[flbrewer]

Getting a new SS kettle and the below 3 piece ball valve with it,
http://spikebrewing.com/collections/accessories/products/1-2-npt-stainless-steel-ball-valve-3-piece

any recommendation on initial cleaning to get rid of any machining oils, etc.? Would I take the ball valve apart?

What about those plastic looking pieces in the ball valve?

[Stevie]

Oxyclean/PBW should do you good. Soak the valve parts and give the kettle a scrub with a blue scrub sponge. Be sure to rinse well if using oxyclean, and a quick starsan dunk will prevent haze if you have a lot of minerals in your water.