Lee Loader

I've got the Lee Precision Production Pot IV 110V. This pot is almost new.
Made a mistake of once using it for melting down range scrap and had to give it a good "pot scrubbing".
Even since, when I cast bullets from nicely fluxed lead alloys I get a nearly non-stop dripping - it gets to about 1 drop per second.
This is very annoying as when the drops build up this impressive looking lead volcano and the droplets splash around making a big mess.

I've tried the recommended remedy of turning the plunger back and forth but that, if at all, slows the leak for several seconds and the dripping continues.
I've taken the plunger out and notices that in the pointy part I have some small cavities.

Anyone has any experience with this kind of problem?

I cleaned the pot and then lapped the plunger to the hole in the bottom of the pot.

When I cast I clamp a pair of 6" vise grips to the end of the handle to give it more weight/force on the plunger.

I have very few drips now, and when I do, I rotate the plunger back and forth a few times to dislodge whatever is under it.

Can you elaborate on how you "lap the plunger to the hole"?
Thanks

Mine leaks badly. I replaced the knob with a piece of round oak dowel I drilled out and filled with lead but it's still not heavy enough.

Try using a paper clip inserted into the orifice from the bottom, as you likely have gunk in the pour hole/valve. Bend the paper clip so you can hold it with a pair of pliers. As you insert the clip, slightly open the valve as if you were going to pour. Some lead will come out along with what ever is plugging the hole- hopefully.
Just be very careful and wear leather gloves and eye protection.

I don't think it has to do with weight - I tried applying quite a bit of down pressure to the lever with no improvement.
Lee support just responded to my inquiry - they believe that the problem is with the spout not the plunger.
They said that I could send them the pot, they would inspect/replace/repair as needed.
I'll try this "lapping" process first thou - don't want to spend too much in shipment costs if this can be remedied on site - just hoping that klr will elaborate on how to do the lapping in the pot setup...

Old Scribe wrote:Try using a paper clip inserted into the orifice from the bottom,

Did that too... the lead will pour out very quickly indicating that there is no obstructions.
I know I've seen some erosion in the plunger and possibly have it in the spout - that would explain continuous dripping regardless of the position of the plunger.

jloader wrote:Can you elaborate on how you "lap the plunger to the hole"?
Thanks

I put some valve lapping compound where the plunger meets the pour hole and then rotate the plunger.

klr wrote:

jloader wrote:Can you elaborate on how you "lap the plunger to the hole"?
Thanks

I put some valve lapping compound where the plunger meets the pour hole and then rotate the plunger.

Like lapping a valve.

klr wrote:

jloader wrote:Can you elaborate on how you "lap the plunger to the hole"?
Thanks

I put some valve lapping compound where the plunger meets the pour hole and then rotate the plunger.

Like lapping a valve.