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Gents & Lasses,

I have just purchased a used horn and the valves need a good cleaning. It seems as though that whatever was used on the slides has broke down and ran into the casings and onto the valves. Is there a good way to clean this yourself? I just spent A LOT of money on this horn and don't really have any left to take it to my repair guy. I have some experience working with muriatic acid and rotors but don't have much experience with pistons. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Jeff

If what you are seeing is best described and plain old 'gunk'.... your best bet is to just use a strong solution of dishwashing liquid like Dawn and an old toothbrush. If you are still living at home, your sister's toothbrush will do a fine job!

If you have 'whitish' deposits inside the bores, you can soak the pistons in white vinegar straight from the bottle. It's an acid but not strong enough to do any damage even if left in for a few hours.

Jeff,
I occasionally have the same problem with slide lube running into my first valve. This is what I do.
First, I take the valve apart (much easier with a piston ), including the top and bottom valve cover and spring.
Second, I have a plastic recorder cleaning rod (http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Con ... 42,00.html) that I wrap a strip of old pillowcase around and thoroughly swab out the casing. You may need to add some type of solvent to break up really bad gunk, but I've never needed to. cjk here uses some type of vinegar and water solution, which may work for you if you need it.
Third, I clean the valve and the valve caps with soap and water.
Last, I reassemble the valve and lubricate with some blue juice http://www.music123.com/Blue-Juice-Valv ... 5.Music123 and get on with business.
I do this about once or twice a week, and never have problems with my valves. Good luck.

my repair guy uses washing soda crystals, or if wants to charge you a bit extra, he will use a small ultrasonic washer that a jeweller would use.

The best thing I found to clean out valves is dawn dish soap and a test-tube brush I found at a science supply store. I have no idea if there is more than one such store in existance but there is one local here.

in addition to the wonderful suggestions above....clean the tubing and slide of the valve also. Soap and water should be plenty.

when reassembling the slide, go easy on the grease.