Solbron Valve Cap???

karltuba · Post by **karltuba** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:13 am

Help!

I have a wonderful 85 year old Boosey & Co "Solbron" E-flat that (after years of abuse) has decided to strip the valve cap for the first valve. I have tried rotating caps and the problem is definately stripped threads on the cap (not on the casing). So, the question is - does anyone have one sitting around that they don't need? Or maybe you know someone who can help me find one...

Please help!
karltuba

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:24 am

If you have a tough time locating a match for your old cap, you might try shrinking the one you have a bit so the remaining threads will engage.

karltuba · Post by **karltuba** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:34 am

Thanks for the tip, but how do I shrink it?

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:46 am

Something else- I was thinking if you could find the right tap, have a repair tech put a couple of beads of silver solder inside the cap and tap 'em out... any possibility, Dan? Keep the cap original...

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 12:08 am

karltuba wrote:Thanks for the tip, but how do I shrink it?

Those are probably some pretty fine threads. You mentioned that the other caps will screw onto the casing where the cap is loose, but in reality, BOTH the cap and the casing may be deformed a bit. Sometimes the casing can be expanded a bit by tapping a properly sized dent ball into the top of the casing. Sometimes the cap can be shrunk a dab, also. To do this you will need a roller bearing race that will fit over the lower flange on the cap. Place the race over the lower flange of the cap and give it a few taps. Be gentle... try a light tap and check the fit. Don't overdo it.