Bach Infinity Valve Getting Stuck

[Boba]

I just bought a new Bach 42af and the valve always gets stuck since I received it. I found that whenever I took out the tuning sides, it'll work, or when I loosen the lock ring or the 2 screws on the brace, it'll work fine as well. However, the valve is still a bit scratchy when it works even after oiling it, and when I loosen the screws even just a bit, it'll leak or rattle. When I took it apart to clean and oil, the valve moved beautifully before I put everything back together and tightened the screws. I have it now in a position where it'll work occasionally, but still not perfect and it needs to be fixed soon. I was wondering what the issue could be and how I might be able to fix it myself. I'd rather not take it to a shop as they are backed up with back-to-school repairs at the moment.

Sorry if my English is not Englishing right now, I am really tired right now >< and thanks in advance!

[marccromme]

whenever I took out the tuning sides, it'll work = maybe bad alignment of the tuning slides after you re-assembled, you might have placed the plate just slightly different than it was before you took it apart ??

Try to take it apart once more and re-assemble with detail on alignment of all pieces ... might help ???

[hornbuilder]

This is not a job you want to take to a shop that focuses on school repairs, and no, unless you're a skilled, trained repair tech, it is not something you can fix yourself. There are obviously alignment/fit issues. These could be in the valve itself, and/or the rest of the bell assembly. This is not a simple diagnosis/fix.

[tbonesullivan]

This is not a job you want to take to a shop that focuses on school repairs, and no, unless you're a skilled, trained repair tech, it is not something you can fix yourself. There are obviously alignment/fit issues. These could be in the valve itself, and/or the rest of the bell assembly. This is not a simple diagnosis/fix.

Quoted for emphasis. You need a pro tech to fix this, one who is familiar with the Infinity valve. If it is binding like that, it wasn't set up properly at the factory. If there is stress on the casing or knuckles, that can slightly deform things, which causes binding.

Was it new when you purchased it? Have you contacted the retailer you purchased it from, as this definitely should be a warranty issue.

[brassmedic]

Agreed that sounds like a warranty issue. If you take it to a shop or try to fix it by yourself, you could void the warranty. Whoever sold it to you should be taking responsibility for this. The ring on the axial valve should be snug but not excessively tight, and the nuts should be snug. If you have to manipulate the tension to make the valve operate, something is wrong with it.