Box of vintage lanterns!

Here is a video I made lighting the Aida lantern. I believe the preheater jet may have been enlarged before I bought the lantern. This was after only 40 pumps. The fuel level is maybe 50% or lower.

 

According to this 100 pumps is right https://classicpressurelamps.com/threads/aida-express-1250-1350-and-1500.582/

So it does look like the jet may be enlarged.
However this may help
Petromax 500 rapid lighter inoperative.

 

@Fireexit1 , Thank you for the additional information.
I’m happy that I got the Aida Express to function, even if not exactly by original standards. Seeing that the preheater had been soldered in the past, I know that it had given a previous owner some issues at one point.

I’m really happy to know that I got all 5 lanterns from this box cleaned, repaired and running. Considering the very low price I paid for them all, I figure I made out like a bandit. I’m not a “flipper” and do not plan on selling these lanterns to turn a profit (or any of my lanterns, stoves or vintage razors for that matter.)

Finally, already I’ve even found the two little Benzomatic Porta-Light propane lanterns are kind of fun to have when I just need a quick light up in the dark. And, since they each came with pristine condition Coleman 200,201 globes, I’ll have extras once I’m finally able to add a 200a to my collection.

 

If you want it to look something like symetrical you can either fit a new lead washer or simply put a few turns of Teflon tape on the threads. The thicker stuff for gas fittings is best.

 

@Henry Plews , thank you.
After I posted this issue and then read some more threads, I thought about the lead washers. In the official Aida instructions, it even says to replace the lead washers after each disassembly/reassembly. So, I think I’ll head to the hardware store tomorrow. Also, the same issue is causing the preheating tube to be turned too far to achieve a tight fitting. It has a lead washer too. Very soft metal.

Right now, I’m just sitting under the light of a 10/71 Coleman 228 Big Hat.

 

[QUOTE="Andrew Johanson, post: 165744, member: 6518" . . the same issue is causing the preheating tube to be turned too far to achieve a tight fitting.[/QUOTE]

The trick is to put the main part of the body (#225) into the tank, position the lever (#223) and tighten the nut (#222) to hold it in place. Finally, screw the nipple (#221) down firmly.

 

I’m having a difficult time removing part 220 from the nipple (221). It seems to be a pressure fitting, so I’m afraid if I remove it, I may damage the tension required to reattach it to the nipple (221). Any ideas?

 

A little light oil may help. With the lever pulled back, hold the tube between finger and thumb and wiggle it from side to side whilst pulling firmly. Don't be tempted to use pliers ! Patience is the key.
The tube doesn't need to be super tight to hold it in place but if you think it's a little too slack, the end can be crimped before re-installing.

 

Thank you, @Henry Plews !
I’ll try that.

Also, The hardware store did not sell lead washers. So I bought an assortment of copper, brass and steel washers in addition to some PTFE tape. Copper or brass may be malleable. I’m going to get the main valve assembly tightened so that it is perpendicular to the fount instead of crooked. I am determined!

 

The flame shield (220) can get stuck, but they do come off. They are by nature springy as that is what holds it in place. If you do manage to crack it you can put gardening wire round it to hold it in place. Lead washers can be sourced from lantern spares resellers or if you can find some thin strip/sheet punch them out yourself. I have used flat strip of linotype found in a bag of scrap before.
also watch out for more than one washer already fitted. Often I have found people just put another one on top and do not remove the old one.

 

You could try to find a suitable size copper crush washer. Not commonly used for lamps but I have used them on a few Blanchard lamps and they perform well. There are plenty on sale with Amazon. ::Neil::

 

I had one similar and assumed it was a push on fitting, only after damaging it a bit I saw it was threaded.

Try and unscrew it.

 

@Fireexit1
@Mackburner
@MarkC

Thank you for the information. I’ll keep updating on my progress.