Bath & Shower Valve Lime Deposits

[qz33]

Have a Kohler 3 handle bath faucet with shower divertor. Managed to get old stems out. Have OEM replacement valvets (seats, washers, plungers etc.).
Problem is faucet was unused for decades and the inside valve body has mineral deposit buildup preventing a good fit for the new stems.

How should it be cleaned up? Drill & brush? If so, metal, copper, brass, or nylon brushes?
Maybe a little mineral oil to not wear down the stem mating threads?
Though of CLR or citric acid but afraid it will damage the brass valve body?

Any tips are loved!

 

[Reach4]

I would not worry about CLR or citric acid. Vinegar is another.

I think CLR can react with zinc fittings, but I would think it would be ok for brass-- especially older brass.

For threads, when reassembling, a little silicone plumbers grease on any rubber seals or metal threads would be good. Regular plumbers grease is good for threads, and might be OK for the rubber too. I feel better about silicone grease on natural rubber.

 

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[opplumbinghub]

Have a Kohler 3 handle bath faucet with shower divertor. Managed to get old stems out. Have OEM replacement valvets (seats, washers, plungers etc.).
Problem is faucet was unused for decades and the inside valve body has mineral deposit buildup preventing a good fit for the new stems.

How should it be cleaned up? Drill & brush? If so, metal, copper, brass, or nylon brushes?
Maybe a little mineral oil to not wear down the stem mating threads?
Though of CLR or citric acid but afraid it will damage the brass valve body?

Any tips are loved!

To clean a brass valve with mineral buildup, gently scrub it with a brass or nylon brush. For tough spots, use vinegar, diluted citric acid, or a little CLR on a cloth or brush, letting it sit for 15–30 minutes before rinsing well with warm water. Avoid using steel brushes or strong acids, as they can damage the brass. After cleaning, apply a small amount of mineral oil or silicone grease to the threads to help with reassembly and prevent sticking. Make sure to rinse off all cleaning products to protect the brass.