I have a Coleman 285 dual fuel lantern minus mantles. I’m in Finland, where we have basically zero Coleman products. Even the EU Amazon stores make it very challenging and costly to get the #21 mantles (I’ve already tried and they sent #20 mantles by mistake) and ordering from the UK means waiting 1-2 months and dealing with a very annoying and expensive customs clearance process. So, is there a decent alternative that can be used, such as a particular size/CP rating of a Petromax-compatible mantle? I will naturally be ordering supplies from UK sellers in the future, but I’m trying to avoid the wait in this case. Also, as I’ve never used this lantern, is it safe to assume that I can test it at low pressure without mantles as I would with kerosene lanterns? I plan to use 4T alkylate fuel in it.
Gas mantles for Coleman Tilley & all kerosene pressure lamps - I do a big order every couple of years, even though I am in the UK. Peerless 2C-HG is my go to for #21 mantle substitutes.. For testing I just buy the super-cheap chinese ones from Ebay.
Although Peerless are now made by Aurlicht of Bombay, who list a distributor near you Kaasulaitteita, -tarvikkeita ja -palveluita teollisuudelle ja yksityisille | Wilhtom but I could not find them on that site.
Nice, I’ve never heard of that Finnish company. They have six different mantle models, including a double-tie one that fits Tilleys. For ordinary single-tie mantles, there’s basically just small (100 W, 65 mm) and three different larger sizes (70, 80, and 100 mm). The 100 mm is evidently for 500 CP Petromax lanterns. Would any of these likely work alright with the Coleman 285?
A bit of an unknown. Mantles seem to behave differently and original size is not always an indication of how they end up. Below is Peerless 2c-hg and the ebay Chinese one.
I managed to find the correct (Coleman #21) mantles in stock at Stuga-Cabaña for a reasonable price and just ordered some. Thanks to all who offered some advice. Back to one of my earlier questions, though… I’d really like to know if it’s safe to function test a Coleman gasoline lantern without mantles installed. I’ve never used this type of lantern before so please excuse my ignorance. I’m just trying to be cautious.
For testing (under surveillance) it's OK to run a lantern for a short time without mantles. However, the flame will sometimes blow itself out, be of a different shape, and might therefore reach parts that must not get overheated to prevent damage. Some petrol lanterns have a heat shield to protect the upper side of the tank and the (soft soldered) fittings from overheating, especially when a mantle gets destroyed when operated unattendedly.
Yes, but don't try it at normal operating pressure. Start low and work the pressure up until a reasonable flame is obtained. Testing burners
