Lyman Model 61 Lead Pot

[flintski]

Been using Lee pots now for the the last 20 years and I found a Lyman model 61 on Ebay and bought it.  Only one problem the darn thing leaks like crazy out the spout.  I took the darn thing apart and tried to match the two different surfaces of the spout and the needle spout. No luck at all, still leaks like crazy.  Does anyone know of anyone that makes or has replaceement needles?  The darn old thing really heats up fast, I mean really fast compared to the Lee pots.  The temp control matches my temp. gauge so that's good.  I mostly have in the past laddle poured my bullets but wanted to try the down pour and see if there was any REAL difference in final results.   Right how I dropped a ball bearing down the spout hole to plug up the leak.   Right now I can us it as a good fast laddle pot, but again I bought it for the down pour.   Any suggestions would be appreciated.......flint

[pistolfan]

Don't know if this will help or not, I too have used a bottom pour Lee pot for some time now. When she starts acting up like that, I fill it up with soapy water heat it up until it starts boiling and drain it through the bottom pour. This usually will clean up any crude that has built up in the spout. I've also have used a paper clip with a right angle bend in it at the tip to scrub out the hole while it's pouring, this also will stop any dripping problems that come up while I'm casting. If that don't do it could you weld that ball bearing on the bottom of the rod, since it's working to stop the leak now, it may be a quick easy fix. Good luck to you, Peter

[Cat Whisperer]

To get a good seal in a valve in an engine, when the valves are ground they are then lapped in.

You might try it.  Take a little abrasive and carefully twist the plug in the spout back and forth.

Past that, write, email or CALL Lyman for parts.

[flintski]

thanks you, will try both.
I'll figure it out sometime. I have all winter.
Have enough bullets for the meantime. thanks again for the ideas,
flint

[powderburner]

Flintkski '

  My friend bought a new Lee 20# pot with a maybe 3/16 rod to ccontrol flow that poured  lead We just took a piece of 3/8 dowel turned it to 1/4 on top and put a taper on the bottom that was bigger than the hole . stopped the problem immediately mostly was the extra wt. of the heavier rod..................Dean