I bought my Tilley (off ebay) and, inevitably, it needs work - an area where I know nothing. Initially, the pump had no pressure so I bought the service kit, replaced the leather cup and pressure will (sort of) increase. However, as soon as I get the heating element lit, paraffin begins to bubble out from the end of the pump and pressure is escaping - leading me to think it is a washer or summat. Pretty clueless really - help pls.
Welcome aboard! There is a non return valve in the bottom of the pump and it probably needs a new seal, there are several members of this forum who live in Norfolk, so perhaps one of them can offer assistance, Jeff.
At the bottom end of the pump tube there is Non Return Valve NRV that allows air flow from the pump to tank but it prevents the flow to opposite direction. In NRV there is is a seal/gasket that "out dates" if lamp is not used for long periods. NRV is easy to open and seal is also easy to replace, just open it and see in which condition it is.
Just for info here is exploded picture of the pump: http://www.tilleylamp.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=46&osCsid=58d08b1d934441c26946bc91eb57c2b5 NRV seal is part no. 155. on pump. (Same seal is used in control valve also.) To ensure that pressure stays in the tank it might be good idea to change or at least check the pump to tank seal also, which is part no. 154.
Oh, this is demoralising - we have replaced 154, 155, 160 and 122 and 120....and we are still losing pressure....which looks like the whole paraffin tank is a duffer and there are various leaks....somewhere. I am really reluctant to buy a new pump in case it all fails - have already spent upwards of £60 on lamp, spirit holder and service kits....and it is still a fail. Deeply, deeply depressed (well, in relation to lamps anyway). I have a large collection of various oil lamp bits (duplex, etc.) which are also requiring a more expert hand than mine. Shoulda just bought a new one, hey?
I would try the dunk test. With an empty tank and the burner removed, pump up pressure then put it in a bucket of water. The bubbles will show you where any leaks are.
I'm assuming that it is no longer leaking paraffin from the pump?? The chances are that you haven't seated 154 properly, this washer can be quite fussy... Rather than dunk the lamp; get a paint brush and some soapy water. Pump some pressure in and soap up around the pump and where the stop cock screws onto the tank. Any leak will quickly become apparent...
Yes, with 154 you need some special attention. I change 154 by removing ring that used to screw pump to tank from the pump first. Then I put 154 to bare pump tube from pump's piston direction. Next I turn that ring back and ensure that pump tube and that ring joint is tight. Last point is to screw pump back to tank.
OK, I cast it aside in desolation....but am feeling enthused enough to get it out and have another go (and doing dunk test) - although we put pretty much everything in our service kit in place. Feeling a bit ashamed at my lack of fettling fortitude will report back (and thank you for patience and advice).
Bring it here and I will make it run. Always easier to show than try to talk through these problems. ::Neil::
This problem sounds familiar. I struggled several evenings on the campsite to sort it out. The rubber ring has to be tight to the pump tube. That is where that metal ring with its bended edge is for, to press the rubber inward. First assemble the whole pump section tightly. Than screw into the tank. Easier and more fun: accept the offer the Tully doctor made. If you have a real 246 and not a 246B, do not buy a new one. The oldest generally are the best.
