Valve and slide cleaning

[Roger]

Does anyone use brasso on your slides and valves?

[RickF]

I haven't but have seen a video of someone using Brasso on their slides - not valves. I'd be afraid it would remove some brass and then the slides would become loose.

[Roger]

Thanks, Rick

[davewerden]

I would not use Brasso. It is quite abrasive, and in the military we used to use it to remove the lacquer from our brass belt buckles when they got scratched.

Flitz is much better, and I use it frequently on my tuning slides. It really keeps them smooth without wearing them down! See this photo:




You can also use it now and then to fix a valve issue, and I discuss in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFfZ5TIlizw

[Roger]

I've been using Alisyn spray on my valves, which seems to do a good job. Another question while I'm at it: I didn't buy my Adams custom E-1 new,
so the valves had use. Is it necessary for the valves to be completely shiney? There are some dark areas, but they're clean and move easily after oiling. I have it chem cleaned once a year, and the last tech who cleaned it told me the chemicals can sometimes cause some darkening, but that doesn't harm the valve. Is he right?

[davewerden]

I've been using Alisyn spray on my valves, which seems to do a good job. Another question while I'm at it: I didn't buy my Adams custom E-1 new,
so the valves had use. Is it necessary for the valves to be completely shiney? There are some dark areas, but they're clean and move easily after oiling. I have it chem cleaned once a year, and the last tech who cleaned it told me the chemicals can sometimes cause some darkening, but that doesn't harm the valve. Is he right?

I don't see any need for polishing the pistons if they work smoothly and dependably. If that's the case, then the discoloration you see is apparently just what the tech described and is not adding any friction to the movement.

[Roger]

Thanks, David.

[ghmerrill]

I have used Brasso on occasion as a lapping compound. But in general I prefer a real lapping compound that is higher quality and not so aggressive. Think about that for a moment before you apply it to any of your slides -- even if you want to lap them.