Mould Master Leaking!

[StrikeEagle]

Hi, friends

I have a Lyman Mould Master... I've had it for many moons and I love it like a long-lost brother.

But... I brought it out again after a few years off... and it leaks. Bad

I let all the metal out, took the thing down to piece-parts and cleaned it the best I could... even replaced some of the bolts and nuts. sigh... still leaks.

I'm just about out of ideas here... why does it leak and how can I stop it? Does anyone here know? I'm using my backup... the basic Lyman pot with dipper. Not a bad rig, really... but doesn't have the speed.

And... if somehow I can't fix the Mould Master... what's the good bottom-pour furnace? Lee's prices are shockingly low. Does anyone have experience with any of the Lee furnaces?

As you can tell, I'm kind of swimming here. Advice would be most appreciated!

many thanks,
StrikeEagle

 

[Catshooter]

My guess is there some rust particles in the actual spout/stopper area? That could prevent the two parts that have to mate pretty tightly to achieve an adequite seal.

Hope this helps.


Cat

 

[Archie]

I had a Lee pot about twenty years ago. It worked well.

I'm thinking of getting back into casting. I'll buy another Lee pot.

 

[Quantrill]

Clean the actual spout. Heat up the pot and manipulate a needle up and down through the spout holding the needle with a pair of pliers so you don't burn your fingers. Check to see that the plunger (that which fits into the spout) fits tightly into the spout.
I had a Lyman which gave out after about 20 years of hard work and replaced it with a Lee which lasted about one year. I got another Lyman which is still going strong after about 5 years. I was unhappy with the performance of the Lee so was glad when it broke so I could go out and buy the new Lyman. Quantrill

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Lead Casting Pots

The Saeco bottom pour pot lasted an average of 26 years in daily commercial use. I have had one for 30 years. What wore out was the thermostat and I know a source for them if asked. I also have a couple of spare #24 pot plungers and levers and a spare bare pot without electrical for use with propane torches. That one will never wear out. :>)

The Lyman, ProMelt and RCBS pots have good reputations.

Paul Jones
Retired Calif. Saeco Distributor

 

[LAH]

When our Magma Pots leak we remove the plunger and spray the valve end with a penetrating oil and place it back into the seat very wet over night. We then rotate the plunger a little. You can peck the plunger with a hammer but this must be only a tap, and I mean a tap. Remember the oil does the work but it takes a little time. Works for us.

If you should buy a new bottom pour I would suggest RCBS. I've never used one but we take polls once a year on various boards and this seems to be the favorite. If you're serious about casting consider the 40 pound Magma.

 

[lvl1trauma]

It certainly sounds like either the spout is getting clogged around the outlet or the plunger has something on it like rust- it may need to be rubbed with steel whool. Another trick I have used is use a drill bit the size of the outflow hole. I used to have to do this constantly with the Lee pots. Never had to do it with the Magma 40 lb'er. They are a heck of a company to deal with by the way. A month or so ago I ordered two Star sizers. I got them in 2 days from Arizona to NE, TN. I ordered the pot on a monday and got it on a friday. Super people....

Beau

 

[StrikeEagle]

Thank You!

I thank you all for the good advice! Right now I'm gving the penetrating oil treatment. If this doesn't do it, I'll just get a new furnace.

The Lees are so appealingly inexpensive... I'm pretty much assuming that you get what you pay for, right? The RCBS does look attractive, btw. Anyhow, the best will be if I can get my Mould Master back online. We'll see.


thanks again,
StrikeEagle

 

[LAH]

If the oil treatment doesn't work you could try some valve grinding compound between plunger and seat. Be sure to use some type of jig to hold the plunger plumb to the seat while it turns.

 

[StrikeEagle]

Success!!!

Ok... I did the Pentrating Oil thing for about three days. Used Liquid Wrench. Kept reapplying the stuff several times a day. Then I took a plasic rod and some steel wool and kind of polished it down in the spout, turning it with a drill.

And it worked. I really like this old Mould Master and apparently it's superbly made. I can't really imagine any of today's furnaces lasting 40 years.

Well, thanks again for all the help!

best,
StrikeEagle

 

[LAH]

Some of the old stuff is great though hard to find parts for at times.