This is my first post, I collect Kirstens, and yes they can be a real pain in the *** to take apart. This is what I do.
1- take the bowl out, usually the only easy part.
2- soak in hot water with a little soap for about 30 minutes, aluminum will expand more than the plastic (vulcanite for the older pipes) and the stem will go out easier, ad hot water every five to ten minutes to keep it hot but not hot enought to soften the stem. Anyway I usually need to use pliers, so I use a piece of leather to avoid damaging the stem.
3- soak the metal parts in thinner for two or three days, again this will make the Valve to go out easier but sometimes I need to use the pliers too, of course using the same piece of leather to protect it (leather is better than cloth for this).
4- clean everything, I use thinner first, then wash with lots of water and liquid soap, then alcohol and some more water.
5- polish with brasso.
6- usually I need to do the bleach treatment to the stem to remove oxidation, sand using 2000 grid sand paper, polish it using car wax and a dremel tool with the buffing accesorie and a bit of olive oil to finish.
I have an old and dirty kirsten waiting for this treatment, I'll take some pictures and post them.
Hope this helps.
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