Bottlecap dirt or rust in wax

[Mickey-D]

Bought a #17/Teal midnight on Ebay. It was in poor condition, so I've been working it to try and restore it as best I can.

I thought the poor flow was because of the coil, so I replaced it. However, in testing out the new coil, there's very obvious specks of dirt or rust from the bottlecap in the wax. It seems I'm going to have to reheat the wax again to get all the rust flecks out. Does anyone have any suggestions on how best to filter the flecks out?

Pic included. Thanks in advance.

[kero48]

Wow, this is the first time I have seen this but I am relatively new to the hobby. I hope the pros can help you out.

[Keith]

I have used one of those metal coffee filters with good results.  Didn't get everything but you could hardly see any residue after.

This discussion will help:

http://oozinggoo.ning.com/forum/topics/dirty-wax-in-a-1986-century

[Mickey-D]

Cool. Will add one in my next Amazon order, and will status update on how it goes.

Thanks! :)

[kero48]

Wow, I didn't think the lava would flow well through a metal filter.

[Keith]

Yep, the melted wax flows through like water (almost).  You do lose a tiny amount of wax because it does stick to the metal.  I suppose if the metal filter was heated it would help.

[Mickey-D]

Update: Metal coffee pourover filter worked perfectly. Kept about 95% of the wax. Pic attached.

Much to my surprise, though, the wax still doesn't flow. It breaks fine, but after a few bubbles it sits at the bottom and doesn't flow at all. Might try replacing the liquid wholesale and use some distilled water/glycol I read about; unless anyone has any other suggestions.

[Keith]

You could try adding glycol to see if it will fix what you have.  Just do small amounts and let mix thoroughly.

Mickey-D said:

Update: Metal coffee pourover filter worked perfectly. Kept about 95% of the wax. Pic attached.

Much to my surprise, though, the wax still doesn't flow. It breaks fine, but after a few bubbles it sits at the bottom and doesn't flow at all. Might try replacing the liquid wholesale and use some distilled water/glycol I read about; unless anyone has any other suggestions.

[Mickey-D]

The engineer in me has taken over at this point to try and fully isolate the problem.

I swapped the coil a third time, with a known functioning, original LL coil.

I swapped the liquid with known functioning liquid, also LL original.

Same result, wax breaks but doesn't move.

I added 2oz of glycol. That seems like a significant amount, especially for liquid that has worked on other wax, but it almost works. Pic attached.

At this point, it's either the wax itself, or the globe. I have to give this more thought.

[kero48]

I am no expert but sometimes the wax can just be at the end of it's working life. I highly doubt that the bottle on it's own would be a problem as it's just basically a glass bottle.

[Mickey-D]

I am inclined to agree. If the base of the globe was off, I could see it being an issue, but I think the wax is just bunk at this point.

Utterly disappointing. Teal's not an easy color to come by. Ah well.

[kero48]

Do you refer to teal as real teal or teal as in green as I have a super nice green with clear liquid for sale on ebay right now.

[Mickey-D]

A LavaLite #17, specifically.

I have a nice green already. ;)