Hi all, I am not an expert, just somewhat experienced, but I have a question re the leather pump thingy. I decided that my pump had started feeling a bit weak, requiring more vigorous pumping to get that "feel" that it's actually pumping up the pressure. I should say that my lamp is pressure tight and works fine in every other respect. So, I purchased a mini service kit as per HERE off Ebay. I soaked the leather washer in oil overnight and assembled it. Bit of a faff getting it carefully into the tube, but it all seemed to go well. However, whilst the pumping action is slightly improved, it still feels a bit weak and still requires vigorous pumping action to get it to "bite". I'm wondering if it's an inferior washer, and maybe I should have bought a genuine (dearer) Tilley item?
I can recommend the washers and seals supplied by The Fettlebox (see link RHS of screen or Pressure Lamp Seals & Washers - The Fettle Box - classic lamp & stove washers & parts )
Thanks Martin And THEY do look like a much better made product, plus there is a big "DOH" factor in so much they are only £1 - which is less than I paid for what I consider a tatty looking version in comparison
If you push down on the plunger with a finger tip, does it go steadily down or resist and push out again?
^^^ I just went down to the garage and checked, to be sure. With gently finger pressure there is virtually no resistance Phil. It only shows / feels resistance when operated "enthusiastically". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I just bought this Fettle Box one - at £1.85 delivered, it's a no-brainer. Just hope I've ordered the right one!
Please forgive me for asking, but are you sure all the bits of the plunger are assembled in the correct order? If not, air could be leaking back through the central hole rather than past the edges of the leather seal.
I shall undo it and have a look. Just hope I can figure out what is is the correct assembly order Thanks for the input
@ Phil, I think you might have a point there. I stripped it down and discovered that the metal washer on the nut end of the pump shaft had a central hole, too small, so it sat on top of the internal shoulder of the brass washer that sits behind the leather seal, instead of around it. This meant that the leather seal was not "clamped" in place and therefore not fully air tight (some air could pass through the central hole). I replaced that washer with a one that fitted over the brass washer's shoulder. This enabled the leather washer to be securely "clamped" in place = air tight. I reassembled it all, but it still didn't feel "right". On comparing my new leather seal with the old one, I decided that the old one looked like it would seal better than the new one, so I swapped them over. Result = still not perfect I don't think, but it's better. I reckon when my new "Fettle Box" one arrives, we might have it working as nature intended. All good fun on a rainy Sunday though, and it doesn't stop the lamp from working
The leather washer is supposed to "float" on the shoulder of the brass backing plate, held in place by the slotted washer and nut. When you press the plunger in, the leather must seal against the backing plate and on the back stroke, allow air to pass between itself and the backing plate, through the slot in the washer and the central hole. If the backing plate is not smooth but bent, corroded or dirty, air could escape past on the down stroke also.
Great input Phil, I now understand much better how it works. I did wonder about that slotted brass washer!! = Good job I kept it safe "just in case" !! It's dark now, but I can feel another play coming on, but I'll wait until my proper new Fettle Box seal arrives. Again, thanks for the knowledge
I've been trying to avoid getting into this Got higher priorities It's one of those pointless projects that sap time, and yet seems curiously worthy of a play, a bit like messin with puppy and DSL etc, I mean why Anyway, as I use Mate on 95% of boxes, the answer is Systemd Now, Paraffin or cheap White Spirit.......
