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Respiratory/ chemical hazard: Fine particulates and powders present in the retort pose a respiratory hazard. Chemical residues deposited on the plug and front of the retort are harmful, avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Wear nitrile gloves, goggles, and a respirator. |
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Burn hazard: Components of the retort assembly can be very hot. Allow the furnace to cool to around 50 °C/ 122F or lower before cleaning. Wear heat resistant gloves. |
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1. Grab the metal fitting on the end of the gas outlet tube with two fingers and pull it straight up (a). Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry if needed, being careful not to damage the front ring (b).
2. Remove the metal L connector piece from the outlet tube, see image below (a).
3. Tools required for cleaning may include a ¼" OD metal rod, cotton swabs, and isopropanol or acetone, see image below (b).
4. Clear out any residue from the inside of the outlet tube by pushing an ~1.5 foot long, ¼” OD metal rod through it. Use a paper towel or something similar to collect any dust/ residue removed. See image below (c).
5. Blow out any remaining dust using compressed air over a garbage can, see image below (d).
6. Clean the L-connector using cotton swabs soaked in acetone, see image below (a,b). You may need to undo the screw to take the L-connector apart if it is badly contaminated, see image below (c).
7. Clean the L-connector fitting on the front ring using cotton swabs soaked in acetone, see image below (d). If the blockage is difficult to remove with cotton swabs, use a stiff metal rod instead to clear the debris, being careful not to damage the front ring.
8. Remove the red high temperature RTV sealant (Loctite PN 135507), see image below (a). Reapply fresh sealant, see image below (b). Reconnect the L-connector to the outlet tube, rotating while inserting and pressing firmly together, see image below (c).
9. Clean off any residue and grease from the L-connector o-ring side. Then re-grease the o-ring, see image below (d).
10. Reinstall the outlet tube in the retort. Firmly press the L-connector back into the fitting on the front ring to return it to its original position.
11. NOTE: the full cure time of the red RTV sealant is 24 hours. Allow at least 1-2 hours for it to set before running the furnace.
