Re: Those Lovely Aeolean Valves
By Terry Smythe
R >From: Les Smith <lessmith@buffnet5.buffnet.net>
R >
R >Subject: Those Lovely Aeolian Valves
R >I doubt that the problem is with the bleeds, more likely
R >it's with the valve, itself.
Over the years, I have frequently encountered such a situation, and most often have found that the valve is not a fault, not even its bleed.
For the valve to function, it must receive an atmospheric air pressure signal from somewhere. I would go further in checking out the system by following the signal tubing from the valve back to its source, right back to the tracker bar if necessary. Check out every inch of the tubing for cracks or punctures, check nipple connectors/reducers/expanders for same.
Many of the old nipples, some passing through wood connector blocks have almost invisible splits down their full length which allow atmospheric pressure leakage. Sometimes, the signal passes through a sliding wood block where the 2 mating surfaces have warped over the years, allowing a slight leakage of atmospheric pressure. Sometimes, the signal passes through a wood junction block where the internal atmospheric leakage is through the wood pores, or possibly an internal split.
Before going to the trouble of cracking open a valve, or replacing it, check out the easy things first. I care not to remember the many times 'leventy-7 years ago when I second guessed a faulty valve and later found the problem to be nothing more profound that a leaking nipple, or loose aging rubber tubing.
Something to think about..........
Regards,
Terry
Terry Smythe | *Sounds of Yesteryear*
55 Rowand Avenue | Restoration and enjoyment of vintage
Winnipeg, MB R3J 2N6 | automatic musical instruments
(204) 832-3982 | email: smythe@mbnet.mb.ca |
(Message sent Tue 14 Nov 1995, 17:43:27 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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