Posted by Chuck(G) on March 29, 2002 at 12:05:04:
In Reply to: Cleaning stainless steel valves? posted by Bill on March 29, 2002 at 07:15:03:
Cleaning the piston might not be the answer.
Clean out the valve guide groove using a toothpick to make sure you get every bit of grunge out of there.
Inspect the tacquet (the little valve guide nub) that rides in the groove. Make sure that's it's not loose and rotating (these things unscrew). If it is, have it replaced.
The valve also could be hanging up on a bit of corrosion in the casing. Use a mild cleaner, such as Mr. Metal, Tarnex to clean out the casing. Rinse well.
Given the age of your horn, I doubt that the valve's so tight that it needs lapping. Have you bumped or dropped the horn or piston before the valve problems began?