I love to rebuild those old Coleman lanterns and stoves! The check valve removal tool is worth every dime, and it wasn't crazy expensive. The nice thing about the new replacement check valves is that you don't need to use a sealer, just snug it up and the o-ring does the job...much easier to get the valve back out in the future. I'm fairly sure the first lantern I rebuilt was a 1957 220, but don't recall the letter on that model at the moment. The graphite packings on the main valve stem were the only thing I had to replace, all the rest was just in need of serious cleaning.
I'm just starting to gain an interest in these lanterns. They are very handy for working outside at night. I use LEDs for detailed lighting, but for area lighting, these old lanterns are excellent
Have you ever tried using bronze wool for the generator packing? I've been using it as a replacement for the white tube for some time and it seems to work well. The old generator you tried to save may have worked using it. You said the cardboard tube was falling apart after cleaning it. That may have been what was stopping gas flow was bits getting stuck in the tip at the top under pressure. You basically wrap the outside of the spring in the area where the white tube would sit with bronze wool while the cleaning rod is inside the spring. (If you don't leave the cleaning rod in you can't easily insert it without damage after wrapping the spring.) Then put the wrapped spring/rod back in the generator tube and use like normal. If you find the lantern has slight pulsing after it warms up you can add more wool to the bottom of the generator tube in the empty space as the spring is smaller in length then the tube. This will smooth it out. Use "fine" or "finishing grade" bronze wool. It will also help vaporize the fuel in the generator as the wool heats up.
I love to rebuild those old Coleman lanterns and stoves! The check valve removal tool is worth every dime, and it wasn't crazy expensive. The nice thing about the new replacement check valves is that you don't need to use a sealer, just snug it up and the o-ring does the job...much easier to get the valve back out in the future. I'm fairly sure the first lantern I rebuilt was a 1957 220, but don't recall the letter on that model at the moment. The graphite packings on the main valve stem were the only thing I had to replace, all the rest was just in need of serious cleaning.
Thanks!
I'm just starting to gain an interest in these lanterns. They are very handy for working outside at night. I use LEDs for detailed lighting, but for area lighting, these old lanterns are excellent
The hissing sound and the warm glow from the lantern is certainly a comforting feeling. Thanks for watching!
Have you ever tried using bronze wool for the generator packing? I've been using it as a replacement for the white tube for some time and it seems to work well. The old generator you tried to save may have worked using it. You said the cardboard tube was falling apart after cleaning it. That may have been what was stopping gas flow was bits getting stuck in the tip at the top under pressure.
You basically wrap the outside of the spring in the area where the white tube would sit with bronze wool while the cleaning rod is inside the spring. (If you don't leave the cleaning rod in you can't easily insert it without damage after wrapping the spring.) Then put the wrapped spring/rod back in the generator tube and use like normal. If you find the lantern has slight pulsing after it warms up you can add more wool to the bottom of the generator tube in the empty space as the spring is smaller in length then the tube. This will smooth it out. Use "fine" or "finishing grade" bronze wool. It will also help vaporize the fuel in the generator as the wool heats up.
No, I have not heard of this procedure. This was my first venture into lamp repair. I will certainly give it a try on my next project. Thanks!
Good job
Thanks
focus is bad for close up views. can't see well.
I need to find a new camera! Any ideas?