Posted by Kenneth Sloan on July 09, 2001 at 19:05:15:
In Reply to: Re: Bathing my SILVER horn?? posted by Sean Chisham on July 09, 2001 at 14:42:54:
Sean's advice is the standard rap on cleaning - but with all due respect I find some of the details more trouble than I think they are worth. Take my advice with a block of salt - but it seems to work for me.
1. Remove everything removable (user-servicable parts only - no tools required)
This means, pull all slides, remove all valves (remember which is which!) and
springs and caps.
2. Place all of the small parts EXCEPT the valves in a dishpan with a mild solution
of Ivory Snow dishwashing soap.
3. wipe down the valves and carefully swab the internal passages.
4. that leaves the big pile of silver...take that to the tub (or, my preference, outside
to a lawn with a tarp and a hose) and run water into the bell until it fills up.
Empty CAREFULLY (respect Newton). Then use a hose to run water through all of the
tubing (remember, all the "ends" are sitting in a soapy bath) followed by
a snake for the narrow tubes and a dry rag for the big tubes. Dry and buff as needed.
5. back to the dishpan - take out the pieces one at a time and dry. Rinse, and dry again.
Snake as needed. Work on tiny details, as needed.
6. reassemble. Remember the bike mechanics' motto: GREASE BEFORE INSERTION.
7. one more pass with a rag to clean off your greasy finger prints.
8. Wash your hands, rinse out the mouthpiece. Oil the valves (again!) Spritz some valve oil down the leadpipe, and practice!
Ken "guess what I did yesterday" Sloan