I could see the washer being the problem. I agree that washer failure usually causes a drip, but they can break up and plug things up too.
It's also possible that some scale broke loose from the inside of the pipe and lodged in the valve. Turning on the water (just a little!) while the faucet is disassembled might blow it clean.
(no subject)
It's also possible that some scale broke loose from the inside of the pipe and lodged in the valve. Turning on the water (just a little!) while the faucet is disassembled might blow it clean.