Help with 1291 valves.

[Ryan_Beucke]

I believe that the reason you're told not to spin the valves is because it wil create tiny micro grooves going sideways instead of up and down on the piston (if you don't believe me, look at your valves and see the tons of tiny lines going vertically on the piston...that's from normal playing), which might cause a little hang up. I really don't think the turning a couple times to oil the valves as mentioned will make a big deal though, I do that too.

[UDELBR]

well in this case I trust miraphone. In the enclosed instruction manual that I got with my horn and actually read, it said to never spin the piston. So that is what your manufacturer thinks.

I was also told this at the Meinl Weston (Melton) plant.

Ya'll are more than welcome to spin your valves though.

[Alan Baer]

Hi All,
here is a good mix that will save some bread and time..
For years I've used nothing but lamp oil.....as valve oil.
I tend to use the stuff that says Ultra Pure. Lamplight Farms brand is very common. I've used both with and without paraffin. The paraffin is not going to build up on the valves...
But, if you feel better not using wax, there is the Ultra Pure without. I put it on the valve and move it in and out round and round to cover it. THEN. Mobil 1 5W30. This is a synthetic oil for cars. 1... one.... 1.... one.. drop per valve.
that's one drop!!! unless you like slow valves, or work all the time in the sun. Move the valve in the same fashion and then button it up. What this does is to increase the surface tension on the oil. the valve rides on the oil, or moisture that's on the valve, much like hydroplaning. With most valves there are small imperfections or high spots that will break the surface tension of the oil. By increasing the viscosity of the oil you help retain the riding surface and allow the valve to move freely.
I put the Mobil 1 in and old valve oil bottle or bottle with a needle. BTW, this works great in warm weather climates. Remember, in the hot sun valve oil is gone in about 20 minutes. Would you run you car without oil?
good luck,
Alan Baer

[Dan Schultz]

It's been my experience with piston valves that have superfine finishes (such as some of the Yamaha horns) tend to cause more problems than those surface finishes that have a bit of cross-hatching to hold the lubricants. Rotating pistons to distribute the lubricant is not going to cause any problems as long as care is taken not to bump the valve guide across the guide groove.

[MaryAnn]

well, two things. I thought paraffin was the British name for lamp oil/kerosene.
And, wow, 1291 pistons is a lot of pistons...it must take DAYS to spin all of those.
MA

[Chuck(G)]

Hi All,here is a good mix that will save some bread and time..
For years I've used nothing but lamp oil.....as valve oil.
I tend to use the stuff that says Ultra Pure. Lamplight Farms brand is very common. I've used both with and without paraffin. The paraffin is not going to build up on the valves...
But, if you feel better not using wax, there is the Ultra Pure without. I put it on the valve and move it in and out round and round to cover it. THEN. Mobil 1 5W30.
Alan Baer

...rather than using an automotive product, you can simply add a bit of key oil (as used on woodwind instruments) to the lamp oil. Works fine.