6
• Do not pour water into a dry, overheated canner; this may crack the metal.
• If the body or cover handles of the canner become loose, tighten them with a screwdriver.
Pressure Dial Gauge
• The pressure dial gauge is a delicate instrument and must be handled with care. Do
not submerge the gauge in any liquid, allow it to come into contact with any liquid, or
subject it to freezing temperatures.
• The gauge needs to be checked for accuracy prior to each canning season
and
if any of
the following conditions exist: the cover has been submerged in water or dropped, the
parts are rusty, the pointer is not in the “0” block, or if you believe the gauge may not
be accurate.
The gauge can usually be checked at your local county extension office. If you are
unable to have your gauge checked locally, carefully remove it, wrap it securely, and
send it to the Presto Consumer Service Department (see page 7). An accurate gauge is necessary to help
prevent food spoilage and possible food poisoning.
• To install the dial gauge, insert the threaded stem into the black adapter seated in the hole in the center of the
canner cover. Turn the gauge clockwise (Fig. H) until the gauge base sits flush against the adaptor. It may be
necessary to hold the adapter from the inside of the cover while tightening the gauge. Stop turning it when
the gauge faces the desired direction (Fig. I). The gauge will not tighten completely and the threaded stem
will protrude from the underside of the adaptor.
Sealing Ring and Overpressure Plug
• Each time the canner is washed, remove the sealing ring and wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse, dry, and replace it in the cover.
• The sealing ring and the overpressure plug should be replaced at least every three years, or sooner if the sealing ring becomes
hard, deformed, cracked, worn, or pitted, or if the canner becomes difficult to open or close. Failure to replace the sealing ring and
overpressure plug could result in bodily injury or property damage. Use only genuine Presto
®
replacement parts.
• If the sealing ring and overpressure plug are exposed to direct high heat, such as that from a hot burner or stovetop, they will
deteriorate rapidly. If direct high heat exposure occurs, replace both of these parts.
• Clean the sealing ring groove in the cover with a brush each time you replace the sealing ring.
• To clean or replace the overpressure plug, push it out of its opening from the top of the cover. After cleaning
it, or when replacing an old one with a new one, reinsert the plug by pushing the domed side of the plug into
its opening from the underside of the cover. The bottom edge should be fully and evenly seated against the
underside of the cover (Fig. J).
• If the overpressure plug is ever forced out of the cover due to excess pressure while canning or cooking, it is important to call the
Presto Customer Service Department at 1-800-877-0441 for assistance.
Do not attempt to use the released overpressure plug.
Air Vent/Cover Lock
• The air vent/cover lock may be removed for occasional cleaning or for replacing the small gasket.
To remove it, grasp and securely hold the cup on the underside of the cover with your fingers
(Fig. K). Using the fingers of your other hand, turn the pin on the top side of the cover
counterclockwise until the pin is free of the cup.
Lift the pin out of the cover and remove the cup from under the cover. Carefully pull the small
gasket off the threaded shaft of the cup. Wash all parts in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Use a
soft cloth or small nylon brush to clean the cover hole.
• To reassemble it, place the small gasket over the threaded shaft of the cup. Reinsert the cup by
pushing the threaded shaft through the air vent/cover lock opening from the underside of the cover
(Fig. K).
Screw the pin clockwise onto the threaded shaft until it is finger-tight. Do not use a wrench to tighten the air vent/cover lock.
Overtightening may cause the rubber gasket to wrinkle, which will result in the canner not sealing. Periodically check to make
sure these two pieces are tight.
Fig. J
Fig. K
Fig. H
Fig. I
