1945 Vapalux 300

Discussion in 'Lamp Action Gallery' started by Gareth Shepherd, Jul 28, 2020.

  1. Gareth Shepherd

    Gareth Shepherd United Kingdom Subscriber

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    I've recently purchased this Vapalux 300. It wasn't quite running 100%. After a lot of head scratching and advice from @Gary Waller I've managed to get it running perfectly now. Im really pleased with this lamp.

    I intend to keep it in this condition as a 'working lamp' and to also retain the orginal decal.

    20200728_201525.jpg 20200728_201548.jpg 20200728_201609.jpg 20200728_201633.jpg 20200728_201646.jpg
     
  2. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom Subscriber

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    What was wrong and what did you do to put it right?
     
  3. george

    george United States Subscriber

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    These are great running lanterns. This one has a steel tank and appears to have no pressure tit so possibly 1943?
    There appears to be a date but I can't make it out.
    :D/
     
  4. Gareth Shepherd

    Gareth Shepherd United Kingdom Subscriber

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    I changed the usual seals and the lamp would run for a little bit then die. I eventually traced it back to a leaking air release seal (that I'd already replaced once) I changed it again and put a tiny smear of grease on the surface of the filler cap.

    Next up was the pump action, that seemed very stiff and on further inspection, I found this
    20200727_201717.jpg

    I got rid of the washer and nut, and replaced it with the correct nut with the slot in the back
    20200727_203718.jpg
    And it now pumps lovely.

    After a good clean around everything and cleaned the glass, here is the money shot
    20200728_201525_resized.jpg
     
  5. Gareth Shepherd

    Gareth Shepherd United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Yeah i can't work out if it says 1945 or 1943
     
  6. george

    george United States Subscriber

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    Sh.t! I can't read either!! You already indicated what the date is!! sorry...
    :doh:
     
  7. Gareth Shepherd

    Gareth Shepherd United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Ive just double check and it is 1943 and not 1945
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2020
  8. JEFF JOHNSON

    JEFF JOHNSON United Kingdom Subscriber

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    A good reliable old workhorse of a lantern!:thumbup::thumbup:
     
  9. Gary Waller

    Gary Waller Subscriber

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    @Gareth Shepherd it looks great, at last working well. Probably one of my favourite lamps and really reliable.:D/
     
  10. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom Subscriber

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  11. Gareth Shepherd

    Gareth Shepherd United Kingdom Subscriber

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  12. BigStevie

    BigStevie United Kingdom Subscriber

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    I’ve got a slightly earlier version of the lamp and have been deliberating whether to restore it or not.
    It’s a bit further gone than yours finish wise, but seeing your lamp running and original is helping make my mind up, I think I’ll keep it as is for now. Just give it a good service and use it!

    Thanks for the inspiration Gareth!
     

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