| 1. You don't have to worry about "spreading" the oil around the valve. Capillary attraction will take care of that perfectly well.
2. NEVER spin the valve! (I've seen players do this after re-inserting it. Why? Go figure.)
3. Unscrew all three valve caps. Let them be. Lay the horn on your lap with your legs spread (pull up skirt or dress if wearing one), bell to your left (if right-handed) and top of horn away from you. Pull out a valve and hang the bottom of it just inside the cylinder. Use right foot tip-toe to keep valve from falling on the floor. Place a few drops of oil up and down the side of the valve (at most 3 or 4) and slide it gently back into the cylinder until the notch engages. Tighten cap.
4. Repeat with other two valves.
5. Play horn.
Will hanging the bottom of the monel valve inside the cylinder cause nicking? No, because monel (valve) is hard and brass (cylinder casing) is soft. Still don't like the idea? Fine. Remove valve altogether and place 3 drops of oil up and down one side.
Don't believe me on capillary attraction spreading the oil? Fine. Alternate sides with each lube job.
I've also had players tell me they remove the valve and dip it in oil! Yikes!
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Tom// |