I have recently got this lamp from my dad but i can’t get it to work properly. Ive replaced the mantle already but I doubt if it’s the right one. I’m already happy that it’s burning but the flames go trough the hood so to speak although the flames are yellow that tels me maybe not enough oxygen?? I am currently using lamp oil with parrafine i guess I’ll need something else in netherlands we call it petroleum maybe that’s what i need. But does anyone know what to do and where i can purchase the parts? thank you all in advance! Greetz, lucas
@Lucas Welcome. You have a Tilley X246 Guardsman. You should use kerosene as fuel. The vapouriser needs to be pre-heated for two minutes with a torch and alcohol. If you spend some time here, you can find this specific information. Best regards Tony
@Tony Press thanks a lot! I’ve spend ages looking for the right model! I’ve pre heated it for about 2 minutes with a torch, but I’m going to try a different mantle and fuel asap! I’ve had lots of fun already reading different posts.
Welcome @Lucas. Don't destroy the mantle just yet, there's probably nothing wrong with it. Different countries have different names for the same thing e.g. gasoline, essence, benzine and petrol are all the same thing. One of your fellow countrymen will be able to tell you which fuel (paraffine / kerosene / petroleum) is best for your lantern. Have you checked the burner air tubes to make sure they are clean inside ? You will need to remove the burner from the hood to do this and if you are careful, you can do it without damaging the mantle. The silk from a spider's nest is enough to restrict the flow of air which can cause the lantern to burn with yellow flames. A worn vapouriser will also give the same big yellow flames. My advice is to check that the air tubes are clean and you're using the correct fuel. If the lantern still burns with big flames, it will need a new vapouriser (#606) available here Detailseite: Tilley-Ersatzteile- - hytta.de Seals are available from the Fettlebox Tilley Washer Kit
@Henry Plews thanks a lot I’ve cleaned the air tubes yesterday and nothing changed. Im going to buy some petroleum today and try again. Thanks a lot for your interest and help!
Lucas, Show some pictures of the lantern dimanteld. Maybe you are missing a part. Also buy the right pre heater torch. Not cheap but they last long. Make sure you use a double tie tilley suitable mantle and use "petroleum" no lamp oil.
Can be purchased here. Genuine TILLEY LAMP PRE HEATER TORCH TILLEY METHS JAR TILLEY LAMP 164x MANTLE | eBay Tom
Hi @Lucas and welcome If you have eliminated all other potential problems then as Henry said it is most likely the vapouriser that is at fault? The tiny jet will have become enlarged over time.. they were a replacement part anyway.. The good news is that new or ‘new old stock’ vapourisers are available either from hunting on ebay or perhaps a kind soul or member on here may be prepared to sort you out with a working 2nd hand part ??
Goodmorning @podbros! allright i have ordered a nee vaporizer and a service kit. I will let you guys know when its working properly after replacing the vaporizer and mantle.
@Lucas Yes great You can test it before you put the new mantle on? It should have a blue flame without any feathery yellow bits In fact, I would take the old mantle off and give the burner a final blow out, checking the burner flamelet holes for any remaining spidery threads.. then pre-heat and light and have a look at the burner flames .. then do the same when you get the new vapouriser so you can compare the ‘blueness’ of the flames? Hope that makes sense Then you won’t waste another mantle I’m sure others have said this already ps there are lots of threads and pictures of folks doing test burns on Tilleys so have a search and ponder :-)
@Lucas Zie hier: As stated, you can check the workings of a Tilley X246 - or any lamp with a central vapourizer like Bialaddin and Vapalux - without a mantle, as the latter is only needed to heat up a non-central vapourizer like in most other designs. Mike
@podbros @M.Meijer thanks for your input! I have mounted everything and its still not working properly. Im going to try your trick by removing the mantle and light it up! I’ll make you guys some photos!
Too yellow usually means too rich in fuel, as oxygen supply is supposedly a constant in an open atmosphere. Could be the wrong fuel - still. Otherwise, an enlarged jet or nozzle opening, in this case an inherent part of the tubular generator or vapouriser. This means practically a replacement of the latter. You could perhaps diminish the flow (hence richness) by introducing the needle upwards. If that gives a true blue flame colour, you know the jet opening is too large.
Good advice @Lucas ..But there is also something not right with the burner air tubes? They are either loose or a homemade replacement? Edit : copper tube?
As @podbros mentioned, the airtubes seem not standard X246 issue, or seem shortened, and this might be a factor in your flame colour. Too short a tube, and the lamp is trying to 'breath' half combusted air, which does mean a lack of oxygen, also if the tubes have not an airtight fit into the burner body. Full length tubes will protude through the black top, allowing fresh air in from the outside. If you would need a proper burner assembly, I can give you such for free if you collect or pay for the shipping.
