I did what I saw on TV....

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:09 pm

And it worked as I knew it would.

A few years ago, I was watching the discovery channel and saw a program about antarctic expeditions. They used highly modded 4-runners running monster tires (44's?) at under 20psi. Well, due to such low pressure, the tires would routinely slide off of the bead. So instead of carrying a HEAVY air compressor and tire mounting tools around, they would do a trick.

Spray butane inside of the tire, throw a match, and the tire would explode up onto the rim. This way, they just needed a very small accessory air pump to keep tire pressure in check.

Well, my tractor rolled off the bead today, and my dad asked me to fix it.

I tried to flash inflate it with my compressor, but I don't have a valve core puller at home, so it was futile. I'm lazy and didn't want to drive, so I just remembered the discovery channel.

I grabbed a can of spray-deodorant used for my potato cannon, a quick spray inside the tire, stood back wearing saftey goggles and leather gloves and I held out a fireplace match.....

KA... thump.

Popped right up onto the rim. A quick shot with the air compressor brought it up to proper inflation and I was done. I'd never consider mounting a car tire like this, but goddamn was it cool, and it worked!

I did a trial and error, and just happened to get it right the first time. I did a REALLY short burst and it was just enough. Less than a second of spray, and that's all it took. They emptied an entire can of butane between 4 tires on the show.

Pretty cool.

Oh, and don't try that at home. I'm sure something bad could have happened. I'm not sure what would have happened if I had emptied the can into the tire. I doubt anything, because as soon as the tire seated, it would be air tight and the flame would suffocate.

I also checked the integrity of the tire beforehand, and it checked out OK. If there was a hole in the tire, I'm sure it would have exploded or something bad.

def09 · Post by **def09** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:17 pm

I have seen some show about people rock crawlin' and did the same thing.
Totally amazing! I would definitely try it if I needed to.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:10 pm

They stopped people from doing that at Pep Boys on the cheap ass truck tires they sold (they were too floppy and never wanted to seat). Still did it once out of desperation, but I just watched. Pretty cool.

Steve

206er · Post by **206er** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:06 am

my buddy who is big into 4wheeling has used that method when he blew a bead and there was all kinds of mud n stuff on the tire and rim, only with starting fluid. much more volatile then hairspray or whatever so you have to be careful. you can also use a ratchet strap to compress the circumferance of the tire pushing the bead out, and then using compressed from your scuba tank or compressor or whatever to seat the bead, this method is a lot safer but not as cool. not starting a forest fire is important sometimes.

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:48 am

That's good to know for next time. This was cool though. Tire jumped a few inches in the air too, kinda cool.

206er · Post by **206er** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:34 am

jumped from the force of the tire expanding I bet.

Yukonart · Post by **Yukonart** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:42 am

OMG. . . I remember that show. They built those SUVs extremely well. . . especially the crevace-traversing safety bars they'd extend out front.

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:05 am

YES!!! ART!!! That's the show. That was such a cool show. I wish I could find it online.

Yukonart · Post by **Yukonart** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:48 am

BAC5.2 wrote:YES!!! ART!!! That's the show. That was such a cool show. I wish I could find it online.

If I come across it, you'll be the FIRST to know.

TheSubaruJunkie · Post by **TheSubaruJunkie** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 4:58 pm

I saw that episode of Extreme Machines as well. Wouldnt ever try it myself. At work, when our tractors roll a bead I have a wratchet strap setup that I use. I just wrap the strap around the tread of the tire, and start wratcheting. It usually pulls the bead toward the rim and then I use the compressor to seat the bead.

Glad to know it actually works. Dont think myboss would like me igniting WD40 at work tho

-Brian

0perose · Post by **0perose** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:56 pm

this is a very dangerous procedure that people most likely should not use. it has caused the loss of life and limb. let the user beware

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 1:38 am

0perose wrote:this is a very dangerous procedure that people most likely should not use. it has caused the loss of life and limb. let the user beware

Proof?

If you use to much fuel, there won't be enough air, and it will hardly explode. To little fuel, and it may not even seat. To volitle a fuel, and it could explode something sinister, I'm sure. But you gotta be retarded to try using propane or something like that. That would just be more trouble than it'd be worth.

Dangerous, sure, but I ask you to prove to me one instance of someone being killed by mounting a tire on a lawn tractor using aerosol deodorant.

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I did what I saw on TV....

I did what I saw on TV....