Soldered Collar Issue...

[MapLewis]

I have a 2004 2x4 Leader "VT" pan with the (3) metal manual "plugs" w/handles to control the sap flow through the compartments. The metal collar that one of my plugs fits snugly into, has broken away from the divider wall for the 2nd time. The solder repairs (done by a professional) are clearly not working. I just need to get through THIS season w/ a quick repair. Here are my options as I see them:

1. Solder for a 3rd time, DON'T reverse flow (as the pan is designed) be very careful with it, and scrub lots of niter afterwards.
2. Somehow WELD the collar to the surrounding pan divider if possible. (thin stainless)
3. Find a "temporary" rubber food-grade plug and again DON'T reverse the flow...again scrub lots of niter.

ANY other suggestions?...keep in mind this is the LAST season for this rig as I plan to upgrade to a newer 2x6.

Comments, opinions, suggestions & sarcasm welcome.

Thanks guys...love the help of this site & members.
Bryon Lewis

*We are 2 weeks into our season and have made 7.5 gallons so far!

[3rdgen.maple]

I would not worry about reversing the flow on a 2x4 at all. Never ever have seen anything accomplished with reversing the flow on small rigs. There just isnt enough surface area and sap flowing through a small rig to make it worth while.

[Haynes Forest Products]

If you fix it get the stoppers with rubber so your not torquing them so much on removal. That can be the failure problem

[Splashdam]

Use a small piece of a broom handle sanded down to a slight taper. Put a couple of wraps of teflon pipe tape on it and tap it in from the inside of the pan until nice and snug.

[Bill'sSugarShack]

If your doing like i do, pluging front section to finish off as a batch, I'd put the bad part of pan twords the back n not plug at all...have a good plug set up twords the front to finish with.

[MapLewis]

Thanks for the advise guys... it really does help to get opinions here.

I'm going to try the "continuous flow" option tomorrow and leave that section open from the drop-flu pan. (that is how many bigger rigs work anyway) If that is not working out, I will resort to the Broom handle or cork makeshift plug. Either way, the solder or weld repair will have to wait to the end of the season.

Thanks again.
Bryon

[3rdgen.maple]

Why would you be batch boiling with a flue pan rig anyways? Continous draws is where its at. Every time you batch boil its like you have to start all over again. You will like the results alot better and be drawing off alot faster.