Hi everyone. I've just fettled a 315, changed a couple of seals, new mantle etc. I fired her up and she kept on losing pressure very quickly. I gave a good 40 pumps and after about 1 min it started to dim. So I gave another 40 on the pump and it brightened up again, then rapidly dimmed down. There were no obvious signs of an air leak anywhere. Has anyone had anything like this before? Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I can confirm @Gary Waller it does have paraffin. I've since found a tiny bit of dirt that was on the filler cap seal. I've cleaned that up and it runs a little better, but it still dims down after 5-10mins. Its it worth replacing the seals on the filler cap? Thanks
Always worth checking... I would also check the non return valve, (both washers) I have had them weeping enough to loose pressure but not enough to push the pump out and look obvious.
That's sound advice from Gary and the link below shows relevant information, but the library is only open to subscribers. https://classicpressurelamps.com/threads/1950s-1960s-bialaddin-lanterns.1462/
@Gareth Shepherd Hi, don't forget to check both seals in the cap, especially the bleeder screw that let's you exhaust the air and put out the lantern. I had one that was leaking air and it drove me nuts! I replaced the cap seal but forgot about the bleeder screw seal and sure enough that was the problem.
When this happen to me, i dip the fount of the running pressurized lantern in a bucket of water and sure enough you will find the leak. i had a 315, and the problem was the bleeder seal. Fred.
I had the exact same problems as your 315.. but with a 310 an older but trusty lamp .. loosing pressure ... sure enough I replaced both seals on the filler cap and air screw .. I checked the NRV in the fount and tightened it up a tad.. it did not need much... pumped and listened ..mmmm fired it up .. 6 hours later I extinguished it ... problem . what problem.. way to go
I would try a dunk test in water and look for air bubbles. The smaller filler caps are a bit prone to cracking if they have been over tightened.
I can confirm that after replacing both washers in the filler cap, she holds pressure and keeps a night light Thanks everyone for your replies
