | eBay

 

[PennyFarthing]

Update, in case anyone else experiences similar. Turned out the rubber on the valve had slipped down, exposing a small pinhole. We pulled the rubber back up and it worked. (We compared it to the other tyre/valve, first). Will get some spare valves, if I can, just in case....

Phew, that took a very busy week to sort that out. I've been bikeless all week. :O( But now happy to be able to get back on again. :O)

 

[PennyFarthing]

The three valve types found on bikes, click on image:

View attachment 2768

We thought it was a woods/dunlop but now I'm not too sure! Mine is a Hungarian bike, designed in Germany. I will check with the supplier what it is.

 

[flecc]

It is the Woods Dunlop type Penny, but the earliest and most primitive form, much liked in the third world because they are so easy to repair by replacing the thin rubber sleeve. I'm surprised they are still around in this part of the world.

Their main disadvantage is that having to expand the rubber tube with air pressure on each pump stroke makes them a bit harder to pump, otherwise ok.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Flecc, thank you so much for this info. I'm quite annoyed that for such an expensive bike such a cheap and primitive valve has been used! Maybe its the norm in Hungary?

I hope I can buy replacements.

Yes, is hard to pump up, now you come to mention it. I wonder what the correct pump would be for it?

 

[tillson]

If the rims will accept a wider valve stem, its worth changing the inner tubes to a type fitted with schrader valves. They are more widely used.

 

[flecc]

A pump for Presta valves will be ok for that Woods/Dunlop type, or an adapter for Schrader to Woods can be bought. Woods valve rubber tubing should still he available in traditional cycle shops.

However, it is the same rim hole for the two larger valve types and a change to Schrader tubes and a pump to suit is well worth while, easier pumping and the ability to use any car tyre pump as well.