MK313

My bike came with slime filled tubes. They've worked ok so far, but it looks like smile from the front tube worked it's way into the presta valve & now I can't unscrew the valve to pump the tire. I'm planning to change the tube this weekend, but I was just wondering if anyone knew how to clean the valve stem to remove the slime (Maybe spraying it or soaking it in something). If it's easier that replacing the tube, I wouldn't mind just doing that, but I wasn't sure,

Thanks,

Re-Cycle

If it were me I would check to see if the valve core is removable. Some presta tubes have a valve core that can be unscrewed with needle nose pliers. If you can unthread it you should either be able to clean or replace the core.

MK313

Thanks for the tip. I'll check that out.

wmodavis

That's what slime is suppose to do - plug holes in the tube so air won't leak out (or in).

MK313

I know what the slime is supposed to do, but my problem is that the slime got up into the valve and has 'glued' the valve shut. I as wondering if there was a way to clean out the valve so I can inflate the tube again.

LesterOfPuppets

Slime cleans up pretty good with soap and water, so I guess you could try soaking the valve portion of the wheel in the tub full of warm water.

I'd probably just try getting the valve open with some mini robogrips or needlenose vicegrips or even plain old needle nose pliers. Then just wipe the area with a warm sponge.

Tip: always leave the wheels with valves up in the 12 o'clock position for at least a half hour (hour plus or even overnight is even better) before opening valves. That way not much Slime will be in the vicinity when you open the valve.

MK313

Thanks Lester, I'll give that a shot.

leob1

Slime cleans up with soap and water before it dries. The problem will keep happening as long as there is slime in the tube.
Get new slime-less(and much lighter) tubes.

MK313

This is just a follow-up in case someone with the same problem searches in the future. The tube could not be saved. I tried to open the valve with pliers, but it only removed the entire presta valve (apparently I did have removable stem cores). I soaked the stem core in boiling water, but it remained frozen. I eventually just threw out both tubes & started over. The new ones work fine & are also significantly lighter than the slime tubes were.

greyghost_6

Slime - always a terrible mess

RunningPirate

I realize I'm late to the game here, but I had the same issue with one of my MTB tubes. In short, I did what you already know: Had to replace the tube. I was told that's a good reason not to use Slime in the tube, but instead use a tire liner that is made by slime, instead. Now - this advice came from the REI bikeshop, so I'm not really aware of how good/bad they are...