Hi all, I’m very new to all this. I’ve inherited a Coleman 242b (1937 Canada) with a kerosene generator. What’s the best way to light it when using Coleman fuel? I’ve managed to get it going (which was fantastic) but it’s more by luck than judgement. Is there a “right” way? Thanks to all who so kindly gave me info to get where I am in a different thread. I do have a duel fuel generator on the way. Cheers Simon
Simon, Firstly, try this http://www.oldcolemanparts.com/resources/scans/242b_1.htm This thread will also be of use to you lighting your 242B: Coleman 242B Gasoline - Operating Instructions
It should light the same as with a gasoline generator. Half turn open and apply a flame. If the fuel/air valve is working the mantle should fire up with the gas and air mix. Let it settle and then open the valve all the way which shuts off the air feed to the generator. ::Neil::
Thanks Alex, I read that thread, but I couldn’t find a thread ref kero gen in a duel fuel lantern. Thanks Mackburner, I seem to have to open the valve right up to get a sustainable burn, a 1/4 or 1/2 turn will burn initially but for some reason the vapour doesn’t sustain and it goes out. Once it’s lit it’s no problem. Thanks Simon
Simon, Does your lantern have the model number stamped on the collar (base rest)? Doe's it have the small reservoir at the base of the generator like on a Coleman model 247?
Hi Sedgman, There’s no reservoir so somewhere along it’s history the generator got replaced with a kero one. It was my grandfather’s so maybe he just had to make do during the war. It works but I’m still trying to work out the most efficient way to light it.
Yes I thought it odd as I believed Coleman Canada only made 'gasoline' 242Bs. Have you tried using kerosene and perhaps just attach a tilley metho pre-heater cup to get the thing working. Good luck anyway and it looks like it is in good condition and has the wonderful family attachment
Your lantern is designed for Coleman fuel and as long as you are using Coleman fuel, it doesn't matter that the generator is for kero. The magic is in the fuel/air tube below the valve and safely out of sight in the tank. In a nutshell, when the valve is opened 1/4 (or 1/2) turn, a lot of air but only a very small amount of fuel rises from the tank and through the generator by which time, even though the lantern is cold, it's basically fumes which issue from the burner. Fumes which are rich enough to burn but weak enough to not flare up and cover everything with soot. This heats the generator to the point where cold liquid fuel from the tank is vapourised efficiently but at the same time, weak fumes do not burn well at all and often go out so once you have a steady burn, open the valve all the way. This cuts off the air supply from the tank and ensures 100% fuel reaches the generator and you're in business. From the first flames to full brightness should take - from memory - 15 to 20 seconds. Your lantern is no longer in the flush of youth and parts will have worn a little, so you may have to experiment as to how far open you need the valve to find that sweet spot when lighting.
Thanks Henry, Your line, The magic is in the fuel/air tube below the valve and safely out of sight in the tank. led me to give the FA tube a soak in vinegar and salt. It seems to have done the trick. Managed to light it only using two matches as opposed to needing a blowtorch! Obviously a blockage not letting enough fuel vapour up to be sustainable and heat the generator? Thanks again Simon
Good show. Simply put, the fuel /air tube is actually a tube within a tube and there's not much room between the two. The small space was probably restricted with verdigris which was shifted by the vinegar/salt solution. Two matches are better than a blowtorch and one match is better still. With practice, you'll get to know how long it takes from cracking the valve to vapour coming into the mantle, that time minus a couple of seconds, is when to strike your match and stick it through the lighting hole.
