Airhorn trumpet failure - a remedy | FerrariChat
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Airhorn trumpet failure - a remedy

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by RacerX_GTO, Apr 11, 2008.

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  1. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2003
    14,845
    Oregon
    Full Name:
    Gabe V.
    #1 RacerX_GTO, Apr 11, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Four years ago I had the Stebel airhorns installed. One night recently, I gave them a few blasts departing from a party when I noticed they sounded terrible. Only one horn was blasting. I had airhorn failure! I thought I would have replace the trumpets, knowing that all things eventually fail, but airhorns? Yes, airhorns fail. As I looked on the net for some sort of remedy I found nothing. In fact, not a whole lot of information exists just on airhorns, let alone FIAMM Ferrari types or their competitor Stebel.
    I had an idea, it was worth a try and it worked. The air compressors suck in air from wherever they happened to be mounted and in the process of pumping air to the trumpets, dust, pollen, moisture anything that happens to be sucked into the compressor gets pumped through the trumpet and the diaphragm. After some time, I figured the diaphragm gets clogged up with junk or stuck and doesn’t vibrate to make that wonderful sound. I pulled the trumpets out cleaned them up a bit and with a duster can of air, I pressed the outlet up against the inlet and blew a few bursts through the trumpet.
    Now be forewarned, point the trumpet away from your head as this will yield an incredibly loud noise! I gave both horns a few good bursts of air from the can, remounted them on the car and tested. They worked! That wonderful duotone was back!
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  2. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #2 Paul_308, Apr 11, 2008
    'Duster can' ??

    I see the Philips label...just what is it and where found. I have a photographic usage aerosol can of Bestler 'Dust Gun' ... perhaps similar stuff?
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,856
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Apr 11, 2008
    You can by compressed air "duster" cans at just about any office supply store -- Staples, Office Max, etc.

    Interesting idea though. The horns on my 308 have not worked since I got it. I finally sorted out the electrical issues as to why I was not getting power at the horns, but when I did get the power working, the horns sounded like they were half dead. I assumed that either the pump or the horns were shot, so I bought a Hella kit to replace them. Before I go and do that, I might give your cleaning idea a try. I can always sell the Hella kit on Ebay. LOL
     
  4. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #4 2NA, Apr 11, 2008
    I'm glad you could fix them but in my experience the compressor is usually the problem.

    The good news is that the Fiaam horns that they sell at the local parts store (Carquest is where I usually get them) are virtually the same as OEM except for color. A set with compressor is around $35.
     
  5. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    Sep 30, 2003
    18,120
    Savannah
    #5 thecarreaper, Apr 12, 2008
    run some thin oil thru the compressor as it help wake up old non working oem units. i use marvel mystery oil and it works great. put a shop towel or 2 over the trumpets to keep from annoying people, and making yourself deaf!
     
  6. pastmaster

    pastmaster Formula Junior

    Feb 5, 2006
    890
    Alma, Michigan USA
    #6 pastmaster, Apr 12, 2008
    OH BOY! Another great use for MMO! That stuff is great! I think WD40 will work also. Use what you have on hand, I have both.

    This thread reminds me to service my airhorns. Another fun thing to do, before getting the cars back on the road, for the season.

    Ciao...Paolo
     

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