Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

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Etienne1006
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Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by Etienne1006 »

Hello!

So here's a piston from one of my horns. How do you repair these "built-in" valve guide?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qBaCHihGEgqHTqm96" target="_blank" target="_blank

Thanks,
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bort
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Re: Worn valve guides

Post by bort »

Not your only source of wear... :shock:
Etienne1006
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by Etienne1006 »

No, but it's the one that keeps me from playing.
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bort
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by bort »

What kind of tuba is it?

Typically, these are small metal pieces that screw into the sides. You can buy some small plastic screws that have the same thread size and cut them down to the right size to use... I forget what size that is, but someone will chime in about that.

Besides being worn out and the valve spinning and not staying aligned, the new guides will be plastic and QUIET.
Etienne1006
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by Etienne1006 »

It's an old old old Besson & Co Eb Helicon.

I'll look closely if it is, in fact, screwed there.
Tabor
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by Tabor »

Is that a little solder I see? it might just be a filed-to-fit piece of brass soldered into place.
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Etienne1006
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by Etienne1006 »

So I messed with it.

Success so far.

I did a small plop of solder there and filed it down to size. Been playing a couple hours without problems!
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windshieldbug
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by windshieldbug »

SteveP wrote:I wouldn't look at that as a long-term solution. I believe solder is somewhat soft and it'll wear quickly.

8)
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GC
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Re: Worn valve guides (not screwed, not on top)

Post by GC »

Some people do a short-term fix soldering steel or brass guides in place if the threads are worn or stripped and they won't quit rotating. In the long term, if a replacement guide won't stay in place, it may have to be professionally repaired.
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