RCBS Pro Melt issue

[Ring3]

I’ve been fighting with flow using my new to me RCBS Pro Melt. The flow will dump lead in one pour, drip lead the next, then pour correctly. No matter how I adjust it just will not pour consistently. Have been fighting this issue with each session.

Last night I sat down again to work with this pot. I have searched on line for solutions and tried them all. Nothing helped. Discouraged, I set an I set an mold under the spout and began to empty the pot. Upon opening the valve I noticed the “split lug” that the handle attaches to on the left side is loose. So loose that I can lift it up and down close to an eighth of an inch. This I believe is my problem causing the inconsistent flow rates.

It was late and I only spent a short time inspecting the “lug” after cleaning up. From what I can tell I’ll have to take the unit apart in order to tighten it up. I assume there is a nut encased in the unit that secures this “lug”. Do I need to drill out the rivets to get it apart? Is there a schematic for these available? Any advise, tips or tricks to getting this done?

Hope I’ve explained the issue properly. Thanks for any help!

Rob

[LenH]

I have had the same thing happen to me. That fulcrum bolt got loose and am glad to have had 2 or 3 ingot molds handy. After emptying the pot and an awkward disassemble
with thick gloves on got everything tightened back up and the leak stopped.

[Springfield]

Pretty sure that attachment point just screws into the pot. So take out the tiny screw that that handle is attached with, tighten up the fulcrum and put the tiny screw back in.

[jsizemore]

I haven't had to remove the pot liner to work on the fill lever pivot.

[Ring3]

Thanks all. Doesn’t sound like I’ll have to take anything apart if it’s just threaded into the pot. I’ll look at it again tonight or tomorrow night. At work now. Was in a rush to get things cleaned up last night and was frustrated. Didn’t look close enough to the assembly, just immediately assumed the worst. Still stewing about it this morning when I got up.

I’m really hoping my problem lies here regarding the pouring issues. A simple fix would be great!

Rob

[Dragonheart]

I would suggest a through cleaning of the pot, you may be surprised at the difference. You likely have an alloy build up where the down rod goes into the spout, not allowing the rod to seat properly. The buildup may not be apparent as it may be the same color as the pot metal, but once clean you will see a well defined hole.

I use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar & 3% household hydrogen peroxide for a cleaning solution as it will dissolve lead. A warm pot makes it work faster. A welding torch cleaner (a metal case with an assortment of stainless wires of different sizes) will be an asset for this project. Take care and use rubber gloves and eye protection as the solution will have dissolved lead and be toxic.

[Mal Paso]

There is an Allen head bolt down inside the split lug. If you don't see it after removing the handle use a pick to remove the lead covering it.

[pjh421]

I was under the impression that paracetic acid is unstable. Do you actually mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same container? Just asking because I've never tried it. I'm all for dissolving lead residue though.

[Dragonheart]

I was under the impression that paracetic acid is unstable. Do you actually mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same container? Just asking because I've never tried it. I'm all for dissolving lead residue though.

Yes, 50/50 mix.

[John J]

I think this is what your looking for

https://www.rcbs.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-RCBSSharedLibrary/default/dw15e0387c/productPdfFiles/ProMeltElectricLeadFurnaceInstructions.pdf

hope it helps

John J

[Walter Laich]

FWIW: I converted mine to pull down to pour. Had to add a spring to top end of lever but much easier for my twice-surgeried (is there such a word?) shoulder.

Don't drip and makes the casting process much easier, at least for me

[pjh421]

Thanks Dragonheart! Really hot water removes scale well but this sounds even better! I'll give it a try.

[C.F.Plinker]

When the lead reacts with the acetic acid and peroxide mixture it will produce lead acetate. Lead acetate is highly toxic. Make sure you have a good and safe way to dispose of it properly.

[pjh421]

What do you think about putting it into a coffee can and letting the liquid component evaporate? When the solids build up sufficiently to justify a trip to the County hazardous waste facility I could offer it to them.

[C.F.Plinker]

Can you call the hazardous waste folks and see if they would take the liquid lead acetate so you wouldn't have an open can of it sitting around? They, being chemists of a sort, might know of something you could add to the liquid that would precipitate the lead out so it wouldn't be as hazardous.