Guys, I've bought two Anchor lamps and have been trying to get them going. On the first one, I tried it for pressure without a mantle or flame, and found that the valve (the red wheel) won't turn it off properly, so fuel is always spurting out, more or less quickly. What should I try, do you think? On the second one the pump seems to be meeting resistance and not putting pressure in the tank. Would this be the non-return valve at the bottom of the pump tube, if there is such a thing in there? I can't see how you would get it out to fix it. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
@Oliver Laws The red wheel is not really meant to operate a fuel valve. Basically it raises and lowers the needle for the jet, although there's a "kind of" fuel valve at the bottom of the fuel pickup inside the tank. But this fuel valve does not operate 100% at almost all lanterns that I know of that same construction. It is only meant to prevent getting too much fuel into the vaporizer while preheating under pressure with the torch preheater. You can operate the lantern even without that valve functioning if you don't use the torch preheater, but the spirit cup instead. In this case close the filler cap manometer and the air screw and start pumping just before the meths burns out. However, if you want to get the lantern going 100% properly, you have to dismantle it completely and change all seals and gaskets. Special attention should be paid to the pump valve, since it sits in the tank under the fuel level, and if it fails it will generate a mess by spilling out the fuel via the pump shaft. Not a serious problem with paraffin, but really dangerous with petrol. Your other lantern seems to have a problem with the pump valve or the leather gasket in the pump, so you should look after that first.
The link Henry sent will tell you how they work. for 1) sound like the "foot valve" - at the bottom of the vapouriser has failed or depending on what has happened in its past is mis-aligned. for 2) yes the NRV unscrews - sounds like it is stuck. Both of these valves have small rubber pips and springs. But you should oil the leather in the pump first. Seal kits are great - Magnalux Lantern Spares or email them.
Thank you Martin, Henry and Fireexit1. The booklet in the link Henry sent is really helpful, and I will definitely check out Magnalux Lantern Spares.
Go for it! Anchor lanterns are not too shabby, and once you have them working well they will give good service. Keep them dry as they have a habit of rusting if left in damp sheds.
