Greetings, I recently acquired an American Gas Machine ReadyGlo Heater, Model No. Six and I've a question about how to unclogged the Jet Orifice. After a tear down of the Heater, I discovered, that the Orifice Pricker was damaged/bent and was beyond repair, as it broke when I attempted to straighten it out. I'm dumbfounded by the tiny diameter of the Pricker Wire! Without exaggeration, I'd say it's no thicker than a Human Hair! Fruitless, to send a picture of it, as it just looks like a piece of lint! My questions: Does anyone have a tried and true method for clearing the obstructed Jet Orifice? Can anyone tell me the Orifice/Pricker diameter, so that I might be able to find a wire with a similar diameter, to use as a manual Pricking device? Can anyone date the Heater? Can anyone tell me, where I might be able to obtain a replacement Stainless Steel Radiant? I know I've seen mention of a gentleman that fabricates them, but I can't find the Post where it was mentioned! Here's a few pics of the unfettled American Gas Machine ReadyGlo Heater, Model No. Six: If more detailed Pics are required, please let me know. Steve "Stovost"
That is a splendid find! You may get better fettling advice for it on the Coleman Collector's Forum and the first link below is for that website. The second link shows a 1928 advert for that heater. http://www.colemancollectorsforum.com http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/8233
I cleaned some jets successfully with mild citric acid in an ultrasonic bath. May take some time. You can also try to use acupuncture needles in combination. I've got some here that are conical with a square shaped intersection. These are also perfect to measure the diameter of the orifice. However, that doesn't solve your problem with the broken needle...
Thanks Jeff! Can always count on your continued support and enthusiasm! I'll check out the Coleman Site!
Martin, That's a good idea! Now I've got to find some acupuncture needles! Although the discovery of the broken needle is a disappointment, I'm relieved to know, that it won't stop the Heater from functioning. I intended to find an appropriate size needle, or wire and when necessary, clean the Jet manually and fire it up after that! Really "Old School" baby! Thanks for your input!
The jet will be around 0.007" and the cleaning wire about 0.006". To clear a blocked jet then heat and quench often works and then you can run another pricker through it. I normally use a pricker from a spare Coleman generator but if you get a wire such as an accupuncture needle or an A3 insect pin for displaying bugs or the like then you can make a pricker. The A type pins are good at 0.0056" as that dia will fit just about any lamp jet. You can find them on line at http://www.watdon.co.uk/acatalog/insect-pins-accessories.html ::Neil::
Thanks Neil! Taking Jeff Johnson's advice, I posted my predicament at CCF and a member there suggested an overnight Vinegar soak of the Jet. That, along with some gentle probing with a Sewing Needle, did the trick! The Jet is now clear! I'm currently in the process of cleaning the inside of the Fount and have fettled the rest of the Heater. If I can get the go ahead from the CCF members, as far as fit and function of an aftermarket Stainless Steel Radiant, I've found through the CCF, for the AGM, I'm going to purchase one and I'm pretty much ready to test fire it! I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your help!
Yes that works but being an impatient old git far too slow. Heat and quench works in minutes. I don't do gentle and slow when serious heat and a touch of brute force and ignorance gets me there now not tomorrow. ::Neil::
Hahahahaa! Too funny, Neil! Been there, done that, too! When items are not replaceable though, I've found that patience, not haste, wins the race!
