New and have no clue! Tilley 246a

Hi all

I recently moved into a new home and rooting around the garage came across a Tilley 246a, I don't have a clue about them, well I say that, I have stripped it apart and figured out how it sort of works (I'm an maintenance engineer by trade)

Taken the pump apart and looks like it has a leather cup, also taken main stem apart, given a clean and managed to spray a fine mist of water over myself ( took the fuel out and washed it out before I bought it in the house)

Couple of things to ask really, what mantle does it take and where can I get one? Also when I had main stem valve off I had water leak from pump, I presume the leather was by passing.

Any help, advice guidance would be great.
Regards
Martin a lamp noob

 

Welcome Martin, well done finding your lamp. You'll need to start with a new set of seals, if you say the pump leather is present and still seems ok then just give that a soak in some oil. The leak you have from the pump will be the valve in the bottom, this is the only thing stopping the fuel coming out of the pump under pressure, so that is really one seal that needs to be changed. If it fails when you have the lamp running then you've got a mess on your hands. Trust me.

Ebay is your best source for mantles, there's only two types of mantle for your lamp, one has a string top and bottom (164x) the other has a metal ring at the top (164h) slightly easier to fit. Seals are available from the fettle box, (link top right). If you can post a pic of your lamp then we can get a better idea of what your dealing with, as variations are possible and you need the right parts.

Best regards Matt.

 

Thanks for the reply, taken picture of lamp, will try the oil on the pump seal, nice little project to get it going. Don't really want to be covered in fuel with a lite lamp!

 

Ohh that's better still, that's an x246 from the early part of the 50's. Much better than the x246a which is a later lamp and lacking quality. This Link shows the kit you need for you lamp. The only thing I would say is your hood cap is very good but if you start using the lamp then it won't last for very long. They suffer terribly and before long you'll have bits of the enamel missing everywhere. You may wish to get a second hood off ebay that you can use on the lamp and keep that one safely wrapped up. The black enamel ones are more readily available and from my experience don't suffer so much from damage.

 

NO $¥|T !!! That hood is awesome Martin, best you send it to me for safe keeping my friend !

Welcome

 

Thanks Matthew for the link, will have a look on ebay for a new top and mantles.

 

Settle down Ray, you'll scare him. It is that good though.

 

LOL, is it? the edges towards the bottom are not so good, has a small mark? Are Tilley lamps worth much?

 

Another Pic

 

And from the other side, twisted 180

 

Welcome... That lamp is a real find... there can't be many of that model left in such good condition, especially the hood - and it has the original tank transfers too... I'll add myself to the list of those happy to look after it for the next twenty or thirty years

 

Mstothar, you need to click on 'Full Size' or 'Thumbnail' (as appropriate - preferably Full Size) to insert your images into the posts - see red text in the File Manager when you post. You don't need to start a new post every time, either. Hope that helps...

 

Ah ok, sorry about that.

 

Compare it to this one of mine and yes it's mint. Prices vary from model to model, we can't give values but if you start looking on Ebay at the different types then you will soon see that some cost a fortune and some are more reasonable. Before long I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't got a Tilley table lamp on your wish list.

 

Noticed a little B in the middle of the valve know, does it mean anything?

 

One last thing to ask and i will leave you in peace, is it worth polishing it, or should i leave it as it is?

 

Welcome aboard Martin!

 

Thanks Jeff

 

I'm sure the experts will chip-in soon, but I would leave the tank 'as it is' - careful cleaning only and avoid damaging the decals (which are likely to be fragile)... It won't take much to get this one running, and for very little cost. Other than that you will be at risk of 'needing' more lamps....

 

I think I will stick to the one, don't think my wife would appreciate more hobbies, I'm into Rc cars in a big way and have filled half my man cave with them!

 

When you look at Tilley instructions, the control cock knob (which that is) is labelled 'B':-

http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1466

1946 - nearest I can find to the date of your lantern...

 

You really think you will stick with only one? Take it from me, I thought the same, but soon learned otherwise. Try to keep the hood for display, plenty of used ones on the bay of evil.

 

Hi Mstothar

Welcome to the forum.

Only half your man cave full! Plenty of room for a few lamps especially if we have the predicted power cuts this winter. Heat and light combined, you will definitely be in your wife's good books.

Regards, Jeremy

 

A very nice find protect the transfer with a coat of clear.
Pork Pie's were 45/6-50 this is the first of the "Guardsman"style.50-54/5, as I understand it.
Make sure all traces of water are eliminated as any water in a hot vaporizer is potentially explosive.

 

Don't be tempted to polish em...

 

If it were mine I'd just clean the tank with some soapy water, being particulary careful with the decals. Once clean a good car wax will shine it up and protect it.

 

David is a tad optimistic with the date. This model is about 1950 to 1954. Might be a tad earlier but not much because there are three variants of the Pork Pie type from 1946 which pre date this Guardsman type. In that condition the worst I would inflict on it might be to spray with a clear lacquer to stop the decal falling off. In that condition it is really a collectors piece. Mind you they are not such a rare thing that you can't use it. What they were made for after all. ::Neil::

 

You misunderstand, Neil. I was saying the instructions were from 1946 which was the nearest set I could find to the date of the lantern (1950-54). Click the link I posted and see for yourself...

 

Thanks for all the responses, got mantles, washer kit, pre heater and spirit bottle on order now.

 

My concern with using lacquer is the risk of a run or getting a speck of dust in it...

This is why I generally go for car wax which offers good protection for the paintwork and even bare brass.