Posted by Gerald J. on July 07, 2000 at 11:00:13:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Leaky Valves posted by MF on July 07, 2000 at 10:37:38:
The valve guide key is just a thin wide flat head screw that's typically cut to width after being screwed into the valve. I don't know what the thread might be, but its a standard repair part with a circular head. Its cut to fit the groove in the valve casing after installation. Though it probably should be installed and marked for alignment and then cut to width away from the valve to not leave so many file tracks on the valve.
I suspect the crushing of the cork and felt bumpers has a bigger effect on valve alignment. I had to fix the guide key on the first tube I ever was able to play as a freshman in HS, so its not a tough repair.
There are thicker valve oils that will fill up the space around the valve to cut down on leaks.
Gerald J.