I have just rebuilt my first Petromax type lantern, an Aida 1500. It was, and continues to be, quite a learning experience. Here's the problem: I'm able to get it lit using the rapid preheater, but after letting it run for a good 5 minutes, when I use the pricker (very quickly), the mantle is engulfed in flames and rendered useless. Am I just not waiting long enough? If so, how long should I wait? Could I need a new vaporizer, and how would I know?
My guess is that you need a new nipple/jet. If you have got it to light for 5 minutes there should not be any problem with the vaporizer. I suspect that when you use the pricker you clean the hole in the nipple/jet so it will become "larger" and deliver more kerosene. But if you have soot in the nipple/jet every time you start the lamp there might be to much soot in the vaporizer and you need to clean it. Read in other topics about how to do that. Michael
Welcome aboard! The two most likely causes of that problem are that your lamp is not hot enough or that the jet has become enlarged. I assume that you are using paraffin/kerosene? Jeff.
Thanks for the responses. Yes, I'm using Kero. I've cleaned the vaporizer with carb cleaner and citric. I do have a spare jet, so I'll try swapping that out and see if it solves the problem tonight.
Success! I changed out the jet and, for good measure, let it burn for 10 minutes before operating the pricker and it's working like a champ!
