I am in the process of fettling a nice Tilley R1 heater I have come across, and have a few questions about it. The pressure indicator appears to work- it moves up as I add pressure to the tank. I'm not sure how accurate it is though. How many pumps would be considered a safe full pressure, with a full (2/3) tank of fuel? What kind of run time can I expect from a full tank with full pressure? I've been able to get it to run for 5hrs, and found one copy of a brochure online that said 6- should I expect it to run even longer after I've changed out the seals? At the end of the run, the vaporizer is covered with unburned fuel, and I've also noticed a bit of fuel in the pump tube. Am I right in thinking these are both likely caused by a failing NRV? Is there any way to tell if the vaporizer needs replacing, before I've changed out the seals? Already removed as much debris from inside by heating/quenching followed up with carb cleaner, but if I need a new one, I'd like to know before I have to wait for my order to arrive from the UK. And, and way to tell if I need a new burner while I'm at it? The one I have looks okay (clay insulator is intact, doesn't have excessive carbon buildup, wire mesh is intact), but again I'd rather not have to wait for another order if I can help it... Can't wait to get this fixed up! Already have my eyes on an R55 as well... Regards, Joe Martin
Joe 1. 100 pumps on a 2/3 tank is the max. 2. 6 hours is good if everything is working to maximum efficiency. 3. It's easy to tell if your vaporiser is stuffed if its a lantern, but the signs of an enlarged vaporiser in the heater would be a strong kerosene smell on burning; soot build up, and dull red/black wire globe. 4. Replace all your seals, including the NRV. That will not only help with 2., it will avoid a possible conflagration if the pump suddenly shoots kero out because your NRV is munted. 5. No need to replace the clay insulator unless it's broken. If the holes in the burner are joining up together it's probably time to get a new burner. Other than that, if it's clean and tight it should be ok. Cheers Tony
If you fill with a measured 1.5 pints of kero then 100 pump stokes will give you near enough 30psi which is the designed working pressure. With the right amount of fuel it should run for 9 hours. ::Neil::
Thanks guys. Think I will replace the vaporizer while I'm at it- I did notice a strong odor while it was running, and quite a lot of soot...
Thanks, Neil. Having never run my R1 for over 4 hours or so, I hadn't appreciated that Tilley said two different, but not necessarily contradictory, things about its R1 radiators in its averts: 1. "6 hours of heat at a cost of 1 penny": http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1552 and 2. ".. burns 12 hours on 1 1/2 pints of paraffin": http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1185 Cheers Tony
... And, I've just noticed that on p70 of Jim Dick's book, Tiiley: The Versatile Vapour Lamp, there is an advertisement for a Tilley Radiator that says both "6 hours' heat for 1d." and, "It is easily lighted and holds sufficient oil for 10 hours". Cheers Tony
So, if I understand that correctly, it's 6 hours on xxdollars worth of fuel, or 10 hours on a full tank.
I just remembered this old thread if it can come in handy to you: http://0flo.com/index.php?posts/16027 Claus C
Interesting, thank you! My wire mantle seems to be in good shape on this one... though I now have an R55 on the way so may give this a try when it gets here.
