Sheared Valve Stem

[2066]

David wrote: " Perhaps because of the grip you get on concrete, higher pressure helps keep the side wall structure a bit more solid?"

While it'd be difficult to prove scientifically, you may well have at least part of the answer there, David. My experience is similar to Ray's, 'though I don't go quite to 25 PSI, but if below 20 it's quickly evident when pushing out with the "dragger". I'll admit that my landings do look better with lower pressure, but moving in/out of hangar, taxiing around the airpark and take-offs all go much better with a bit more (and, after trying for 34 years, I've pretty much given up on consistently "good" landings anyhow ). We'd all likely agree that calibrated or known-true gauges need to be utilized as there can be quite a difference 'twixt some of the cheapo gauges' readings. Mac

[1125]

Sounds strange..... I do know I fill the tires 18 psi and they "appear" to be properly inflated when compared to 16 as recommended ( no bulging at the bottom). under inflated causes more trouble for tires on most conveyances as I have discovered the hard way over the years. I've not tried any higher than 20 psi, and we operate on turf and hard surface runways. Interesting problem

[8233]

Sounds strange..... I do know I fill the tires 18 psi and they "appear" to be properly inflated when compared to 16 as recommended ( no bulging at the bottom). under inflated causes more trouble for tires on most conveyances as I have discovered the hard way over the years. I've not tried any higher than 20 psi, and we operate on turf and hard surface runways. Interesting problem

They were at 18 psi when this last one occurred but the tubes and tires have about 6 years on them so could be part of the problem. I think I'm going to experiment with at least 21 psi which is what they suggest for the 150.

[V529]

Having been around these type of tires and tubes on regularly flown aircraft for the better part of 40 years, I'd say your double valve stem failure is rare. Probably more a case of bad tubes than tire pressure, I've pivoted hard for as long as I've flown and (knock on wood) never had that issue. I will say I try to keep the air pressure in the 18-20 range..........but that isn't consistent.

[8233]

Having been around these type of tires and tubes on regularly flown aircraft for the better part of 40 years, I'd say your double valve stem failure is rare. Probably more a case of bad tubes than tire pressure, I've pivoted hard for as long as I've flown and (knock on wood) never had that issue. I will say I try to keep the air pressure in the 18-20 range..........but that isn't consistent.

Thanks Victor for the feedback. I was worried that this was somehow pilot induced. I've never had a flat tire in all my years of flying and having 2 in one month was a little concerning. I think I will bump up the pressure a tad but it could very well just had been a bad batch of tubes and/or age and sitting in hot/dry climate.

[6643]

Someone already suggested putting a witness mark on the tire and wheel. If it slips you'll know it. I doubt that's your problem, though. Count yourself "lucky".

[8233]

Someone already suggested putting a witness mark on the tire and wheel. If it slips you'll know it. I doubt that's your problem, though. Count yourself "lucky".

Very lucky indeed.