I've just purchased a Red Heart pressure lamp off FB Marketplace. Not entirely sure what its currently condition is, but glad I saw this website so I can get tips and ideas on how to restore it. I'll post updates!
Apart from the glass the lamp looks to be in good condition but looks can be deceiving. I'd start by doing a pressure test, take off the top and burner and lift out the glass. Make sure the pump leather is soft and pliable with no splits or tears. If it is dry, add a little oil (vegetable or mineral). Tighten the filler cap and air screw, turn the needle control so that the pointer is down and with a finger firmly over the jet, work the pump 50 times then hold the lamp under water. If there are any leaks, air bubbles will show which areas need attention.
wow thanks for this,mate! I am totally new to this and I just bought this to restore it (hopefully!) and use it when we go camping. I will do as you've advised and will provide updates here.
It's a Red Heart 805 350cp. I've just disassembled it now to check the individual parts. Will do some light cleaning and will do a pressure test tomorrow. Thanks everyone!
If you are new to this type of lantern and unsure of the part names have a look here Magnalux Lantern Spares and here Petromax Spares Price List Looking at the conducting rod (#104) sticking out of the upper vapouriser (#152) I wonder if there is a valve at the bottom of the lower vapouriser (#153). Although not really necessary on your lamp the fuel valve (also called foot valve) consists of a spring loaded rubber pip in its own special brass cup (#193) which can help prevent leaks when transporting the lamp with fuel in the tank so before reassembling the lamp, put the conducting rod down into the lower vapouriser and see if there is any resistance, don't worry if there isn't but if there is it will indicate the presence of a valve which you may want to service while everything is still in bits. If this is the case, count the turns as you unscrew the lower vapouriser (I've found it's usually 7 or 8 full turns), it will help when you put it back in. IF you do this, you will need either a new lead washer (remove the old one first) or some PTFE tape on the threads so that the lower vapouriser is in the correct position AND tight enough to not leak. Again, when it comes to rebuilding the lamp, you may find it eaier to reinstall the eccentic #114 (needle control) if you partially dismantle it. That pump leather definitely needs oiling.
all i need to do now is test it. any tips on how should I proceed with the testing, making sure I don't burn our place down! haha
Well download a manual and read it, read it again. Making sure you understand how these "machines" work. So if you or the machine produces a fire ball, you know how to act. But starting the lamp outside is never a bad idea.
