Brand new lamp, weird issue. Vapalux M320

Well as you now know they are not intrinsically complicated machines. Sometimes even with a new vapoursiser they can take a while to "run in". I would run it for an hour and see if it behaves differently. I give all of mine about 20 pumps to light and then another 40 once it is going, with a pint and a half of bartoline paraffin from the local hardware store. Also flick the jet cleaner a few times to see if anything changes while it is running.

 

Yep, have been running now for an hour, its getting worse. Flicked bits a piece and re pumped still issues. Trying to return it to seller but the guy is being difficult.

 

I take it you have no other vapalux/bialaddin/willis & bates to swap parts with ?

 

Not yet lol........

I am looking at buying another full lamp and a vaporiser to see if that makes any difference.

 

Well if you have done everything suggested above I am out of ideas. Normally one of those will fix it. So I think it only leaves burner or vapoursiser at fault. Unless anyone else has ideas ?

 

The pulsing could be not enough pressure in the tank, you can pump these up until your thumb hurts and not do any damage, hope this helps.
Ian

 

I have not done anything to the burner (had to google which bit it was), is that possible strip/clean?

My lighting procedure, 15 pumps on first light. Wait 1min. 20 pumps. Wait 1min. 10 pumps. Leave.

Could the paraffin be at fault, Bartoline Premium Parrafin? Ive had it for a few years in a sealed container.

 

I give mine 60 (40 after lighting) as Mr Cod says - pressure up !

 

Give it the Beans! 100 pumps minimum!

They were designed to run properly at 2 Bar and it will need to run in for a couple of hours if its a new mantle

 

Hell, try a thousand lol. Joking obviously as how many pumps depends on several factors: how much compressible air space there is above the paraffin, how good (volume of air) each pump cycle puts into the lamp. But to be honest, pump UNTIL you feel a resistance (a pressure pushing back on the pump) this will vary as I said, fill the tank and the smaller air volume space will take fewer pumps to pressurize, so following a 'given' number is ridiculous. Some lamp models have a manometer and so can be accurately pressurized irrespective of air volume.
Someone also mentioned using the pricker! it isn't unusual to have to de-coke the vaporizer nozzel several times during a use cycle, momentarily open and close, sometimes several times.
Last but not least, re-pressurising, on a full tank, say after 20 - 30 minutes or so of running, and then increasing intervals as the fuel is used. I find myself re-pressurising my 320's 3 - 4 times in an evening over 5 - 6 hours and the time to 'decoke' with the pricker if needed.
You might also try unscrewing the vaporiser, removing the pricker wire and tap it repeatedly into some kitchen roll, see if anything comes out.
Worst senario as I see it, is faulty vaporiser.

 

About 4 years ago I bought a M320 from the Uk NOS. It was truly NOS but the lantern didn't work until I replaced the vaporiser. I didn't hassle with cleaning the vapo I just changed for a NOS one that were plentiful on UK ebay back then. Haven't had any trouble with it since.

 

Reading all the above ... it would appear to me to be a pressure issue ... take all the fuel out , clean ... bucket of water .. take the glass and top off ... stick twenty of so pumps in and immerse ... watch for air bubbles .. the tank . fuel cap ( there are two washers there ) .. main washer sealing vapouriser. and check seams for air bubbles . If no bubbles it shews all good ... next its the Non Return valve at the base of the fuel tube , spin it out with a good fitting screwdriver , check washer there , take valve appart, inspect pip cock, clean debris/grit oil it up ,, assemble back in .. should be sorted .... when the lamps falter on or off its usually pressure issues .. do all that lets know ... Ta

 

Thanks all, I will give this all a go.

 

If you really have eliminated everything else, fuel, pressure, mantle etc then it is the vaporiser. I’ve had dud NOS. They were test fired and the paraffin can clog the vaporiser after decades sitting. Basically the more volatile fractions of the paraffin evaporate leaving a heavier oil.

 

I'd bet money that this is the correct diagnosis.

 

So, it works. Soaked all working parts in carb cleaner with the rubber removed. Re assembled and it is now fully working. The amount of black that came out of the vaporiser I do not think it was new, seller is dishonest but at least it is fixed. Thanks for all the help, I now know how to service this lamp!

 

Glad you got it going , it is an enjoyable lantern . Perhaps it is that the seller didn't switch out the vape and it is as Svenedin is saying :

This jibes with my experience with my NOS 320 and explains satisfactorily to me why I had to replace the vape.

 

Glad you got there. if it was "proper" coke buildup from use in the vapouriser you would not have cleaned it that way. I suspect MOD "rustproofing" left inside lightly cooked by your lighting it (or the seller testing it) A total guess, but the best I can think of...