TromboneChat

I took my Rath with the Rotax valve to a local repair guy for a chem clean and service. When I got it back, the valve is so tight that I can't hardly even move it. I talked to him and he suggesting loosening the rotor cap and tapping on it with a rubber mallet. I tried that to no avail. I know he will take care of it for me and get it working, but it will be Monday before I can get back out to his place. Is there anything I can do to loosen it up? I don't want to damage it obviously, but if there is a simple fix, I am all ears.

Sounds like the backing plate, if rotax uses one, is not centered exactly.

Is that something a non brass tech can fix?

It's a simple fix if you know how to take a valve apart. It's not clear to me where the tech told you to tap. If you take the valve cap off and then tap on the stop arm screw, it should push the bearing out a little and make it less tight. That might get it to work until Monday, but you should definitely take it back and have it adjusted correctly so you have the right amount of play in the valve.

Also, a rawhide mallet is better than a rubber mallet for this purpose. Do not use a metal hammer though.

I think I will leave it alone. I am starting a show tomorrow that will have me on my 3b/f for 3 weeks anyway. This guy is usually a great tech for me. He said he play tested it, but it must have been with the valve open.

Sounds like there isn't enough room between the thrust bearings and the rotor.

I had my, “How hard could it be”, moment and froze the f valve on my Greenhoe bass. I had the presence of mind to stop and bring it in to my tech guy. Luckily, Oberloh repaired it while I waited. Pretty funny, now.