Akron Diamond 132A

Discussion in 'Lanterns' started by Tom Conway, Jun 12, 2021.

  1. Tom Conway United States

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    This has been in the shed at my parents place for at least 25 years. Decided to dig it out and see if it could be made to work. Any info would be appreciated! Like what model is it? When where they made? Parts sources? It definitely needs a check valve and probably a generator. It says Akron lamp company in the fill cap. What do you guys think?

    IMG_20210612_115258012_HDR.jpg IMG_20210612_115246322_HDR.jpg IMG_20210612_115324517_HDR.jpg
     
  2. ColinG

    ColinG United Kingdom Subscriber

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    It's an Akron lamp, maybe a 132? Someone on the site will be able to identify it. It'll definitely be possible to get it working again, even if someone had to make parts for it but hopefully not. It's a grand old lamp that's for sure!
     
  3. David Shouksmith

    David Shouksmith United Kingdom Founder Member

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    Well, I know Akron lanterns like I know the sole of my foot but I'd say if it's got Akron on the filler cap and diamond-shaped cut-outs on the collar it's an Akron Diamond of some sort.

    Given your desire for information, I think you might have been better posting this in the more general pressure lamp forum rather than here...

    Edit: Crossed with Colin - he can type quicker than me.
     
  4. ColinG

    ColinG United Kingdom Subscriber

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    David... maybe you're trying to type with your toes!!! :lol:
     
  5. Mackburner

    Mackburner United Kingdom Founder Member Subscriber

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    This is an Akron Diamond model 132A. It was on sale from the early 1930s to about 1949. The model number suffx "A" originally meant an all green lantern with a built in pump but by 1939 model 132 was a chrome plated fount and 132A was a green painted fount and both had the integral pump. Either way this is still 132A. This is from the 1935 catalogue. ::Neil::
    !!Akron Diamond 132-A_1935 cat.jpg
     
  6. Tom Conway United States

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    Thanks Neil!
    Now I know what it is.
    Will have to see if I can get the check valve out. See if I can reseat the check ball.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 14, 2021
  7. Carlsson

    Carlsson Sweden Admin/Founder Member

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    Title amended accordingly.
     
  8. JEFF JOHNSON

    JEFF JOHNSON United Kingdom Subscriber

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    A fine fettling project.:thumbup:
     
  9. Tom Conway United States

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    Thanks guys. Any advice on removing the check valve.
     
  10. ColinG

    ColinG United Kingdom Subscriber

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    You'll probably need to either buy or make a tool to get it out. I made myself one out of a piece of mild steel rod with a slot cut at the end. Here is what it looks like. The thing is, I'm not sure which type of NRV your Akron has? The 'regular' type looks like this:

    Untitled.jpg

    The other as used on Bialaddin and Vapalux lanterns looks like this.

    NRV Bialaddin.jpg

    There may be other types too and Coleman use a different system altogether.

    Someone else made a tool for the slot type here...

    Hope this helps.
    Colin
     
  11. Tom Conway United States

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    Thanks Colin.
    Mine looks like the second one. I will have to make a tool like yours with a spade bit. I tried a large screw driver but didn’t get to wild because I didn’t want to jimmy things up.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 14, 2021
  12. ColinG

    ColinG United Kingdom Subscriber

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    I've tried using a regular screwdriver but it's very easy to chew up the slot which would be disastrous! I'm going to make myself a slot too out ofa flatbit like the one in the second link.
     
  13. Tom Conway United States

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    Well I modified a spade bit and got the check valve out without destroying anything! Next step is to clean or modify it to get it to seat. Seams like it should have a spring behind the check ball, but there is nothing.

    IMG_20210616_105226418.jpg
     
  14. Mackburner

    Mackburner United Kingdom Founder Member Subscriber

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    I doubt there was a spring. Air pressure will hold the ball in place to seal in the same way a Coleman ball check works. You can pop the ball out with a suitable size drift and after cleaning the seat replace with a SS ball and crimp it in again. ::Neil::
     
  15. Tom Conway United States

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    Will do. I had planned on cleaning the seat and replacing the ball. Thanks!
     
  16. ROBBO55

    ROBBO55 Subscriber

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    @Tom Conway

    Before you pull it apart, give it a clean and soak it in lacquer thinners. A buildup of old fuel often gums them up.

    Nice looking lantern :thumbup:
     
  17. Tom Conway United States

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    Thanks Rob,

    I already popped the check ball out. It had some dry crusty stuff in behind the ball. A good soak in lacquer thinner may well have saved it. Since I have it apart I am going to seat a new check ball and reassemble.

    Thanks everyone. So far so good. I really appreciate the useful ideas.
     
  18. Tom Conway United States

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    For future reference the check ball in a 132a lantern is 5/32nd. I seated a new ball and reinstalled the check valve. It now pumps up very nicely. Success! Now I have to find a seal for the fill cap.
     
  19. ColinG

    ColinG United Kingdom Subscriber

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    It sounds like you need a set of hole punches and a sheet of viton rubber . It'll pay for itself in no time!
     
  20. Tom Conway United States

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    I think I have some diaphragm material around here. Have to see how big my hole punches go.
     
  21. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    @Tom Conway

    Check that whatever “diaphragm material” you are using is stable with the fuel.

    Tony
     
  22. Tom Conway United States

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    Yep. It is meant for use in gasoline fuel pumps. Should be good for white gas.
     
  23. BlueStone United States

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    I'm currently also trying a rebuild on a 132A, and need a new generator, a burner tube & a burner cap.
    As an FYI for others who may come across this thread, OldColemanParts.com sometimes lists Akron parts on the site, as they come available to him.

    Heres fuel cap gaskets:
    https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/product.php?productid=2186

    There's also E.J. Basnett Co.
    They have an Akron gasket, and a few other Coleman parts advertised as "may fit Akron(s)":

    Search: 10 results found for "akron"
     
  24. Tom Conway United States

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    Thanks for the update. I was meaning to get on here and do that myself. I just yesterday received an order from OCP including a fill cap gasket. I can say they fit and work perfectly. My next part of this project is to make a new pricker. After that I should be good to go!

    Thanks again Bluestone!
     
  25. Tom Conway United States

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    Bluestone,

    I thought I needed a generator too, but I cleaned mine with an ultrasonic cleaner using berrymans B12, water and Dish soap. It is no longer plugged solid and I am pretty confident it will work great!
     

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