tricks for unclogging tubeless valve core?

[sparky33]

Does anyone have a good method for unclogging a tubeless valve core?

Sealant gums up the valve core sometimes, and I typically put in a new valve core from the bin of cores I've harvested from spent inner tubes. But maybe there is a way to fix a clogged valve core instead. Is there a solvent that will remove latex sealant without destroying the rubber bits of a valve core?

[benb]

Get new cores?

I was having trouble getting some unclogged.. I'd been using em for 10 years.. then I noticed they were supposed to be replaced every year or two.

I use alcohol a lot, maybe try that?

[Jaybee]

I'm usually able to peel the sealant booger off carefully and it pulls whatever is inside the valve stem area too. Is that not working for you?

[bigbill]

I have a bent spoke in my toolbox for cleaning out valve stems. The threaded part does a good job of scrubbing.

[sparky33]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

I'm usually able to peel the sealant booger off carefully and it pulls whatever is inside the valve stem area too. Is that not working for you?

Yeah, the valve stem can be cleaned, but I'm talking about the valve core...which is a little harder to resurrect.

[robt57]

eBay: Vittoria Presta Valve Cores 10-Pack Silver.

I did not pay as much as in this auction.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vittoria-Pr...IAAOSwqV1fHvgV

Since I began running tubeless tubulars, a few of these and the little valve wrench/tool are in my tire plug bullet kit.

The bullet has two sizes of plugs and the tool to push them into the tire is in the cap. I have opted to not initially put sealant in, but rubber banded to the bullet is a 2oz bottle Stans sealant.

So at least until after the initial flat I won't have to worry about a clog for the first repair. I also have the clear valve tube sleve that comes with latex tubes in the bullet for the initial sealant insertion on the road when that happens.

[Spdntrxi]

I just have a pack of new cores.. buy them in bulk from ebay/amazon.

[slambers3]

I’ve found hot water tends to loosen up the sealant a little bit to unclog things

[unterhausen]

I get a core off of an old tube. Why I have old tubes is a different question.

[Rekalcitrant]

I use needle-nose pliers to twist the end off the threaded bit of the core, and then I can get the inside out of the core, clean it off, and poke out the gunk with anything thin enough to fit (e.g. tiny allen key). After I put it back together I crimp the very end if the threaded rod with pliers or wire cutters so it doesn’t thread right off every time I loosen it to inflate the tire. Sometimes something goes wrong, but most of the time this works for me, and only takes a few minutes.

[cuda]

try 50/50 ammonia and water. I'm pretty sure ammonia is the solvent that works for latex.
that said
I'm with the other responders. I just replace them when they start to fail.

[DHallerman]

After spending thousands on my bikes, and with various project plans on my plate, I’m not going to take time to fix a recalcitrant presta valve core, when I can buy new Vittoria cores for only $1.50 each.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

I'm usually able to peel the sealant booger off carefully and it pulls whatever is inside the valve stem area too. Is that not working for you?

I do that too. I also use an air compressor to blow out the latex so it can be picked out. Works most of the time, but still have to replace a valve core occasionally.

[bikinchris]

Isopropyl alcohol. Good luck finding some.
Soak valve in alcohol and use compressed air to blow clean.
Maybe use an old valve stem to make it easier to hold.

[simplemind]

Not exactly what the OP was asking, however I use a little grease, either synthetic or silicone, rubbed into the valve and threads. It seems to prevent sealant from sticking in the first place, and it makes removal easy. Just a thought.