Fix-A-Flat Goo
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Fix-A-Flat Goo
I think we all know that fix-a-flat type "goo" is not recommended for non-run flat tires equipped with tire pressure (TP) sensors as it screws them up. What I'm looking for is the How and Why it screws them up? I did do a Forum Search but didn't see this discussed.
I believe the TP Sensors are potted and sealed, so intrusion of the goo probably could not occur from inside the tire. But since it's injected through the Schrader valve, might that be where the failure occurs? I also don't understand how the TP sensors measure the tire pressure.
And yes, I'm familiar with all the alternatives for this stuff, but I'm trying to explain to a friend in London why he can't use it.
Thanks in advance,
I believe the TP Sensors are potted and sealed, so intrusion of the goo probably could not occur from inside the tire. But since it's injected through the Schrader valve, might that be where the failure occurs? I also don't understand how the TP sensors measure the tire pressure.
And yes, I'm familiar with all the alternatives for this stuff, but I'm trying to explain to a friend in London why he can't use it.
Thanks in advance,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
While the tire pressure sensors are sealed, the area inside the valve stem may be where the monitoring is actually done. Since that is where the fixaflat goes in it probably gums up the works.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 167
Have a read of this thread and it should help you understand why the "goo" in fix-a-flat plugs up tire pressure sensors.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...688&forum_id=1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...688&forum_id=1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by 04MSGCoupe
Have a read of this thread and it should help you understand why the "goo" in fix-a-flat plugs up tire pressure sensors.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...688&forum_id=1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...688&forum_id=1
You're stranded somewhere and use the goo. Assuming you also have a pump, you reinflate the tire and drive to Mr. Tire's fix-it shop. He removes the tire, you clean the goo from the hole, or holes as pictured, and he repairs and reinstalls the tire.
What might have resulted, in a negative sense, from squirting the goo into the tire (through the sensor?) in the first place?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
I would think the goo hardens as it seals and then you wouldn't be able to put air in the tire. The sensor also wouldn't be able to take air pressure measurements because it would be clogged up.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 17
From: Keller, TX
St. Jude Donor '07
Someone posted this Link the other day. Combination inflater/newage goop that is supposed to seal be be easily removable when you pull the tire off the wheel. I'm contemplating ditching the EMTs and this will be in my trunk if I do.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
I keep some in the car as a last resort. (also have plug kit and air compressor).
The common internet rumor is that it will destroy the sensors. It makes sense that it could happen, the air pressure sensing hole is very small, and could easily be pugged so the sensor can no longer sense the pressure. But I've never read a post of someone that had that actually happen.
I do know of 3 people who used it and it never screwed up the sensor.
Even if it did happen, it's not like a dead sensor renders the car inoperable. A flat tire does. Choose your priority.
The common internet rumor is that it will destroy the sensors. It makes sense that it could happen, the air pressure sensing hole is very small, and could easily be pugged so the sensor can no longer sense the pressure. But I've never read a post of someone that had that actually happen.
I do know of 3 people who used it and it never screwed up the sensor.
Even if it did happen, it's not like a dead sensor renders the car inoperable. A flat tire does. Choose your priority.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 8
From: Southwest Virginia
I'm sure GM says not to do it since they don't want to warranty the ones it does screw up. But if it is the difference between me leaving the car who know where and walking or screwing up a sensor. Look out sensor here comes the goo!
I have never had one of these sensors apart but I assume they have a small chamber with a load cell which could get goo'ed up and not work anymore. I would love to take one apart and look inside to see how they work. If anyone has any defective units they would get rid of I would pay the shipping. I would like to see a newer model (2001+) to see if the batteries can be replaced. I have only seen people post about replacing the batteries on the older ones. I would post my findings here for all to see.
I have never had one of these sensors apart but I assume they have a small chamber with a load cell which could get goo'ed up and not work anymore. I would love to take one apart and look inside to see how they work. If anyone has any defective units they would get rid of I would pay the shipping. I would like to see a newer model (2001+) to see if the batteries can be replaced. I have only seen people post about replacing the batteries on the older ones. I would post my findings here for all to see.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
I learned something a few years back about fix a flat. If you have chromed wheels this stuff will eat the chrome off of the inside lip of the wheel rim where the inside tire lip makes contact with the chrome lip on the rim. The end result is a slow leak in your tire usually after you replace the old set that was on there when the fix a flat was put in.. I learned this the hard way myself. A mechanic told me about this after the fact.. If you do have chrome rims and have to use this stuff in an emergency. Remember to take it to a tire shop asap and repaired correctly and clean the gook inside of the rim out throughly...
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Pacific North West WA
safe on wheels
Check out this product. It goes in ahead of time so that it is there when you need it. If you contact them with your tire size they will give you the info on how much per tire.
http://www.ride-on.com/
Dale
http://www.ride-on.com/
Dale
