Distillate collection rate

[maxd43]

Hello to all. I am very new to this art, but I have finished my first batch (my only desire is to make the cleanest vodka possible). I have a couple of lingering questions that I hope someone can help me with, I could not find the answers elsewhere on the site:

I am running a reflux still (4 gallon stainless pot with 2 foot copper 1.5" column reduced to .75 into a condensor). I noticed that at 178 degrees, I am collecting at 2 tsp every 45 seconds. If I lower the temerature, nothing comes out. I can collect faster at just a slightly higher temp (around 182). Will the higher temp and faster collection rate reduce the Abv%? Will that also allow more nasties to make it through?

Also, If I remove the heads and tails to run in the next batch, should I just throw it on top of the completed wash when pouring into pot?

I used a dough mix for bubles on the seams: Do I leave it on when finished? Or should I try to chip it off? Or let the top of the pot soak in water and wash it off?

Thanks in advance