Old Lyman Model 61 pot

[Daryl Crawford]

A friend gave me an old model 61 lead pot with a bottom pour. The set screw on the temp dial was messed up and it was missing a pin for the handle to bottom pour (both are fixed). It was very dirty so I masked up, took the pot outside and scraped the inside a bit to get rust and such out. Unfortunately I couldn't get the pot completely clean. Also, I couldn't get the rod free from the hole that drops the molten lead.
I am a newbie to lead casting and pots. I haven't done it at all yet. I'd appreciate some experienced guidance on cleaning the pot and freeing up the bottom pour.
I assumed I could heat it up for 20 minutes and that could melt what is holding it in place, but didn't know if that was right to do. I saw a few videos on YouTube but I am not sure of their accuracy.

 

[hawkeye2]

They are good old pots and capable of giving years of service but no parts are available. Do not heat it without some lead in it, it could burn up the elements or the thermostat. You can probably free the rod by putting some penetrant in the furnace and letting it soak. Disconnect the rod and gently tap it back and forth till it's free. Take it out and clean it well and clean the inside of the spout too. The wiring and connections inside the control box sometimes get corroded from the current and heat but are easy to clean. If you have to replace any wiring in there go to an electrical supply house and ask for stove wire, get some of the slip on insulation for it too while you are there. I've been told you can replace the thermostat with one from an electric baseboard heater but have no way to confirm.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

What penetrant would you recommend? Something simple like WD40, liquid wrench, etc, or is there something better to use?

 

[hawkeye2]

I would give WD-40 a shot as I always have plenty on hand. Put about a quarter inch in the pot and leave it for several days. There are penetrants out there that will probably work better (read faster) but I buy WD-40 by the gallon and always have it to hand so I use it regularly for everything.