Hi, I recently picked up this Welsbach Light Co. student lamp that I would like to repair. I’m very new to pressure lamps and I don’t know what’s safe to burn in a lamp like this, what to look out for before I attempt to light it, or what mantle I should use in this lamp. It doesn’t seem to be missing any of the crucial parts. I’m hoping someone more educated on this topic can tell me what I should do.
These lamps are fun to get going but can take some improvisation. You will need to give everything a good clean out. When you go to undo something, if it doesn't undo super easily give it a bit of heat before putting more force on it. Not so much that you melt solder around it but just enough to soften up the gum that may be holding it. You will need to repack the shut off tap. There should be a pricker on the end of the shut off shaft. Careful of that. Check the jet is clear. Check the seal in the fuel canister. A light wire brushing on the mesh. They run on old time gasoline but I use Shellite. (Coleman fuel) Take photos as you go. Don't rush. This will get you started. Come back if you need to ask more. The mantles will be something like this but this is where the improvisation comes into it..
Since I’m new to pressure lamps, I don’t know what the shut off tap, shut off valve, or jet are yet. (I’m assuming this is the shut off valve because of the prick in the end)
Correct. The pricker often works as a shut off but I just took mine outside and it doesn't shut off that well. Looks like the tap behind the burner is the shut off. There must be a form of packing inside the part I am pointing at. It can be mesh, asbestos or even a sand like carborundum. Like on the sandpaper. And yes the little blue flame should be alight inside the burner.
Thanks for the photo and document, but I can’t figure out how to take off the burner to get access to the tube.
It unscrews anti-clockwise. If it feels tight, give it a warm up. Not red hot but enough to make things move.
A pin should lever it out. Do it over a mat so that if it is a granule you can collect it. If it is asbestos and you intend to reuse it, wet it before removing. If it is asbestos and difficult to remove, put some oil on it and repack with a cigarette of rolled up fine brass mesh. Doesn't have to be so tight that it is a squeeze to get it in. It is of course asbestos in the preheating cup. Just unscrew it and leave the asbestos alone. From here on the rule 'if it aint broke don't fix it' applies. The small grub screws can get very stuck and they can break. Try with a little tweak and if they come undone, good. If not, leave them. Same goes for the jet. Put some fuel or liquid in the tank with taps off and like an electrician work from one end to the other checking for leaks and flows.
