Can I patch VEGA tires from the inside?

Mike Svorinich

Hey all,
I ran over a tiny, miniature nail or maybe a carpet tack strip nail.
Anyways, I have a very small hole in my brand new tire.
I got the tire off the rim and was wondering if I can patch it from the inside using a standard bicycle patch kit.
The inside seems like its covered in a smooth material/cloth kind of stuff. Not sure. Do I sand it down on the inside first?

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
_________________
'92 Haase shifter
(old) '85 yz250 engine
Restoring to running condition

Mike Svorinich · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:38 pm Post subject:

What about patching it by using black RTV Silicone?
_________________
'92 Haase shifter
(old) '85 yz250 engine
Restoring to running condition

Walt Gifford · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:50 am Post subject:

Not a good idea.

Mike Svorinich · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:31 am Post subject:

Tyson Henry · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:20 am Post subject:

I honestly can't see why not. If its a really small hole the integrity of the tire shouldn't really be affected. Why don't you try and see? And you definitely would want to rough it up with some sandpaper.

Walt Gifford · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:48 am Post subject:

It's not gonna stick. Just put on an old set of tires next time you go out in a parking lot or down the street.

Gif Cool

_________________
FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001
Yamaha KT100 Service Center
40 years karting experience

Tyson Henry · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:00 pm Post subject:

I would be willing to bet a patch that is rubber cemented on will stick just fine. Why would it stick to a bicycle tire or a car tire but not a kart tire?

Tyson Henry · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:01 pm Post subject:

Why don't you try it and let us know.

joseph hollinger · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:41 pm Post subject:

Mike Svorinich · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:59 pm Post subject:

Rich Hays · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:10 pm Post subject:

The patch won't stick to the canvas exposed on the inside of the tire. Rubber cement typically likes to work on a rubber surface. By the time you get a flat surface ground into the inside of the tire, you have gotten into a lot of the bias plies and not a lot of rubber. I had the same situation with a new tire and tried numerous times to repair it just to see if I could. I tried a variety of patches from automotive to bicycle tube repair kits. Nothing worked.

-rh

Mike Svorinich · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:27 pm Post subject:

Pete Schaible · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject:

If you are going to try patching it from the inside why not just go to your closest automotive store. They sell automotive tire patch kits. the construction of a kart tire is not much different. If the hole is in the edge of the tire near the sidewall it won't be repairable because of the amount of flex. You will need to rough up the inner surface of the tire larger than the patch, clean the rubber with a rubber solvent, apply the rubber adhesive and let it haze over, then apply the patch centered over the hole. If it holds up 80 psi in a truck tire and 8000 pounds it should be fine with a kart.

Tim Doll · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject:

Long ago as a newby, when I was racing on a tight budget and not expecting to run up front, I successfully 'patched' a puncture on a nearly new tire using an automotive tire 'plug' (they sell kits at most automotive parts stores).

I doubt I'd try it now - if I did the tire would be practice only.

Tim
_________________
Standard disclaimer - I'm FREE - No longer affiliated with any organization, I can say whatever I darn well please!.

Everett, Washington

John Mulvihill · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 6:54 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Here is what worked for me. It may not work for you.

Find hole. Clean inside of tire with solvent. Roughen surface of inside of tire around hole. Put a small dab of red RTV over hole on inside. Place a piece of cigarette package cellophane over the RTV on the inside of tire. Mount rim. Put air into tire until red RTV starts to come through hole. Stop. Let sit for a while. Overnight. Voila.

Your mileage may vary.

John
_________________
I bowl overhand..........