HF Pressure Pot Lid Seal

[Coupeflyer]

Any suggestions for getting a tight seal on the lid of my HF pressure pot?

 

[socdad]

Fellow IAP member seamus7227 gave me a great hint on getting a tight seal on the lid of my pressure pot. He suggested using a light coating of plumbers silicone grease on the rubber seal; worked great for me ...

 

[Monty]

I'll second the use of silicone grease, but it only takes a light coat. Also, once you get it sealed and holding pressure, mark the lid and side of the pot so you can put the lid back in the same position every time.

 

[79spitfire]

Phew! I thought I was the only one who was having trouble!

Thanks a bunch guys for the tips!

 

[Tim'sTurnings]

I've heard that Vaseline jelly also works by applying a light coat to your gasket. Good luck!
Tim.

 

[workinforwood]

Vaseline works great. I can tell you by experience don't use motor oil or wd 40. Those products over time dried out and ruined the rubber seal. I think they must have soaked right into the rubber and broke it down over time.

 

[Sylvanite]

Silicone grease is better (just be extra careful to keep it off your wood). Petroleum products, including Vaseline, will break down the rubber in the seal.

I hope that helps,
Eric

 

[NCwoodworker1]

any other options

I tried the Vaseline...still leaking. My HF pot is brand new, but I can't find the receipt to get a replacement rubber seal from HF

Any other options?

 

[ronfinch]

Sometimes it's not the lid seal leaking. Apply soapy water around all of your connections, might not be the lid.

 

[Monty]

Sometimes you can't get a good seal when tightening the lid by hand. I have to use a pair of pliers and give mine about 1/2 more turn on each wingnut to get a good seal. If you do this, be sure the second one you tighten is opposite the first one, not next to it, then the last two.

 

[workinforwood]

Make sure the pot isn't warped in any way too. Not at all uncommon with that cheap hf stuff. It's like flea market quality and if the pot is at all warped it will blow up...has happened to many of us. I prefer the ca technologies pot. Far better quality plus slightly larger diameter inside.

 

[Sylvanite]

I find that even pressure on the lid screws is equally as important as firm pressure. That is, over-tightening a screw will cause the seal will leak just as under-tightening will. I align the lid, turn each screw until they make contact and then tighten each one (in opposite pairs) a little more. I keep a crescent wrench nearby so that I can adjust things after pressurization should the seal leak.

I hope that helps,
Eric

 

[Monty]

Plus, once you get it sealed properly, I make a mark with a sharpie on the side of the lid and the tank so I can get the top repositioned the next time.

 

[steve worcester]

I got some rtv (silicone will work too) and put it on a level surface, propped up with some wood, leveled it with a digital level, and poured a new gasket. Works way better.