Tilley FL-6 missing Pump

Hi everybody, i'm about to buy my first Tilley, it is a beauty that I have always wanted but it lacks a fundamental part. I would like to know what type of pump you use, maybe someone has it, and I would also like to see some kind of parts manual where I can identify which parts are missing, I see that it has a kind of thread in the hole where the pump is installed. And finally to know your opinion about buying this "Locomotive" without its pump, will it be another of my follies?

 

@Cesar

You will need a pump like that shown at the top of this photograph:


Tony

 

I think it also is missing the burner itself.
As for buying: depends on the money you have and can invest in what is basically not a necessary item ;-)
And if you want to use it: can you get the parts you need ?
They are available but the total price of parts can sometimes be more then the item itself.

 

It doesn't look in bad overal nick and that is very important on an FL6 because it is steel and often they 'rust out' making the font unusable. I have seen used pumps for sale but as these 'larger' pumps are exclusive to these bigger Tilley fonts they are not what you would call 'common place' you might get one coming up for sale next week or next year. It also hasn't got its burner and air tubes, again, it could be very difficult finding these.
I always find that the FL6 is also more usable with its stand and again it hasn't got one (although this isn't completely necessary)
Like Wim said, although nice, it might cost you double by the time and if you find the missing parts.
I am liking the Splitty cesar....

My later california


Martin

 

Isn't that the top of the burner dome in this picture? If it is then the burner must be there. The only unusual part of the lamp is the missing pump and the strange fitting to the filler hole.

 

Hmmmm unclear.....need some more pics and a response from cesar.


Martin

 

@Nils Stephenson

I may be mistaken but I think the area you have outlined is the opening in the reflector which allows the exhaust gasses and heat to escape. It's difficult to see, the glass is dirty and has pieces of paper stuck to it.

@Cesar Can you ask the seller for a picture with the door open ?

Henry.

 

This is the last photograph that the seller sends me, he is in another city about 200 kilometers away and then it is difficult to go inspect it, there is poor communication with the seller, slow to respond and there are no more photographs ... It is something like, "buy with the information and photos I gave you ..." Whenever I buy a lamp, I analyze the possibility of turning it on, seeing that it is still alive, and then trying to restore it. the source and fill with a wheel pump, although I do not know the working pressure of the FL6, it is not very orthodox but it will serve as a "mechanical fan". In this photo, apparently, you can see that part of the burner that indicates that it must be there although I do not see it clearly.

 

I’ve seen these with the same paper between the glass like that before when lamps have been new old stock. I’d say apart from being very dirty that lamp probably hasn’t seen much use, perhaps because that pump is missing.

 

If it is NOS or close to it as Matthew thinks and the price is right, buy it and sit on it until a wrecked one comes along that has a pump. It is possible that someone on this board will have one that they can spare.

I have seen pumps for sale on Ebay Uk over the years. It may take awhile but eventually one will turn up.

I didn't think the burner was there until you showed the latest photo. I was going to show you a burner that is on Ebay if you decided to buy this one *without the burner* Of course now the burner is there there is no need for that.

 

I have to be a "spoil sport" here but if the dealer isn't willing to be cooperative then I would look elsewhere. One picture is worth a thousand words! In this case a couple more pictures...

 

I decide to buy the lamp, it was paid for and now I have to wait for it to be sent, in my country we say that "the bread burns in the oven door", something like when you have the business ready if you take a little longer, another one arrives and takes the prize. Now really if I need a pump for Tilley FL6 and also some mantles, I thank you for sharing your opinions and I believe in your "nose" that pushed me to act fast.

 

@Cesar Hi Cesar, it’s your lucky day, I’ve got a spare FL6 pump! PM me if you’re interested.

Stevie

 

Lol...I like the attitude, the burner is definitely there, however, the latest picture also reveals that the glass retaining ring is missing. It looks like someone has used speed clips instead which under normal circumstances would work but FL6's have 3 separate sections of glass so I would be concerned that the glass would fall out. Apologies..it does generally look like a good FL6.

Martin

 

@paparazi Hi Martin, that’s a nice looking T25 you’ve got there!

 

@paparazi

Those clips are correct for an Fl6 as late as this one. See the one in this link.

Tilley FL6 Danish civil defence

 

A fine restoration project!

 

I stand corrected Matthew, I should have realized as I have a late AL21 with the same, I always presumed a previous owner had lost the retaining ring given that's how the glass is held in on my early FL6 & AL21's. I guess just a cheaper method then?
Martin

 

Woh! it looks like you made the right decision to buy it then cesar, with BigStevie offering up a spare pump....result!!!

Martin

 

@paparazi Hi Martin, your California is other of my big dreams, thank for your answers and good vibrations.

 

@Tony Press @WimVe @paparazi @Nils Stephenson @Henry Plews @Matthew92 @Matty @george @JEFF JOHNSON and specially @BigStevie, thanks for the interest and the desire to advise me and encourage me to buy this wonder, the truth is that in these days of isolation I have taken refuge in this magnificent forum, reading and learning about lamps and many restoration projects. Now while I wait for the arrival of the FL-6, I promise to send photos, I have the following questions:
What is the type of short stand for my lamp? I have seen two or three different models.
I have seen that the Tilley 191 is the correct mantle, but it is somewhat difficult to achieve. Have you tried a more common and cheaper alternative?
I would like to do a good job of painting but, Are there new NOS tags? Or do I just have to mask to paint?
Can the reflector be repainted or chrome?

Finally I think I will start buying Whasher kit on a Flettlebox, are there any parts that are changed or frequently fail in these lamps?
Cheers from Chile, Southamerica.
Cesar

 

Hi Cesar, apart from the full seal kit (including pump leather) I think it’s best if you wait till you get your lamp. Again, with the reflector, wait till you have the lamp and you can see the exact condition.
I believe the FL6 has a specific mantle, maybe other members have other experience of what mantles will work.
I’ll send you some photos of the short stand later.
Best wishes, Stevie

 

@Cesar

1. There are two types of short stand, but as these parts are interchangeable I wouldn’t worry about what kind. When you get the lamp it might have a date stamped on the bottom of the tank.

2. The 191 is the correct mantle. They are available from The Base Camp (UK). I always test my FL lamps with an ordinary Tilley mantle.

3. I would mask the instructions and labels.

4. Be very careful with the reflector. Wash it with soapy water, then gently polish it with Autosol only if you need to.

5. Once you put new washers on the lamp should run for years.

Saludos

Tony

 

Hi Everybody, finally today I received the lamp, I put it in my truck and brought it home, while driving I saw this big package next to me with some very big bear shape, the truth is that the package was huge. But just at night I was able to open it and to my amazement it is a virgin lamp, never lit, remembered the good smell of @Matthew92 , who he supposed was possibly unused. You will imagine how I feel, very happy of course, I am amazed at its size, its solidity, but I also felt that its ignition system is something simple, although I still do not understand it, there will be an opportunity. Well, I'm not going long and the photos go, I'm already eager for your comments.

 

I am struck by the large nut in the hole for the pump, I do not know if it is part of it or is foreign to the lamps. I also see holes on both sides of the side windows, maybe two locks are missing on each side. It has stamped on its base the following 265XA , I imagine it is from February 1962 but I don't know what XA means. Now that I know that it is NOS and I see that it has some superficial rust points, I think that I will not try to restore it but I will only clean it with something that is not excessively abrasive and that preserves its appearance, the glasses and reflector should shine just like the bronze parts, perhaps the wood also receives a light treatment.

 

Hi Cesar,

Good to see your lamp. Does the nut/collar on the pump mounting screw off?
Tilley lamps use a ore heater clip for starting the lamp, I’ll send you one with the pump. You’ll need methylated spirit to start the lamp, the lamp runs on kerosene/paraffin.

 

Hi Stevie, yes the collar can screw off, thank you for the heater clip, i don't know it.
What about the number 265XA on the bottom?

Cesar

 

February 1965

 

Hi @Cesar !
Well done on finding your Tilley Floodlight !
Thanks for sharing your exciting story

Hey! Are those Splitscreen vw's yours? ...The ones in the barn?.. More pictures please!!!!..

 

Hi @podbros, Splits Screen and lanterns are my thing, the first is a 1961 crew cab and the one behind is a 1966 SO42 Westafalia.
Cheers, Cesar