Nearly 20 years ago my son was working for a mobile home sales company removing older mobile homes. Many times the tires were either flat or even off the rims and difficult to replace. They frequently used the starter fluid method to re-bead a tire. Being a dark area underneath, it was difficult to see well.
As it turned out, the rim was weaked by rust. He used a small amount of starter fluid in the tire and a lighting trail to the side. When he lit the trail the rim became what was the equivalent of a hand grenade sending metal fragments everywhere. He was hit in the arm and face including his eyes. When we got the call from his boss he was already in the hospital. He had metal fragments in bedded everywhere and was being sent for eye surgery. As you can imagine we were worried about his eyesight and upset with his employer.
It's my understanding that the practice of blowing up a tire to get the bead to mount had already been banned for safety reasons. The tire cannon, rapid air deployment method tool, is still allowed.
Fortunately he didn't loose his eyesight, but will never be able to get an MRI due to the small metal bits left in his eyes.
It's your call but you can bet I'll never use the starter fluid or any other flammable liquid to get a tire to bead up on the rim!
Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Ben
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Ben & Gail with Daphne
'08 Cayman XL 35SBD
Master Tow Dolly w/'13 Dodge Journey
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