Tubes for Cat-Trax

[fjviola]

While the price of new tires (with/without rims) has always been a deterrent to addressing my Cat-Trax ever-increasing 'soggy' performance ... ref:
http://www.murrays.com/13-1401-3.html
and
http://www.murrays.com/13-1401-1.html
recently the passing of gas from my old tires became faster than my scuba cylinder could keep up.

So I purchased a set of 'tubes' from Murrays.
http://www.murrays.com/13-1401-9.html

First I had to remove the cradles. Then with all the air out of the tires, I applied a liberal amount of liquid/spray soap to the tire/rim interface (side with valve stem), and with a rubber mallet I whaled on the tire (spinning it evenly) until the bead came off the rim. Next I used a utility-knife to cut the old valve stem off the rim.

The tube has two (2) metal nuts on the valve stem. One that stays in place next to the tube, and one to secure the stem on the outside of the rim. After removing the securing nut, I applied a liberal amount of 2-4-C marine lubricant on the inner nut, as well as a 5/16" nylon washer so that no dissimilar metals would touch inside of the aluminum rim. Once the tube was installed inside the tire and stem/grease/nylon washer inserted through the valve hole, I place another 5/16" nylon washer on the outer rim -and- a 5/16" ss washer (valve hole was 'big' for nut alone) before securing all with the locking nut. Once again, no dissimilar metal to metal.

Applied more liquid/spray soap to the tire/rim interface, hooked up the scuba cylinder and as the bead popped back into place ... presto ... nice firm Cat-Trax!

The project took just over an hour with the usual allotment for cursing and plier throwing in July mercury at 92° and 100% humidity. Hope info helps/persuades some other sailor to firm up his/her deflated rounders.

franklin VIOLA
ARC 21.01

[Kevin Keller]

$30 for a tube??? Wow.. I looked a while ago for tubes and think I found them for quite a bit cheaper. I will try looking again. I could use some new tires too as mine are pretty well cracked.


Just found some on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/21X12-00-8-ATV- ... 0572537190

[fjviola]

Kevin
Excellent find!
I will forward these tubes to the Texas City Dike Yacht Club sailors as well.
Thanks!
franklin

[SC15Av8or]

Well timed post guys. I am not able to keep mine firm either and I like this fix. Hope I do not have to beat mine off like fjviola did. Kevin great find on ebay!!! Marked it and will be sending off for 2 ASAP!!

[Kevin Keller]

Ok, I did my part and now you guys need to find cheaper tires.

Kevin