Is my Lee 4-20 Pro Pot Toast?

[sig2009]

Was going to do some casting today and the pot will not heat up a full 20lb pot higher than 700 degrees on the highest setting. And that is with the pot going for 2 hours. Is it toast? Can you guy a replacement heating element or you have to buy a whole new unit. I have cast probably 600lbs of range lead to ingots and I know it used to cast over 800 degrees if I wasn' keeping an eye on it with the thermometer.

[Freischütz]

Check the jumper wire (JUMPER 3 1/2 18 GA per Lee) and make sure it's not loose or damaged. Replacing it solved my pot's loss of heating ability.

[sig2009]

Check the jumper wire (JUMPER 3 1/2 18 GA per Lee) and make sure it's not loose or damaged. Replacing it solved my pot's loss of heating ability.

I have no idea where or what that is!

[imashooter2]

Probably the "thermostat." It's easy to fix. Check this link. Juicy bits start around post 27 with dimensions in post 34.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=7204

[sig2009]

Probably the "thermostat." It's easy to fix. Check this link. Juicy bits start around post 27 with dimensions in post 34.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=7204

Thanks. I'll order a new thermostat next week from Lee.

[mdi]

Diagnosing stuff like this online is really difficult. Talk to Lee, if you're gonna buy parts anyway, ask a tech what may be wrong...

[Gliden07]

I've looked at the inside of those pots on here (PID control project). If your getting heat the element is fine. If it was a loose connection the loose wire would more than likely smell like it was burning and eventually would burn up or short out against the aluminium case. It probably is the thermostat. But talking to a Tech from Lee would be smart move! Especially if your unsure of your electrical ability.

[sig2009]

I've looked at the inside of those pots on here (PID control project). If your getting heat the element is fine. If it was a loose connection the loose wire would more than likely smell like it was burning and eventually would burn up or short out against the aluminium case. It probably is the thermostat. But talking to a Tech from Lee would be smart move! Especially if your unsure of your electrical ability.

Replaced the thermostat yesterday. Just 2 clip on ends that pull right off.

[skeet1]

sig2009

I take from your post that your 4-20 is now up and running.

Ken

[imashooter2]

Replaced the thermostat yesterday. Just 2 clip on ends that pull right off.

Fixed it?

[Elkins45]

I finally bit the bullet and replaced the element on my small Lee pot. Over the past three years I've replaced the thermostat, element, valve rod and the vessel itself. The only original parts left and the cord, screws are the structural stuff. The combination of the thermostat and the element fixed my under heating issues. I can now get a decent 30 cal bullet again.

I didn't do it the smart way. I did each one individually, so I had to take the pot frame apart twice. Removing the element that had been in place for 24 years wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done.

It reminds me a bit of the old fellow and his favorite axe: he liked it so much he replaced the handle three times and the head twice!

[sig2009]

Well I replaced the thermostat and it apperas that was the issue. Heats up nicely now past 700 degrees!

[BK7saum]

Have a couple of Lee pots. It's nice to know that thermostats are easily changed out. Hope I never have to though.