I've picked up this Coleman 335 today: I've never had a Coleman before so this is a new venture for me. Under the base it is marked "Coleman Canada" and looks like it has a date stamp of "79". The Glass is obviously shot but does have green Coleman Markings on it. Having taken the hood off it looks a strange construction compared to a Tilley! Questions: Is this a fairly common lamp? (I've only seen all green ones on fleabay) I gather it's a white gas/petrol lamp and I was wondering if it would be an easy job to convert it to kerosene ? (don't like the idea of Scouts and Petrol!) as always any advice would be much appreciated...
Converting Coleman gas lamps to kero is never simple. You could try fitting a 339 generator but then I suspect the mixture will be wrong. This is one of the best gasoline lanterns Coleman made. Not really fair to the lamp to convert it. Inside the lamp the fuel is very safe. Mind you for any lenghthy period of use you have to cary fuel and I would not take gasoline to a Scout camp either. Although having said that in the US in the 1950s to 1970s the standard lantern used by Scouts was the 200 or 200a which is a gasoline burner. I don't know of any problems ever being made public. ::Neil::
Thanks Neil, It might be one for "leaders only" then ! any idea where I can find lighting instructions?
Back in the early/mid 1950's when I was in the scouts we had a couple of 200's and, if my memory serves me, either a 220 or 228, I just can't remember anymore. They were all good. However, only the scoutmaster was allowed to light those lanterns. We also has a couple of Dietz Comet wick lanterns and we were allowed to light them (logic ?). I do't have a 335 but they should be very easy to light. My guess would be to pump about 30 pumps with a full tank of fuel, turn the fuel valve about a 1/4 turn open and light. Once the mantles settle down, turn all the way open. In fact, the lighting instructions should be on the control valve.
Very easy to light as per the instructions, but please do check that the check valve in the bottom of the pump tube isn't leaking before you try! I had to replace the check valve and graphite packing around the control stem on mine (ordered from the US - Old Coleman Parts) I converted it to kero in the end (with a generator from Old Coleman Parts again)
Nice. That's the nickel-plated (I think) model not available here in Canada. That was made for export. The last of the 335 models we see here in Canada are the green ones with the latest date of January 1977. February 1977 saw the introduction of the green 321B model and that's what was being commonly sold here in Canada in 1979. At least that's my experience with the ones I've seen personally, and those I've seen for sale on ebay or in local classifieds ads.
If you have troubles in finding a Generator for this Lamp give me me a PT, I have a couple, I struggled to get them for a while so grabbed a handful when the chance arose. I also have the Nickel version. They are a good Lantern.
Scouter Bill have a look at this thread [url=http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/9206 regarding the graphite packings. It's a 242B but the principles are basically the same. And this thread [url=http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/1774 regarding maintaining the Coleman "ball" check valve in the bottom of the pump. It worked for me.
I have to say the 335 is an incredible lantern, I use peerless 111on mine an the generator fills the mantle perfect an the light output is not far off many of my 500cp lanterns. its also been a very safe lamp my eleven yearold daughter has no problems lighting it. A wonderful little lantern. Paul
Even though it says 335, its actually a 335p. I have a few of these, ranging from 1970-1983 (I think they stopped the 335p in 83) They are really good lanterns. Once I've found in the UK are usually gummed up with unleaded being run in them. Easy to clean, and generators are not too bad. I bought a job lot of 11 last year, and every single one had a lose valve packing nut (behind the valve wheel) you don't necessarily need to change the packing, just tighten it a bit Now get it going!
Thanks for all the replies- interesting reading. I don't know how expensive Coleman fuel is, but is there an alternative to unleaded or failing that which "unleaded" is best to use? I'm going to try and find a parts diagram etc before attempting a strip down and then we'll go from there.
Coleman fuel is very expensive, using unleaded or super unleaded is fine, the 335 is simple to strip so personally I take generator off every 7or8 tank fulls remove internals spray all with carb cleaner, it's good to start with clean or new generator so you can keep on top of it, the whole job takes 5 minutes. No need to waste stupid amounts of money on coleman fuel or panel wipe for the sake of 5 minutes of your time. Looking forward to seeing yours running. Paul
This is a slight trick I learned over the years. On any lantern, regardless what fuel it burns, kerosene,gasoline, or Coleman fuel, about every 3rd or 4th tank full of fuel put just a few drops of carburetor cleaner in the tank. Slosh it around in the tank for a few seconds then simply light the lantern when you are ready. The additive has been mixed with the fuel and is ready to use. I found this works great for keeping the generator/vaporizer clear and extending the life of the generator. Coleman fuel is a joke in my opinion. It's nothing but naphtha and a good grade of "unleaded" fuel will work just as well.
I always use Aspen 4t, I know people will use unleaded in them, and the always focus on the generator. But you also have to keep in mind that unleaded will eat the fount liner inside the tank. Every time I find a Coleman Fuel lantern in the UK you can always tell if it had unleaded run in it. Plus it stinks. The unleaded also causes frames to rust.
From what I have been told, unleaded (car fuel) is also only to be used outdoors. Apparently there are additives in unleaded that are not burnt when running the lamp that can be harmful to your health.
If you can afford expensive fuel all good an well if you can't then petrol it is an I'm lucky enough to have windows in my house lol got to make light of these things otherwise it's health and safety gone mad!
I think I will be using it as a "petrol" lamp though as mentioned before I won't be over keen on letting the scouts loose on it - to some this may sound a bit over cautious but petrol is a bit more volatile compared to the likes of paraffin, and if I did take it to camp it would be a case of only having fuel in the lamp itself. Having not stored unleaded before,is there a "shelf life" for unleaded before it becomes unuseable?
Hmm, can only speak for myself but my old 2 stroke mower wouldn't even think about it if the petrol was more than 2 weeks old?.. ..What they don't put in Unleaded now..more additives and such it's a wonder there's any ummph left in it? (rant over) ..Quite a few of the chaps on here will be able to tell you which countries put put what in theirs and probably the correct chemical symbols as well??
Yes, but people use petrol in their cars every day and don't think twice about it. There are rarely any accidents involved in its use because vehicles are designed to use it safely. The danger times are when the fuel cap is off and human weakness/stupidity comes into the equation. So it is with gasoline lanterns. As Neil has been known to say on the odd occasion - it's not good public relations to incinerate your customers...
Take a look at Youtube. Search for. "How to make Coleman lantern fuel at home". Would make a good demonstration for the Scouts, If you are thinking of leaving the Movement for good, and most likeley the Country as well. It does show how much Crud there is in it.
