I did what I saw on TV....
Posted: 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.
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.