Tire pressure gauge gone wonky. Recommendations?
06-21-20, 01:46 PM
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Tire pressure gauge gone wonky. Recommendations?
So, I have this gauge, and have been using it on two of my bikes for a couple years. Both bikes set up tubeless with sealant, which may be relevant.
Lately the gauge has become sluggish...I press it on the valve, and the needle moves sloooowly up the dial. Now it has stopped responding.
Two questions: Does anyone suppose that it is clogged with sealant? And can anyone give a recommendation for a gauge that will last longer than a couple years?
Thanks in advance?
Lately the gauge has become sluggish...I press it on the valve, and the needle moves sloooowly up the dial. Now it has stopped responding.
Two questions: Does anyone suppose that it is clogged with sealant? And can anyone give a recommendation for a gauge that will last longer than a couple years?
Thanks in advance?
06-21-20, 01:55 PM
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my guess would be that the sealant had something to do with it. I use a small digital one because I need accuracy on the ATV tires and they're in the super low PSI range. But the digital also works on my coach which is well over 100PSI. They're not very expensive these days.
06-21-20, 02:04 PM
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Going forward, it's probably a good idea to store the bikes with the valves positioned so they won't collect sealant.
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06-21-20, 02:07 PM
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06-21-20, 02:17 PM
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I use a gauge with a hose, specifically because of the sealant thing. There's really no way to keep it out of the valve. Same reason I buy cores by the 10 bag. Cost of doing business.
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06-21-20, 02:22 PM
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You can disassemble the gauge to clean out any gunk. Just be careful not jostle the inner gears and what not. (Looks like a simple clock inside). Probably the stem on the gauge just needs cleaning with some soapy water. I haven't looked but would be surprised if there isn't a YouTube video on this. This type of gauge (also known as a "Bourdon" style gauge) can be recalibrated if it ever goes out of adjustment as well. Probably a video on that too. You do need a known accurate gauge to compare with though.
06-21-20, 02:48 PM
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I'm surprised you got two years out of it. I use the same gauge and get about a year before they clog up with sealant. I've tried numerous methods of cleaning, but nothing worked. I try to remember to put a bit of air into the tire first to blow the sealant out of the valve.
06-21-20, 02:49 PM
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06-21-20, 03:19 PM
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I'm surprised you got two years out of it. I use the same gauge and get about a year before they clog up with sealant. I've tried numerous methods of cleaning, but nothing worked. I try to remember to put a bit of air into the tire first to blow the sealant out of the valve.
Ooh. That’s a good idea. Thank you.
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