Posted by Gary on August 23, 2001 at 19:52:29:
In Reply to: How Does One Unstick Valves? posted by Home Repairs on August 23, 2001 at 18:50:53:
If the valves are stuck, you might try a few drops of Automatic Transmission Fluid. Once they are free, remove them and wash in hot water and detergent. Besure to rinse well and dry them. The cylinders could be swabbed with a wet. soapy rag, but if the valves are stuck, it would indicate to me that the whole tuba needs a bath. Again hot, soapy water and slosh it around through the entire horn. This can be a bit tricky in confined spaces. After draining, and polishing the cylinders, a good quality oil should take care of it. It would be money well spent to take it to a repair shop that can chemically clean the horn as well as unsticking the valves.