I've had this for a few weeks but only today did I get round to finally finishing it. The fount was suffering from quite a few rust spots and once treated they left some pitting behind, but the collar, frame and hood all cleaned up nicely. The label has come off but I can reattach it easily enough. I hadn't planned to convert it to kero but the first time I tried a test lighting I discovered that there was a blockage in the generator and the pricker needle had broken so I swapped it out for a 339 genny and a pre-heater cup and she roared into life. Thanks to finn-emm (that's his eBay handle because I've forgotten his CPL name!) for the lamp and replacement control valve and @Norman for the pre-heater and loads of other help.
@ColinG , I did almost the opposite: I traded for a green 335 that had been converted to kero and converted it back to CF. Although they are not particularly well regarded by the Americans, I've always rather liked the 335 and 339. Very quick to pre-heat, very bright, a nice compact size and a cheap/common standard globe make them great camping and travelling lanterns.
Running well. Out of interest, when lit, is it more of a gentle roar than a hiss? I'm working on a 339 and although bright, it is noisy in comparison to Tilley
Not really a roar... maybe a bit louder than a Tilley but most Colemans are a bit noisier... then again most are a lot brighter too!
So, what did you do about the 335 fuel-air tube in the fount , Colin? Also, did you know that the top end of burner tube on the 335 is restricted but on the 339 it is just a straight tube?
I did nothing apart from change the generator and it seems to work perfectly. It burns evenly, it's very bright and although it's noisier than a Tilley it's about the same as most other Colemans I've used.
Nice conversion well done.. a gem , myself I converted a Coleman 295 dual fuel to run on kerosene by swapping the generator tube for a 639 tube .. an exact fit and adding a copper pre heat cup .. worked great .. but the glass suffered and was cracked with the heat. Now a Coleman 639 lantern has a bulbous glass piece a little further away we see from the mantle.. it was probably designed that way but hey ho just keep watch on the glass good luck
That's a great idea, Alby. I have a bulbous globe and a 639 generator as well I think, so this may well happen soon.
Are you sure you have the 339 generator ? At 4 1/16 inches (including gas tip), generator K3 for lantern model 339 is the same length as the 335, it also has the same diameter at the bottom end and should be a straight swap. Top to bottom:- 335, K3 (339), 237 = same length as 639
To be honest, I've forgotten exactly what I did but I do remember that the generator was a Coleman original still in its blister pack. Back when I did that conversion I wasn't experienced enough to try fitting alternative gennys. Actually that was back when you could still purchase gennys easily and for little money! Ahhhh, those were the days!
Oh dear... I bought the 639 Generator. The larger one. I suppose now I have a spare for my 639. Thank you for the photo and reply. Now I have the right part to go hunt down. Much appreciated.
Or.... you can use the 639 genny to convert a Powerhouse 295 to kero! In the UK you can pick up second hand 295s for relatively little money!
Thank you again for the quick replies. Which one in your picture is the kerosene one? (I assume the used black one). I also can't track down the part number for the generator for the kerosene. The one on your blister pack looks to be the 335 Generator. I'm looking at a manual for the 339, and it says 339-299 K3.
As well as the 639 genny fitted to a 295 , the 639 bulge globe fits nicely on the 295, gives it a much nicer look.
@Tim Kerslake Yes, the black (used) generator is for the 339, I included a 335 in the picture for comparison sorry if it confused the issue. You could contact Rob Olsen at https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/ If you're feeling adventurous you could try building your own, Cut a K6 generator tube (and coils) to K3 length and flare the end. Use a G3A or G4 cleaning rod (if needed) and a gas tip marked either 3 or TD. Third option is to keep an eye on eBay or other auction sites / flea markets / garage sales.
