Topic: Nitrogen fill

[69cobrajetrugae2]

The moisture is bad for tires, not the 21% oxygen and a few trace gasses.

Compressed air from an air compressor contains moisture.  A good shop air supply system will utilized an effective condensing system to remove most of it. A poor shop air supply system will have excessive moisture in the air supply which is damaging to air tools.  I have seen moisture spray out of a air hose due to a poorly designed, neglected air supply system.

When the Nitrogen is introduced into the system, the moisture easily finds spaces to take up, seeking osmotic equilibrium until the moisture is equally distributed throughout the gas.

Using a vacuum pump to vaporize the moisture that is present in a empty car tire may damage the tire and is impractical. Remember that the soap and water solution that tire shops use to mount the tire does introduce moisture into the tire.  An approved rubber lubricant containing no water should be used.

To do a good job of removing the moisture the tire is inflated with nitrogen then depressurized, the moisture is carried out with the departing Nitrogen. Then refill the tire.

[suskeenwiske]

My understanding is that nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen and therefore are harder to escape.  Primary reason NASCAR uses nitrogen for tires and the air wrenches is no fire hazard.

This is exactly correct; Nitrogen Molecules are larger. The irregular surface of the Wheel and Tire at the Bead, even though it looks smooth, is where air escapes most easily. These surfaces, viewed through an Electron Microscope, look like an Artillery Range.

Ever notice how rubber party balloons deflate after a day or so if filled with Helium or Air? The Molecules are escaping partially past the knot but most is lost through the balloons surface; rubber is actually porous. If you put Nitrogen in the balloon, it will remain inflated far longer.

Wont hurt your tires at all by-the-way.

Ray

[1967 eight barrel]

Many good points made, however his reasoning was to use bias ply tires. Once again, fine for a trailer queen, not wise for people who actually drive their vehicles.
If you've even driven a performance mustang with bias ply tires, you know it's akin to dragging a snail over a wet sheet of glass.

I, for one wish that Coker or another would offer a good radial tire with the large and small GoodYear white lettering.

                                                                                                 -Keith