Older Blackburn Bb with stick valve issues

jc_old

I have an older Bb Blackburn, and I love it. Unfortunately, the valves always seem to get sticky after a while. I clean it on time, have it chem cleaned as recommended, and have tried various oils. Has anyone else had this issue, and what is your maintenance or repair recommendation?
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J.O.

cjl · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 2:47 pm Post subject:

I have an older Blackburn. When I first got it, I used Al Cass like I had been using on my Bachs. The Blackburn didn't like it and the first valve would hang. That's when I tried Ultra Pure. After a thorough cleaning, Ultra Pure worked great for me with no more sticking.

The Blackburn has real close tolerances. A thinner, lighter oil should work best. Or you can email Pickett and ask them what oil they recommend. Many of the new, lighter oils should be fine.

For me, just switching oils cured my problems.

-- Joe

cheiden · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 5:06 pm Post subject:

Inspection
- Try and determine if pressing the valves caps at angles makes a difference
- See if pressing the associated slide helps or hurts

Washing...
- Be sure to scrub out the cylinders with a suitable brush
- Try to scrub the ports that connect the cylinders
- Inspect the piston ports for any thin flakes that might deform to interfere with travel
- Wipe all surfaces with a lint-free cloth before oiling

Oiling
- Always do a thorough wash between oil changes
- When you apply oil, be sure to leave the top caps unscrewed and stroke the valves a few time higher than their normal range (don't rotate them)
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Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

Hetman #1 is good for close tolerances. I use it on my Schilke pic.

yourbrass · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 5:46 pm Post subject:

If it's an old horn, heavier oil would be what I'd try.

Start w/BerpBioOil #2 or Hetman #2. If it still hangs, go to #3 on either brand. The casing wears faster than the piston, being softer brass, and that's the gap to fill.
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WFUnix · Veteran Member Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 433

I own a 2005 Blackburn Bb and previously owned another of similar vintage.

I find that LaTromba T2 works very well. However on both, I have to fairly frequently (at least monthly) wipe down the pistons and even inside the casings with a clean T-shirt. The fit and compression appears to still be tight. As long as my pistons are clean, they work great! Cleaning with a clean lint-free cloth would be the first thing I try. Good luck!