Just bought a (working) Tilley lamp...

I have just bought my first pressure lamp, but have got no idea of how to light it, or fit a new mantle as the one it came with fell to bits when I touched it.

I do have more of the right type on order, so would like to know how to proceed once I get them.
It's a model X246B, so how much paraffin should I feed him, how much pressure should he have, and most importantly how do I fit the bloody mantle.?

Hope to get some replies soon.

Regards Sammi Jane in Aberdeen xXx

 

Hello Sammi Jane, before trying to light the lantern, it's best to do a pressure test to check for leaks. First, check that the pump leather is oiled and pliable, if it's dry you can use a light mineral oil like 3-in-1 or vegetable oil but this does tend to go sticky after a while. Next, pump some pressure in to the tank and submerge it in water, bubbles will indicate leaks. Hopefully your lantern will be O.K. but if not, a new seal set will be needed.

If all is well, optimum capacity of the tank is 1.5 pints (850 ml).
Instructions for fitting the mantle are on the packet and also with the lighting instructions here on the Base-Camp web site
Tilley lamp instructions

 

The seller I bought it from on eBay did show pictures of it lit, so I think I'm all right there, but how much pressure should I give the lamp.?
Regards Sammi Jane. xXx

Also I don't have a preheater torch, will I need to get one.?

 

Sammi Jane, 70 - 80 pumps should give you the necessary pressure for the 246B.

Yes you will need a preheater torch.

 

No worries, I've seen one on eBay that I'll order, plus some meths of course.

Regards Sammi Jane xXx

 

As I said at the start of the thread, this is my first pressure lamp, there's a lot more to lighting them compared to a hurricane lamp.!

Sammi Jane in Aberdeen

 

@Sammi Jane

Good for you

there are videos on you tube by a member who goes by the name of broadlander.. I just did a search and there he was.. very informative and helpful

looking forward to seeing your lamp soon :-)

regards
pb

 

Thanks for that I'll have a shufti tomorrow.
Hugs and STUFF Sammi Jane xXx

 

I agree with Henry, just because you saw it working doesn't mean it doesn't leak.
If this is your first pressure lantern, isn't it better to check?
Rather than be sorry?
This is just my opinion of course, and you should be the one to decide.
Enjoy your new lamp.
Regards
Brian

 

I'll pump it up with the cock closed and see if it holds pressure over about an hour,
Regards Sammi Jane xXx

 

I’m only half an hour away @Sammi Jane, if you need any wee bits just give me a shout.

 

I'll certainly keep that in mind, thanks @Jean J
Hugs and STUFF Sammi Jane xXx

 

The lamp was already fitted with new seals and it held the small amount of pressure that I pumped into the tank, so now I'm just waiting for the rest of the stuff that I've ordered.
Quick question though, I've ordered some methylated spirits, but can I use white spirit.?
Regards Sammi Jane in Aberdeen. xXx

 

White spirit will be smokey…

Tony

 

Fairy Nuff, I'll stick with the meths then...

 

@podbros, is broadlander still about.?
All of his videos are seven years old...
Regards Sammi Jane xXx

 

We saw him at Newark last June and judging by his FaceAche page he's still alive and kicking - not expected to depart any time soon, either...

 

Considering I would never go anywhere near that site with a ten foot barge pole I wouldn't be any the wiser.

P.S. I've got no idea why the country flag says that I'm in the US of A..?

 

Thanks David

Sammi here’s an explanation as others have also questioned :-)

 

Strange, as my ISP is Zen, which is UK based, and even when I use a VPN that's set to a UK server.

P.S. I've now switched the flag off.

 

Just got all the gubbins that I needed for lighting my first pressure lamp and here he is.!


Hugs and STUFF Sammi Jane xXx

 

I've had a bit of a disaster...
Thank goodness we had a fire blanket though, as we hadn't closed the cock when putting the pre-heat torch under and we got lots of flames, the glass is all blackened and the mantle is burned up, but we're going to try again later this evening, we might need a bit of help from @Jean J though...
Regards Sammi Jane & Ria xXx

 

Still getting lots of flames, so some of the seals might need to be replaced we definitely need help.

 

All part of the course
After a good flare up there can still be a lot of paraffin sitting in the burner which will need at least 2/3 pre heats to get rid of
that can also help to burn off the black mantle

 

That's one word for it.!!
Do you think that I'll need to get a new set of seals.?
The seller I got it from had fitted a new set, but I think he tightened them up too much.
Thank goodness we had a fire blanket on hand, and if it had happened in a tent...
I knew there was a reason we don't do camping...
Regards Sammi Jane xXx

 

Thanks @Jean J & your husband for getting Ted working again, and helping us with the proper lighting technique.
Hugs and Stuff Sammi Jane xXx

 

Hi sammie Jane
I hope you got to see Jean's collection as she has some rare and interesting lamps.
Regards Ian.

 

We did thanks, but by 'eck she doesn't half live in the back of beyond.!
Hugs Sammi Jane xXx

 

The only casualty of the flare up was the little card behind the control cock, does anyone know where I can get a new one.?
Hugs Sammi Jane xXx

 

Glad you got fixed up
There is a chap on ebay called arty pharty selling such a thing



pb