I am happy to share this first lighting of an "OldTimer" with all of you. After having restored this AGM Model 288 "American Ready Lite" over the last few days and learning to understand how the carburetor control valve functioned, this morning's test lighting was successful on the first try! I used a small torch to burn the mantles & warm the burner casting a little bit, prior to lighting. The pump design, with its brand-new leather cup, still seemed like a bit of work to pressurize, but the check valve did its job. Turned on the valve and gave it a second or to to feed, then touched it off........ and it lit without a hitch! Amazing! Operation is steady and quite quiet, and only developed a very slight pulse after about an hour and a half of running time - no complaints from me! As well, the right-hand mantle appeared to be slightly dimmer than the left - this improved after about an hour, but still did not equal the left in output - no complaints from me! Installed a Fred K. replica Mica globe for the photo opportuity. I would like to Thank Neil M. and Bob M. for their technical support, regarding this restoration. Thank you Gentlemen. Chris W - Winnipeg, Canada
A lazy mantle is normally caused by some inequality in the low pressure mixing and mantle tubes. A slight difference in the smoothness of the mantle tubes or different mantle caps will do it. It is because of this that it is important to make sure everything up there is as clean as you can get and that the two mantle tubes and caps match exactly. ::Neil::
Special Thanks to Neil M. and Bob M. for their technical assistance prior to this restoration. Replica Mica globe (installed for photos) courtsey of Fred K.
Thank you for your observations, Neil. It was apparent there were a lot of "burrs" on the edges of many of the fittings, especially near threaded areas - I would say from less than perfect manufacturing practices. I suspected it may have been a screen causing the output on the right side, But at the present time, I am really quite satisfied with its present state and functinality. It was important to me not to over-do the cleaning and maintenance on this lantern - antiques lose their appeal to me after they've been restored to factory condition. Perhaps in the future, I will choose to do a reassessment of this example. Many thanks again - I always value your opinions. With Best Regards, Chris W - Winnipeg, Canada
That is great Chris......It is such a good feeling after all the work involved , to see it light on the first try (or any try for that matter) I have one of these as well and went through the process of "Bringing it up". I had a bit of a snag, in that the pump rod broke just above the threads and I was able to repair it by putting a sleeve inside the tube and epoxying it. I was amazed...It worked :-) My motto is "If you think you can or if you think you cannot, you are correct" (good ol USMC upbringing) Good Job! Glenn
Thanks Glenn, Its a great feeling. Good for you in getting creative with your pump rod issue. This is the first AGM in the collections here, and the learning curve was pretty steep - Its always good to ask questions too. Its nice to have the support and experience of this community behind you during restorations. Cheers, Glenn!
NICELY DONE CHRIS!!!X2 For some reason and Neil may have hit on it. Some of these with the L38 burner I found that #20 mantles burn brighter. The exit holes in the burner caps are smaller than that of Coleman burner caps. Making sure the screens are squeaky clean is paramount. One more thing I have experienced with these AGM lanterns is cracked air pump shafts. If they don't pump even with a good cup, check the shaft for linear cracks. I have fixed them with a wash coat of solder. So now that you have conquered your first carb valve model, is a Lindemann & Hoversen next on the list? The final "spruce up" would be one of these. Ready Lite decal for fount bottom Just give Bill the number you need for the Ready- Lite. Bob
The Mica globe in the foreground, is the original AGM brass-framed form. This particular example came with a Coleman R-55 generator installed, and Canadian Coleman mantles still present (and intact for the most part), when this example was purchased at a local antique shop. The base rest was found to be quite filled with the heads of old wooden matches - an interesting record of its long and useful life. Best Regards, Chris W - Pressure Lantern Enthusiast, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
