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Post by rockds on Mar 11, 2009 11:21:03 GMT -5
One of my 6lb Lortone barrels started leaking. I noticed it last time I changed out but thought it was a one time thing. Now it's leaking again and I'm wondering if there is something wrong. It's about 5-6 years old and I've never had a problem with them before. There doesn't look like there is anything different with the lid or barrel. Any ideas?
Thanks for the help
Robert
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,496
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 11, 2009 13:07:30 GMT -5
Robert: Boy that's a new one on me. I've had my big Lortones for years with not a leak. Now the new 33B's I got all leak periodically because they've made less lip on the new barrels and smaller lid gaskets than on my old ones. I'd start by making sure there are no grit deposits, pellets, rock chips etc on the rim where your lid was seated. Not having the rim clean will cause leaks. Then check the rubber gasket to make sure it's not torn, worn through etc. If it's neither of those things, check to make sure you don't overtighten the lid nut when you screw it down. Overtightening can raise the rubber gasket and break the seal. It should just be slightly more than hand tight depending on how strong your hands are. If it's none of those, your barrel may be distorted if you left it on it's side on a flat surface for long, or maybe your barrel has a defect, hole etc......Mel
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Post by krazydiamond on Mar 11, 2009 19:50:59 GMT -5
i've had the gasket wear through at the center (from overtightening??) and replacement (read cheap and cheerful chinese replacements) lid gaskets just don't seem to fit as well as the original equipment. i try to clean the rim meticuously with an old toothbrush.
KD
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Mar 11, 2009 20:35:21 GMT -5
I had 4 Lortone 3# barrels and a Thumblers 9# barrel all start leaking about the same time I started using marbles in the tumbling mix. The glass was pressuring up the barrels causing them to drool goo. I switched to ceramic media and the pressure and leaking went away.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Mar 12, 2009 11:04:55 GMT -5
When ever I check tumblers and I don't completely wash out a barrel I take a one inch putty knife and scrape it along the inside where the lid seats inside the barrel. I also rinse of the lid so I'm sure the barrels seal rubber to rubber.
Maybe the rubber has glazed. I would take a wire brush and while the rubber is wet scrub the lip on the barrel and scrub the edge of the lid and see if that helps. Otherwise you can order lortone barrel replacement parts from Kingsley North or the Rock Shed (I think). I have to periodically replace the lid liners when they start getting thin and won't seat right...
HTH
Rick
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Mar 12, 2009 11:13:15 GMT -5
Little bits of rock preventing a seal are the only reason I've had leaks in my 33B. Luckily, you can buy a new gasket for the barrel top for only $6: www.therockshed.com/partslortone.htmlLet us know how you resolve this issue! |
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Mar 12, 2009 20:15:16 GMT -5
I think the Rock Shed is the cheapest place I've found the 3# lid gasket/luiners. I've also experimented with the vinyl tool dipping stuff from Home Depot and it seals holes veruyw well. i have a lid that's seen probably 3 months of constant use with such a repair. You just paint/dab the stuff on a reasonably clean and dry lid damage area and let it cure for a few hours. Wortks like a charm.
Mark H.
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