Cleaning a funky brass stout tap?

[fuzzybee]

I recently picked up a used brass stout tap. I noticed it smells just a little bit... funky. Is it OK to give it a good soaking in Oxy-Clean before I hook it up, or will the Oxy-Clean damage it? Will the o-rings be OK? Should I look at replacing them?

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

I would take the tap apart, and soak all the parts in a vinegar and water for a few hours. If you're wanting to polish it after that, you can mix equal parts of vinegar, salt, and flour together to create a paste. Rub this into the brass like car wax and wipe it off.