Loud valves

[spanky2482]

I'm playing on a MW 45 slp and 5450 RA and find that the valves are louder than I'd like. I've figured out that the bumper material for my Tuono is what's loud and I'm unsure for the SLP. My question is what material for bumpers can I get for the Tuono and what can I do to quiet down those pistons on the SLP?

[chhite]

Bumper cord is subjected to lubricants, constant pounding, exposure, and age. All these factors will cause or accelerate the material's hardening and noisiness. Replacing them with a variety of materials, cork, neoprene, silicone, and synthetics, etc. will keep the noise down. You have to determine which one produces the feel you want with the minimum of rebound.

For the 45SLP, what is currently on the horn? If a piston horn is fitted with a hard rubber "alignment" system, they will also dry out and get noisy. I've found that traditional materials, cork and felt of the appropriate size, work best and longest. And they're cheaper to replace regularly when the horn is serviced. Your technician will be able to regulate the valve stroke, piston or rotor, with the correct felts and corks or bumper cord in the right places.

I must also mention play in linkages or the rotor bearings can cause excess noise. Use a good bearing/linkage oil to keep things moving smoothly and quietly. Piston valve caps with worn or ill-fitting threads can also be a source of noise. While you're at it, check the valve guides on the SLP. Worn guides allow the valve to move excessively in the keyway, and cause noise.

Probably way more than you wanted to read but I think that covers it.

[spanky2482]

@cchite thank you. The SLP currently has felt and not much else. It hasn't been replaced since I purchased the horn and that was maybe 4 years ago. I'll head to the shop and see what I can find.