Leaking Optimus 200 kerosene tank

Hi All,

Any good suggestions or solutions regarding a leaking tank on Optimus 200 lantern (chromed)? Leak is at the bottom of the tank where the round bottom joins the curvy wall. Probably the lamp has dropped, caused small dent which was straightened, however there's now tiny leak of kerosene every time lamp is used and pressurized.

Has anybody had similar problem? Can the tank be welded given the base is brass? What about soldering?

I'm not worried in case the fix would damage the chrome as I'm planning to re-chrome the tank anyway. Potential soldering or welding is at the bottom of the map and not visible as such.

All help / suggestions and recommendations welcome.

Br,
Tommi

 

Yes can be soldered, make sure lantern is fuel free an vapor free also area that leaking has been very well cleaned of leaking fuel, the cleaner it is the better it will solder.
Goodluck
Gozzy

 

Welcome aboard!

 

It'll be Nickel plated.

Soldering is the way to go.

As already mentioned make sure the tank is empty of residual fuel and free of vapour, steam is the quickest way to achieve that, if you have a steam cleaner (great tool, lot's of uses.)

Keeping the seam next to the repair cool while making the repair is important.

Bung the openings in the tank and fill it with cold water leaving an air bubble that can be moved under the solder site or use some cold rags next to the solder site.

After that it's just like any other soldering job.

 

If that doesn't work - get yourself a tank sealant kit (by POR 15 - available on amazon)

 

Hi,

Thank you all for the responses. Now I just need to find capable person for the soldering work...

Cheers,
Tommi

 

Can you upload a picture of where it leaking from? I just want to be sure I'm giving you the right advice.

Thanks,

 

Here's the picture. I think the hole/leak point is visible in the middle of the factory soldered area. (the stripy look of the bottom is just a reflection from my stripy shirt).

 

Thanks, Yes, carry on... shouldn't be a problem for anyone with soldering experience to repair.

It's a good skill to learn if your going to get into lamps, you just need a blowtorch, some flux and solder and something to practice on. A cheap kerosene stove is good, you can take it apart and put it back together again and again.

Good luck!