Unclogging a Lee bottom pour

[TDM]

I use a length of heavy SS safety wire bent 90 degrees that works well. Many other materials work as mentioned. I do agree with @nhmoose that a propane torch is sometimes required for stubborn clogs. A torch makes quick work of it.

 

[45man]

Best is a ladle anyway. I made a tapered brass rod and plugged mine from inside, best thing I ever did.

 

[SPQR70AD]

I had a problem that it would drip a little when the arm was down so I tied a lead fishing weight to the arm which held the plug down better and no leaks also never had it clog after that

 

[ZUG]

Some bottom pour pots leak and some do not - at first but all will eventually leak. I am a ladle dip man myself but I do have a bottom pour Lee pot that I use from time to time. No matter how well you clean the pot and spout it will leak. I accept this and just put a container under the spout when finished casting BUT I only leave a SMALL amount of lead in the pot when done casting. Your mileage may vary.

 

[SPQR70AD]

Some bottom pour pots leak and some do not - at first but all will eventually leak. I am a ladle dip man myself but I do have a bottom pour Lee pot that I use from time to time. No matter how well you clean the pot and spout it will leak. I accept this and just put a container under the spout when finished casting BUT I only leave a SMALL amount of lead in the pot when done casting. Your mileage may vary.

the lead weight on the arm of my pot stopped it from leaking. if they leaks means there is a piece of crap preventing the plunger from sealing

 

[Crow Choker]

I hate using a ladle, that's why my old Lyman bottom pour furnace bought back in '79 is still flowing. I took heavy stiff black wire, bent it 90*, sort of put a 4-corner point on it, then bent the wire to make a loop handle and wrapped the end around the area just ahead of the 90*bend so it was good and stiff. Once in a while I stick it up into the hole and move it around a bit. Once usually gets the job done, but have had to do a 2nd time. I've been using the same wire 'unplugger' tool since the early 80's. I have used the propane torch process some, works. If I'm not going to cast for a while I empty the pot and clean the bottom pour/hole real well. it can build up with crud after alot of use.

Paid $50 new for that early Lyman Mould Master XX, replaced the thermostat around 5-6 years ago as the original died. Lyman doesn't stock them any more but they put me in touch with a guy in Missouri that sold replacements. That 'guy' when I talked with him advised his replacement was 10x better than the Lyman one, advised he has sold hundreds to owners of that early Lyman MM XX pot---works great. Took some minor fitting to install, the guy advised of this but sent detailed instructions on how to do, pretty simple. If anyone is interested in the need for, shoot me a PM.