Another question about valve problems.....now solved

[hubert]

I use a converted tuba (York with Meinl Weston 2165 valve cluster, installed around 2000).
The valves (mainly 1st, after a while followed by 2nd) get slow and sticky after a few hours of use. Recently I had them buffed and polished, (nylon) guides were replaced as well. The situation has improved somewhat. But now again these valves "ask" for oil after 2 rehearsals or even earlier. (By the way, I always see more water gathering on the bottom of the valves than I would expect to stay there.)
Please, would you be so kind to comment on possible causes and remedies? Thanks a lot in advance,
Hubert.
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april 16th, 2014
After reading the reactions to my question, it seemed to me, that "suction" was the most probable cause of the problem, perhaps combined with the water driving-out the oil rather fast.
The tuba has front valves. When playing/holding it on my lap, the water that gathers on the bottom of the valves (1 and 2) cannot flow off through the opening in the bottom valve caps, because the instrument is in an inclined position. So, I looked what was the lowest point of the bottom valve caps, when holding the instrument on my lap. I drilled a tiny gap on that spot in the valve cap, just on the edge. Now the water can find its way out, while I am playing. It seems to help: the valve movement is OK now, the need for frequent oiling has diminished to normal proportions.
Thanks for your reactions and suggestions.
Hubert

[hubert]

I do this (about) every 2 month.

[hubert]

Normally I use Hetman 3. Yes, I could try Alisyn. It is thicker, isn't it?
Hubert

[Sharp]

(By the way, I always see more water gathering on the bottom of the valves than I would expect to stay there.)

Water and/or gunk between the bottom valve cap / piston is likely creating suction.

[ghmerrill]

Some people swear by Alisyn and some people swear at it . I used it for many years (piston and rotor), but more recently have been using the Yamaha synthetic valve oils. For my newer instruments I use Yamaha Synthetic Light Valve Oil. So you might try that.

[iiipopes]

Make sure you wipe off the valves before reapplying so the oil actually will be on the valve and not repelled by the water.

[hubert]

For the follow-up, please look at the (newly edited) original post.
Hubert

[Dan Schultz]

For the follow-up, please look at the (newly edited) original post.
Hubert

I read your sequel. Lots of water accumulating in the bottom caps is an indication of leaky valves.

[gregsundt]

bloke "I wrote an article all about this that was published in the ITEA Journal, so that means I am an 'expert'...though I am not 'licensed', 'degreed', nor 'peer reviewed'." "

Seems to me you are peer reviewed pretty much daily...

[ghmerrill]

The mortarboard is really unnecessary, at least for the "casual scholar" look. And in any event, you definitely don't want one of the classic flat deals. They're so yesterday. If you go the hat route, get one of the puffy Brit-style things that have also become popular in the US.

There are other advantages (other than just outright coolness) of having a Ph.D. gown. If you have grandchildren, it may have a number of uses. For many years, we used my wife's as a witch/wizard costume at Halloween for our own kids. I think we still have it and it will be used for grandchildren.

I never had one (though I did need to rent one on occasion when I was teaching). I totally lost interest when the University of Rochester changed their gowns to bright blue with a completely dorky yellow dandilion near the shoulder. I think they backed off on that a bit somewhat later, but still a bit dorky: https://www.rochester.edu/commencement/doctoral.html. Note the cool puffy hat. Also, they make lousy witch costumes. And they're hugely expensive.

[gregsundt]

Definitely do the medallion and mace. Bling rules (or so I'm told).

Congrats on moving the other 188. You've become quite the broker. Ever think about Real Estate?

[hubert]

That were quite some lessons learned today......
Thanks a lot,
Hubert

[Dan Schultz]

Ever think about Real Estate?

I've flipped a couple of houses....

Like this?

[big_blue_tubist]

"B-A-bay, B-E-bee, B-I-bicky-bi, B-O bo, bicky-bi bo, B-U bu, bicky bi bo bloke."

I think you're looking for these guys...