Austramax

Hi, found this forum searching for info on my lantern.

Is it normal to have to pump this one every 10-15 mins to keep it bright?
If not what do I need to do. I can't hear any leaks anywhere. Or maybe the seals need replacing?
I have a pic on my phone to upload. Cannot upload on this forum I guess.
It is the 300.
Cheers
Richo

 

Hi Richo, welcome to the forum, i have various Austramax both older and new versions, once i pump mine up they run bright for more than an hour and a half, my suggestion is pump air into the tank without kero and have a bucket of water handy and submerge the tank in water up to the glass rest, cheers

 

Thx man for the reply. Yeah I've been searching the thread and have come across someone servicing theirs. I'll do the same and get it running good.

 

Here it is. Have the box and instructions and mantles inside.

 

Richo they are a great little Aussie lantern, it looks in great condition, let us know how the fettle goes

 

It sounds like there is a leak somewhere. Probably the filler cap seal that has gone a bit hard.

Btw, the handle is not on correctly. It should fit into the holes at either end of the burner casting. That way it is the burner itself that supports the lamp and not just the hood.

 

Welcome to CPL Richo.
Did you give it enough pumps? With 500ml of fuel it can require 50 - 100 strokes of the pump to pressurise properly.

 

I'll check the handle out, I just stuffed it in those holes on the top.
Yeah I have put about 500ml in and pumped alot. Counted 60 at one time. Lasts about max 15 mins when light goes dim.
I'll do the bucket test on the weekend.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Leak in the plunger area I see.

 

Looks like the NRV needs a service. Probably the pip needs replacing.

 

Not savvy on the lingo here yet.
Nrv pip etc

 

NRV = non return valve. This is the valve at the bottom of the pump tube. It is usually a rubber seal (pip) held in place by a spring. Pumping pushes the pip away from a seat to allow air in and the spring and pressure in the tank closes it again when pumping stops.

The NRV can be unscrewed (sometimes they are very tight) and serviced. At the moment I can't remember what type of NRV this version of the Austramax has.

 

@Richo

Your NRV should look something like this:



Tony

 

Thx Tony. Am looking where to unscrew this atm

 

Here it is

 

Lead washer looks quite buggered. My fault trying to get it off. Rubber stop I'd say has perished hard.

 

I’ll look in the shed later today. I might have a replacement NRV.

Tony

 

You can always make a new rubber pip yourself. It just requires that you have the right rubber. The best is viton but the original was probably a good quality nitrile. Nitrile works well, but doesn't last as long. A punch of the right diameter is ideal, but the punch grips for making holes in leather belts etc can also be used.

 

Nice, in the meantime I have some rubber materials I can try and make one.

 

Ooooh yeah thx Tony

 

If your unsure about how the rubber reacts to kero, cut off a small piece and put it in a small jar with kero for a few days. If it swells at all or changes consistency, it's no good.

 

I've checked the shed and have only the front end of an Austramax NRV as a spare (not the tube with the spring and pip).

Tony

 

All good. I'll try some diff materials