Category: Troubleshooting the press
Later topic: Rollers Not Inking Plate
Earlier topic: Ink Banding Vandercook

White smoke from Ludlow

While casting type on my Ludlow after a few cast white smoke would come out from were the slug comes out. What going on?

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Probably build up of Gas caused by slight burning from the inclusions when replacing Your Pump Piston after cleaning.
When (and hopefully you do.!) remove the Piston for regular cleaning with the normal Tool/Reamer/Scraper, and brush the Lands in/on the piston, (softer Brass *wire* brush.!! unless removing the “glaze” is required) do you lubricate before replacing, i.e. with little Ludlow mould oil OR pump piston paste OR old fashioned *Zeebrite* etc stove black, all used for a long long time, but can (unless used in moderation) induce/cause excess Gas which can normally only escape through the Mouthpiece.!!!
Are Your Throat Heaters working properly, perhaps too high from internal fault. also a possibility.?

Do you hear a “sizzle” when the slug is cast? It is possible that you have a leak in the mold or tubing which allows a bit of coolant out when stressed during the cast, causing a bit of steam. Difficult to diagnose from afar.

John Henry

Thanks I check it out.

  • dickg
  • on 28 Dec 15 (10:57)

white smoke, doesn’t it mean they elected a new Pope?? I might be wrong.

Dick:

Are it marks the fact I planning on moving to a larger shop.