Hi all Can anyone help me by describing the method of positioning the cleaning needle on a primus 1001 lamp? I have tried searching the forums with no success. Thanks Nick
It's nothing special. Just unscrew the old needle and replace it with the newer type. It will not always get fully seated, but that doesn't matter since the hight and position of the needle isn't crucial on these lanterns. You can fit the new needle without removing the cleaning needle rod, but I prefer to lift it all out of the vaporiser. When the jet is removed, you just screw the control wheel clockwise until the rack of the needle get free from the pinion and lift it all out: Then change the needle: Put the rod back (make sure the rack of it is in the correct position) and turn the control wheel counter clockwise until the rack and pinion engages and takes the needle rod down all the way. Replace the jet and check that the needle protrudes when the wheel is turned fully to stop clockwise.
Thanks Christer The problem I had was that I had taken the control wheel off to sort out the stuffing box so the relationship between the wheel and the needle was all wrong and I wrecked the first needle I used doing as you say! was I angry [only a bit] the needle must have snagged on the edge of the jet and buckled as I wound the control wheel up!!ruined!! I think I have got the second one right my only concern is that the needle is not so high up that it does not leave the jet clear when the wheel is in the down position if that makes sense? Thanks Nick
Lucky that it's two needles in a set then. I usually raise the needle a bit when screwing the jet down, and lower it as it starts to look out through the orifice. If the needle is fully retracted, it tend to force the rod to one side, and it can cause what you describe here. If you have the needle well screwed in to the rod, there shouldn't be any problems with it interfering with the jet when fully lowered. The travel of these are pretty long between the fully stops on each direction. Perhaps there's something wrong with your needle rod or the pinion of the control spindle. Can you take a picture of these?
Christer the rod is identical to the one in your photo. I think its all ok. I have just done a test fire with an improvised Tilley mantle but it was not very successful, the mantle did not glow, there seemed to be kero flames inside it, so I will start again and check the jet is tight etc. Nick
Hi Speaking of a Primus 1001 cleaning needle rod, does anyone have one to spare or know where I might be able to find one? I had to fix mine a few years ago and I doubt if it will hold much longer. It broke in half and I had to make a sleeve for the two pieces to fit together. Thanks
Christer, I guess I could if I had the equipment and a steady hand... Think I'll look into the brazing idea.
I have found that there is not as much travel with the new needles as with the old. Still enough though. With the old needles there is about 180 degrees rotation of the control wheel. With the new there is only about 90 degrees.
