Leaking Excel Rim

[Zepfan]

I will be sending my front rim back for the second time for leaks from failure of internal sealer.

Actually I will be stopping by the vendor as I'll be at the Ouray Rally.

I'm running a tube now.

The internally sealed rims develop small leaks around spoke nipples. The sealing method they use is a type of insulation type tape I believe. It's foil backed and has a soft tar like substance on the sticky side. The tape is pressed around nipples and then strapping tape is wrapped around the sticky foil backed sealing tape.

I was skeptical on ordering the sealed rims to run tubeless when I ordered.
There are tremendous stresses and movement (flexing) on rims I think. Seems that any sealer would eventually fail. ( or fail immediately lol )

Vendor claims the "NEW," tape they received has had some failure issues. They report they will go back to a silicone sealing technique they used before the tape.

A whole lot of concern, energy, time and money has been invested in this process. I'm not thrilled with my experience with INTERNALLY SEALED Excel rims.
My front is the problem child, rear is holding.

 

[Zepfan]

Would you keep trying to repair the sealer or just resign yourself to running the tube??

Vendor charged only $100 ea., for the initial sealer when they built the wheels.

I'm wondering how much more time I should invest before I just run tubes. Warranty is good. It's just my time, energy and a little expense of shipping back and forth dismounting, mounting, blah, blah.

3rd time the charm or ??

Thanks for chiming in.

 

[snakebitten]

Check with Pluric. Don't think his has leaked and he isn't exactly easy on wheels.

Maybe his was sealed with the previous sealer method?
If so, you might request it.

 

[pluric]

I've only had Woody's do my rear wheel with an Excel rim so far.
I was leary of the sealed system too. I has held air better than the stock wheel.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=838272