Posted by Rick (PA) on March 03, 1998 at 19:05:04:
In Reply to: Questions re 'antifreeze' in tires posted by Bob Petrey on March 03, 1998 at 18:09:32:
: Hello all:
: I have a few questions concerning filling rear tractor tires that I hope some people may be able to address and hopefully the answers will be of interest to others also.
: Let me preface my questions by explaining that I live in East-Central Pennsylvania (Schuylkill County) and therefore need to protect the water in
: my tires from freezing. (There is no water in them at this time and I probably would not have needed any 'antifreeze' this year because of the warm winter we have had.) Also, I live in an area locally known as Locust Valley and believe me it did not get this name for the number of apple trees present here. You will understand why I mention this as you read myquestions.
: I was planning on putting calcium in the tires but I know that this will do major damage to the rims should even a tiny leak develop. Using automotive antifreeze is not an option because of its environmental disadvantages.
: Someone told me that he (Jr. Tucker of Tucker Tires) uses methanol as the 'antifreeze' in his tires (he lives in TN) but could not tell me the
: proportions of methanol/water that would prevent freezing in my area. (If I remember correctly, he uses a 15% solution.)
: Questions:
: 1) Has anyone else heard of using methanol as the 'antifreeze' agent?
: 2) If so, would you happen to know what the mix proportions of methanol/water would be necessary for my area? I would like to be overcautious and prevent freezing to at least -30 or -35 degrees.
: 3) Are there any problems associated with using a methanol/water solution in tires that I should be aware of? For example, rubber damage, environmental damage (should a leak occur), etc.?
: 4) Along the same vein, has anyone heard of mixing shredded newspapers in the solution (to the point it becomes a thin paste) used to fill tires in order to help seal small punctures in the tires (from, for example, locust thorns)?
: 5) Referrencing 4) above, my local Case/IH dealer sells a product called STS (I have no idea as to what the letters stand for, product name? company name?) that is supposed to do the same thing, but it is fairly expensive (5 gal/$70). Has anyone heard of/used this product?
: Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this post.
: Bob Petrey
: 1946 Farmall H
Those are good questions well thought. I'm afraid
I'm not much help with the details. Have you checked
with a truck/tractor tire center about this?? Also
I understand it is quit a difficult project that
the "pros" can do quicker. Let us know what you find out.