Darn it. I promise that’s what I shouted. Back in December I picked up a ‘76 635 which looked to be in great condition aside from a cracked globe. When trying to fire it up, something wasn’t right, and it turned out the fuel rod was jammed. Long story short I needed a new spring because the original was jammed in hard and stretched to ruin - but then I lost the fuel rod in Bunnings, looking for a new spring, after it catapulted in to the shelving. After 1 hour and a half I gave up the search. I ordered a new fuel pick up tube and rod from OCP, as well as some other bits and pieces to make the order worthwhile. I recently found the globe I needed and so tonight decided to get it fettled. The new fuel pick up tube did not work. The new spring got stuck when trying to remove it. The new rod came to pieces and I’m now back where I started. I have no idea why something so simple has proved so troublesome. Why is the spring getting stuck and preventing the rod from moving when opening/closing the valve?!
@Buckaroo As far as I’ve seen over the years, Australians never say “darn it” - it’s an aberrant piece of North American cultural imperialism... Tony
@Buckaroo I am wondering if perhaps it was assembled incorrectly when you received it, the spring goes on the wire; if assembled above the wire it gets caught and deformed by the valve stem. It’s only an assumption but pretty commonly done; I’ve done it myself more than a few times. This picture shows the correct orientation of the parts and a handy replacement spring for when an original is not available quickly. I would have a go at crimping the rod back into the holder, it’s brass so while not easy; it is possible.
I’ve also made that mistake a few times @John , but in this case I put it on correctly and it still got stuck. It appears that the spring is such a tight fit, when screwing the fuel tube in to the valve body, the spring gets tangled in the thread of the valve body. It’s as if a thinner/narrower spring is needed, but given both springs were correct that shouldn’t really be the case! As for the rod, I have saved the parts and will try crimping it. I had thought araldite might do the job but crimping would likely be better - thanks.
Success!!! The problem was the size of the spring - the original and the replacement from OCP were both too large in diameter and kept getting caught in the thread of the valve body. I am told this can be an issue with the 635. I replaced it with the spring from a hotel pen. Unsure how long it will last of course, but it’s running great. I also managed to fix the rod with a vice and careful use of a hammer. I have a small selection of 500cp single mantle Coleman lanterns, but this is the only non-kero I have so I wanted to put a straight globe on it. This is from a 220, and I believe it is the correct design for the year (1976). I will clean it all up at a later time, once I’ve put some hours on the new mantle.
The FA tube springs in a 635 are known for getting stuck because they're too big. I've experienced it and I know others who have too. Good on you for getting it running again.
@Buckaroo Your persistence has paid off. Well done and more experience is now under your belt. Enjoy Pete
