Plugging leaky condenser?

[Ozarkian]

Have reflux still made from an old plan before I discovered this forum, CM type, would not build again. There is a small leak somewhere in condenser so a few drops of cooling water come out the discharge when running water and not distilling. Really hate to desolder everything so thinking maybe recirculating water in a loop with a pump I have and adding some bentonite clay to the water might seal as bentonite is used for sealing ponds among other things. Any thoughts/suggestions appreciated.

[myles]

It is possible to miss read your post. Did you mean that when you run water through the condenser with no boiler power applied, you get a bit of water out of the product output? This could just be condensation.

You need to leak test the condenser. Either pressure test it or do a static leak test. Run some water through it to get rid of any air and then close off the lower coolant hose. With a bit of clear tube on the upper coolant hose you can monitor the water level in the tube. If it drops over time you have a leak.

[Ozarkian]

yes, it is a small leak, tested as you suggested. Do you think running bentonite thru would plug it? I know there are radiator sealant products but not food safe I'm sure.

[Usge]

Ozark...I would not use anything but lead free solder to fix that issue....particularly that it's going into your output. If you know where the leak is, you can try sticking some lead free soft solder up in there and heating it from the outside of the tube to see if will run/seal off whatever is there by tilting it, etc. But, more than likely, you are going to be taking it apart to fix it right. I used sandpaper, files, and a drill with wire brush wheel to clean up/off all the old solder. Helps to wipe it off good while it's still wet. Couple reducers bent up on me trying to get them off...I just replaced those.