Patching an R-Compound tire?
 

I run a pretty old set of V700s for autocrossing, and last sunday I picked up a screw of some kind that caused a real slow leak.

Today I noticed it and took it to be patch repaired. The plug part of the patch is around 1/4" dia and since the tire is worn to the point that the two grooves barely show I'm concerned that it won't hold up.

Also, when I sprayed water on the plug I could see real small fine bubbles forming. Again, the kind of leak that won't matter much since I adjust pressure each autocross. The tire tech said that's normal since the patch compound wasn't done curing. I think for any chance of the leak stopping I need to empty the pressure until it's done curing. Comments?

Dave

Was it plugged or patched? If the tire was removed from the rim and patched, I wouldn't give it another thought, but it shouldn't leak. Plugs are a bit suspect in my option, a spinning and or sliding tire can pull a plug out.

Paul

It was dismounted and patched from the inside. There is a plug visible that is part of the patch.

The tire was 32.5psi this afternoon, and this evening it's at 31.0 already. So I think the patch didn't take like the guy said it would.

Dave

plugs are shit. they should be used strictly as a temp fix in an emergency.

plug/patch combo things are good for some leaks, i only use them on larger holes. sometimes they can suck if its too close to the edge or not all the way in. it will leak
but sometimes there is air trapped inside so it will bubble after the patch is on. at first not constantly, obviously there cant be too much air left in the hole. and your losing air, no it didnt take i would say

but i would think a patch would be fine in auto x, ive drifted on tires with a patch in them and a lot of people do as usd tires are cheaper and tend to have holes. i just wouldnt trust a patched tire with really high speeds.

Damian had a set of R-Comps (Pirelli's I think) that got a puncture. He plugged them and He and I both ran them on track at Road America after that without issue.

Dunno if I'd do that anymore, but back then I was alot slower, and not sliding through most corners. :D

So far the patch has held, and to my surprise it stopped leaking.

After one autocross I see nothing to worry about at the site. It should easily last until the tires are corded.

Dave