TromboneChat

Hi folks,

My repair person tells me that the rotary value on my 3B/F (late 70's) is somewhat loose.

He recommended some heavier oil. He showed me the pictured reference book and recommended the #11.5. Although I got a photo of his recommendation this oil is not turning up in a search.

Does anyone know where I can get this oil or an equivalent?

I'll take recommendations. Thanks!

I'd use the Hetman's 12.
Works great for my 3B-F (even though its valve is not loose & worn).

I haven't seen Hetman Medium Rotor (#11.5) in a while; only Rotor (#12) and Light Rotor (#11). If the rotor is getting a little loose, I'd suggest #12 for the rotor body and Spindle & Bearing (#14) for the bearings.

If you find you really need a viscosity between #11 and #12, you can always buy a bottle of each and blend your own.

Last I heard, Hetman products were getting hard to find due to a change in ownership; has that changed?

Baltimore Brass has Hetman #11.5 in stock. Also #12.

JohnL wrote: Thu Nov 20, 2025 12:22 am Last I heard, Hetman products were getting hard to find due to a change in ownership; has that changed?

That seems to have been resolved based on every time I have looked over the past year or so. I see stock variety available on many sites and in my local shop.

The bottles are a bit different now. I recall that being one of the big issues with availability having to change suppliers for the needle-tip bottles.

I’m certain that just about any 70s king rotor could handle hetman 12 or JM12. They are not that tight when new and they are 50 years old. Generally people tend to use too thin of an oil that lead to poor valve performance or life (of course there can be exceptions/exceptional circumstances)

5 Star Red Zone, Space filler, Fat Cat High Viscosity oil.

Get the valve overhauled - i.e. nickel plated.