Wheel leak

[dvto2]

18 year old bx 23. 600 hours.

My right rear wheel sprung a pin hole leak right above the valve. I jacked the side up so the ballast stopped spraying out. Any chance I could just epoxy it or something or should I just get a new wheel (probably with a tube to make putting ballast in a bit easier).

 

[Nicksacco]

18 year old bx 23. 600 hours.

My right rear wheel sprung a pin hole leak right above the valve. I jacked the side up so the ballast stopped spraying out. Any chance I could just epoxy it or something or should I just get a new wheel (probably with a tube to make putting ballast in a bit easier).

My first thought was a product such as this:

Amazon.com

But then, although this may work just fine, you wouldn't have any idea of the actual wheel condition.
Since it's the wheel and not the tire that's leaking, it might be best to have the tire dismounted and have a good look inside the wheel and make a decision at that point.

Thoughts anyone??

 

[Roadworthy]

What is the wheel filled with? If it's a calcium chloride solution, that stuff is corrosive and does eat wheels over time. Many folks have switched to beet juice al it's less corrosive and supposed to be better for the environment if it spills.

 

[Pau7220]

If it's a pinhole from a bad (undercut/thin) weld it may be repairable. Temporary repair may be possible by draining air, drilling hole, self tapping bolt with nylon washer. If it's just corrosion you'll need a wheel... I'll assure you it won't be the only spot when you take it apart and inspect it. I'm going to need one soon on my machine. PO did the other one.
Other less expensive and less corrosive ballast options are washer fluid or RV antifreeze.
As far as the tube... you can't plug a nail hole with a tube installed.