Hello all ! Last week, i've got an old 639 Coleman 80's lantern that is in great condition. But I think something's wrong with the light output (technically 500cp) as the result is significantly lower than my Aladdin Maxbrite (45/60cp). This is my first Coleman lantern. I've got 2 mantles with this lantern (#1111) So the lamp use a new mantle. No problem to light up this gem : - I use kerozen fuel (the same as my Aladdin). - I've pump full stoke 30 times. - I use alcohol for preheating the generator, waiting about 2/3 minutes before opening the valve. - At the last step, i open the valve, and the mantle lights up but dimly. The mantle turns black in some places with the time, and is not bright as attended. Black traces only disappears when preheating the generator. The pressure seem's weak, so it need to add additionnal strokes (by adding 30 stroke but the lamp will shutdown after 10/15 minutes) maybe the issue come from the Leather that can be dry. There is some pictures from this latern taken today. (I'm not really good in English but i've tried to write this post without using translator to improve my skill ;o)) Best regards.
It's possibly not getting enough air. Check the frame's air tubes for obstructions such as spider webs. The generator may be plugged with gunk as well. You can dismantle it and clean the pricker wire. Be careful not to break the tip.
Welcome aboard! I have one of those lanterns and it works better with a bulbous mantle fitted, that type of mantle burns off closer to the vapouriser/generator and keeps it hotter and therefor the paraffin/kerosene vapourises properly. A good clean never hurts a lantern either and the link below shows a topic which includes my example of that lantern. Cool Coleman lanterns!
Agree, a good clean never hurt anything! Sounds like the generator needs a good clean. Kerosene is worse than gasoline when it comes to stopping up a generator! Be careful with the cleaning needle (pricker) that you don’t bend the needle.
Welcome to CPL @Hebusletroll Does the pump feel like it's building pressure with each stroke? A little oil on the pump cup will help. I'm not sure if the pump cup is leather or plastic but either one will benefit from an inspection and oil.
Welcome to the forum @Hebusletroll Looking and what you have said I only have two things to add to the good advice above. Are you using kerosene (Fr: Pétrole) (UK English: Paraffin) in your Coleman 639 or lamp oil (Fr: Paraffine Liquide/ huile de lampe) ? - these are different and the lamp oil will give the results you describe above. You should use petrole "ordinaire" not anything designed for things like Aladdin lamps. Do not use "Coleman" fuel as this is different again. Also as you have never had a Coleman before - remember to put your thumb over the hole in the pump knob when pumping. Bon chance ! Chris
Hello ! Thanks you for your replies. After asking the previous lamp's owner, this Coleman was never cleaned and it's generator never been changed. Good for me, i've bought new generators, i just waiting for delivery. I've ordered new burners too, and globes. There is a lot obstructions near the burner with deposit. @Jeff : Actually, the mantle used is the original brand Coleman #1111, it seem's that Petromax HK 500 mantles and Coleman #11 are compatibles (I have a Petromax HK 500 lantern too). Which mantles are you using in your lamp ? I agree with you, a good clean is required Nice lanterns you have ! @Fireexit1 (Chris), I only use Kerozen / Pétrol as fuel, the same as i use with my Petromax HK 500 (a powerfull light output, as a 400w 4000K white bulb). I do not use Coleman Fuel, used for Gazoline Lantern. This is my first Coleman, i put my thumb over the hole when pumping. Yesterday i've dismantled the pump : there is oil on the cup. This last one us is in plastic. Best regards. Merci beaucoup !
The Coleman mantles are of a slimmer design and I no longer use them on Coleman paraffin/kerosene lanterns, because they form to far away from the vapouriser/generator and therefor do not keep it hot enough to vapourise the fuel properly. Any of the bulbous 500 cp., mantles will do the job much better, but some of the modern Asian made mantles shrink to much, so it's better to keep those for smaller lanterns. This link shows a discussion on that subject, but the library is only open to subscribers. https://classicpressurelamps.com/threads/ship-anchor-mantle.17460/
Was is not the #99 mantle originally for this lantern ? Like Jeff, I use the same mantles for the 639 as I use for a Petromax 500
No, definitely #1111 for single mantle 500 cp Coleman lanterns. #99 will give you maximum light from the fuel consumed on all single mantle lanterns other than the 222, 226, 229 and other Peak 1 types.
Ah yes - now I have dug them out of the tin of mantles I can see - only ever used my standard petromax mantles on mine.
