Lee 4-20 Furnace Parts Problem.

[Hanzy4200]

My old 20 lb pot finally had a major failure after 7-8 years and well over 70,000 casts. The threaded valve arm that connects to the bottom of the pot, became dislodged and the full pot drained. Potentially a dangerous situation but I handled it. Now I have to decide what comes next. Try to replace the part, buy a new Lee pot, or pay 4X as much for a increasingly scarce RCBS pot. Anyone have the same malfunction? Is it worth hassling with after this much wear?

[chaos]

My old 20 lb pot finally had a major failure after 7-8 years and well over 70,000 casts. The threaded valve arm that connects to the bottom of the pot, became dislodged and the full pot drained. Potentially a dangerous situation but I handled it. Now I have to decide what comes next. Try to replace the part, buy a new Lee pot, or pay 4X as much for a increasingly scarce RCBS pot. Anyone have the same malfunction? Is it worth hassling with after this much wear?

Threaded valve arm? The bolt ? Screw it back in.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

If you are saying the shoulder bolt that is screwed into the bottom (outside) of the pot, became unscrewed?

That screw cuts it's own threads. It isn't a hole where the threads are cut, it is a extruded "U" shaped area. Due to vibrations from sliding the valve arm up and down, that area can become stretched out...If you are careful, you can squeeze that area so it is tight again. But beware, aluminum can only be stretched and squeezed a limited amount, before something breaks. If you are handy, their may be other ways to fix and/or improve that mount. BUT, the price of Lee's pots are so inexpensive, the effort and money spent may be more than buying a new Lee pot.

I was put in a similar situation. I fixed the old one, and got another pot and set of parts to keep as a backup. I'm still using the old one and haven't needed to use any of the spare parts I bought...good insurance, I guess.

I like the Lee pots...I don't think the more expensive pots are worth the extra money...unless you spend the real big dollars on a Master Pot with 40 lb capacity.
http://www.magmaengineering.com/masterpot/

[dondiego]

You can always plug the spout and use the pot for dipping.

[Jniedbalski]

Just checked on the 40 lb pot wow 600$ can buy a lot of lee pots for that. I have had my lee 10lb pot for around 20 years or so. It is very worn out repaired three or four times so far. Got a new lee 20 lb for when the 10 finally quits but its still working some how. The 20 lb I have had three years in a box gathering dust .

[StuBach]

+1 on finding a RCBS PM1 user. I upgraded my Lee Dripomatic about a year ago and am sad I didn’t do it sooner.

[onelight]

I would probably try to fix it but would not spend much time or money on it before ordering a new one.
They are not that expensive, I would replace my Lee 20lb with another Lee 20lb mine is more than 20 years old now.

[Conditor22]

Is this what came loose?

https://i.imgur.com/vcm4IZO.png

How to fix loose bolts on Lee PRO 4 20LB
It's easier to line up the sides and re-assemble if you:
1) Take the valve assembly off, DON'T LOSE THE WASHERS, Dont remove the other top screws (they help keep the side aligned)
2) Take the base off
3) unscrew the bottom and slide down
4) remove the front panel and squeeze grove together
5) Reassemble

(I didn't show all the steps)
https://i.imgur.com/wIFA6SL.png

https://i.imgur.com/IUuz4fg.png

https://i.imgur.com/b1Y0ZX4.png

https://i.imgur.com/YbtSNBZ.png

https://i.imgur.com/4kL7Rwq.png

https://i.imgur.com/PGrtSli.png

https://i.imgur.com/jHF2HO6.png

[Camper64]

Nice illustration, but would it be possible to put some steel wool in the hole as a quick fix?

[RedlegEd]

My old 20 lb pot finally had a major failure after 7-8 years and well over 70,000 casts. The threaded valve arm that connects to the bottom of the pot, became dislodged and the full pot drained. Potentially a dangerous situation but I handled it. Now I have to decide what comes next. Try to replace the part, buy a new Lee pot, or pay 4X as much for a increasingly scarce RCBS pot. Anyone have the same malfunction? Is it worth hassling with after this much wear?

Hi Hanzy,
The short answer is yes, it's worth the hassle to repair even after this much time. You can go to FS Reloading and they have repair parts for the Lee Melter/Pots. (https://fsreloading.com/brands/lee-precision/lee-parts/lee-melters-parts/) You should be able to find what you need. Mine had an issue with the stem and spout, so I replaced them for about $8.00 shipped. No more leaks or drips, and works perfectly. Then again, you can spend $80+ on a new one...your call. Hope this helps. Ed

[metricmonkeywrench]

I have the same pot and have been watching the various fix posts. I have already done the aforementioned squeeze repair once and expect it to fail work loose again. As mentioned elsewhare definately a weakpoint in the design. My next plan is to replace the shouldered screw with a longer piece of allthread to bite up further into the channel and sleeve the bottom with a crush nut to finish off the repair

[onelight]

Hi Hanzy,
The short answer is yes, it's worth the hassle to repair even after this much time. You can go to FS Reloading and they have repair parts for the Lee Melter/Pots. (https://fsreloading.com/brands/lee-precision/lee-parts/lee-melters-parts/) You should be able to find what you need. Mine had an issue with the stem and spout, so I replaced them for about $8.00 shipped. No more leaks or drips, and works perfectly. Then again, you can spend $80+ on a new one...your call. Hope this helps. Ed
That is nice to know , thanks

[Hanzy4200]

Very cool illustration. No, it is the "Valve Rod". The screw you show has been loose for 2-3 years. I just tighten it ever so often. I'm assuming the valve itself will need to be replaced along with the rod?

[Conditor22]

My guess is that you have the old-style valve rod and there is a screw next to it that raises and lowers the rod.

the new style threads into the valve arm assembly and really can't fall out.

If I understand what your saying, I'd start with getting a new valve rod SKU: EL3427
and valve arm assembly SKU: EL3426.

The parts are free, you just pay shipping and handling

https://leeprecision.com/parts/bullet-casting/electric-melters/pro-4-20lb-parts/

You can order any of the parts shown in post # 8, you might have to call and order them Lee Precision phone (262) 673-3075

[RedlegEd]

My guess is that you have the old-style valve rod and there is a screw next to it that raises and lowers the rod.

the new style threads into the valve arm assembly and really can't fall out.

If I understand what your saying, I'd start with getting a new valve rod SKU: EL3427
and valve arm assembly SKU: EL3426.

The parts are free, you just pay shipping and handling

https://leeprecision.com/parts/bullet-casting/electric-melters/pro-4-20lb-parts/

You can order any of the parts shown in post # 8, you might have to call and order them Lee Precision phone (262) 673-3075

^^^^^^^What Conditor22 said, except I'd also add the spout (SKU: EL3451.) That way, you get a whole new valve "system" and really reduce your chances of leaks/drips. Ed

[Petrol & Powder]

A new Lee 4-20 pot is $76, with free shipping, from Midwayusa.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1262645810?pid=645810

A new RCBS Pro Melt II is $247 (but not currently available) from Midwayusa.

SO, to address the OP's question: ".....Now I have to decide what comes next. Try to replace the part, buy a new Lee pot, or pay 4X as much for a increasingly scarce RCBS pot......"
I would have to vote for replacing the Lee 4-20 and then either .........repairing the existing pot or maintaining it as is for a source of spare parts.

I have a Lee 4-20 "drip-O-matic" and I have fixed most of its problems BUT, at this point in time I consider it to be an expendable item.
I corrected the leaking valve by lapping the valve rod and valve seat. I corrected the same problem shown in post #8 with the same method and pot works as it should.
Parts for the 4-20 are readily available and one could be repaired almost indefinitely, HOWEVER - there comes a point when your time is more valuable than a $76 bottom pour pot. After 8 years and 70K casts, I might be inclined to simply replace it and have a collection of spare parts on hand OR step up to a Pro Melt if I could find one. YMMV

[dondiego]

Just checked on the 40 lb pot wow 600$ can buy a lot of lee pots for that. I have had my lee 10lb pot for around 20 years or so. It is very worn out repaired three or four times so far. Got a new lee 20 lb for when the 10 finally quits but its still working some how. The 20 lb I have had three years in a box gathering dust .

Don't let it gather dust! I have my original 10 pound pot full of hard rifle alloy. An older 20 pound pot full of WW pistol alloy and a newer 20 pound pot full of soft lead for Muzzle loaders!

[Hanzy4200]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm impatient, and with Midway running a promo I'm just going to order a new pot. I was pretty disappointed that RCBS has discontinued their Pro Melt furnaces, as I have been eyeing one for years. Go figure. The Lyman just doesn't seem worth the extra cost. I will probably get the old pot fixed up later and keep it as a spare, run it exclusively for hard rifle alloy, or just sell it on Fleabay.

[Petrol & Powder]

You can keep it for spare parts.
You can fix it and keep it as a spare pot.
You can sell it.
You can fix it and use it as a feeder pot for the other pot.
And there are probably other options.
At 7 years and 70K casts, I don't think it owes you much.