Coleman 285 lantern

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by mr optimus, Mar 12, 2017.

  1. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Hi members of CPL, this is the follow up and fettle of the 285 duel fuel lantern i bought the other day which a basic pic and description is on the pressure lamp discussion forum.

    This lantern even though in great condition, when i got it home i noticed two slight problems, one being it had been used with unleaded petrol, the other was the pump had no resistance when i tried to pressurise the lamp.

    So i decided to give this lantern a full fettle, being as i have not posted on here or bought a lantern in ages, i will post a detailed fettle.

    This i will do in a few instalments over the week, i will start with the break down of the lantern.

    1489348746-P1010001.JPG

    Here in the above is the lantern as we can see it's in good condition

    1489348838-P1010003.JPG

    the above pi is the first stage of the break down the hood and globe removed.

    1489348994-P1010004.JPG


    1489349015-P1010005.JPG

    Here are a couple of close up pics of the next stage of break down

    1489349238-P1010006.JPG

    Here we are down to just the tank and valve remaining.

    1489349283-P1010007.JPG

    Here are the fuel valve and pick up tube, the pump rod assembly and the NRV/Check valve.I removed it with my home made tool.

    1489349478-P1010019.JPG

    1489349582-P1010022.JPG

    The above is two pics of the generator, this is what happens when using unleaded petrol the first pic shows there is no cleaning needle this was bent when i removed the nipple, possibly caused by the jet orifice being so blocked it bent the needle.
    It is a good job i decided to do a full fettle sadly it needs a new generator a new one is on its way.
    Hopefully the main fuel valve and pic up tube is ok.
    This is the end of the first chapter f the fettle i will probably add a few in the week once the parts arrive, many thanks for all advice etc through out this fettle
     

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  2. podbros

    podbros United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Thanks for taking the time to post your fettle pics Mr Op..

    These solid looking workhorses tend to get overlooked somewhat and it's good to see one getting sum well deserved tlc :-)

    p
     
  3. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Hi Pod Bros your very welcome, the mantles and pump cup and washers arrived today i am just waiting on the new generator and some Veton o rings for the check valve.

    I have cleaned all the other parts etc, just waiting on the above mentioned items, before i can carry on and finish the fettle, here's a few more pics of the parts i have cleaned and serviced.

    1489419763-P1010026.JPG

    1489419873-P1010028.JPG

    Here in the two above pics, is pump cup service kit.The second shows the order they go onto the pump.

    1489420018-P1010029.JPG

    1489420047-P1010030.JPG

    The two above pics is the check valve and my home made Coleman check remover tool, i only removed the check valve as i was stripping the lantern down and to make sure it was not gummed up.
    i soaked it in carb cleaner.

    1489420412-P1010024.JPG

    Here is the heat shield and frame bottom, this only needed cleaning, i used 0000/ultra fine grade steel wool and 3 in one spray oil

    1489420545-P1010025.JPG

    I forgot to mention this lamp has one of the sparkers fitted,

    1489420605-P1010027.JPG

    The tank i have flushed out loads of crap came out, i have cleaned the out side with detergent and polished it with autoglym car polish.

    Once the generator arrives i will finish of with the rebuild sequence, and fire her up hope this has been enjoyable.
     

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  4. phaedrus42

    phaedrus42 Subscriber

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    Very informative article, Op! You might want to check the schrader valve in the fuel/air tube as well as the o-ring on the valve stem. Those plastic fuel/air tubes sometimes also crack on the seam. The tube seals to the valve body with an o-ring.
     
  5. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Hi Phil thank you for response, good point i had a crack on the pick up tube on a 440 stove, the stove worked fine till the fuel level dropped to where the crack was and then it sucked up more air than fuel then it blew it self out.
    I am hoping the valve and pick up tube is ok, i dont think we can buy just the pick up tube or washers it means a replacement.
     
  6. phaedrus42

    phaedrus42 Subscriber

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    You can get the complete f/a tube assy with schrader valve as part no. 288B5231 from Coleman for $2.99
     
  7. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Thank you Phil, i have not seen them on there own from base camp or any where else in UK. if there is a problem with it i know what to do i will look up colleman
     
  8. podbros

    podbros United Kingdom Subscriber

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    ...It's coming along! :)

    p
     
  9. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Hi Lampies today i reassembled the Coleman 285, here are a few more pic's of the assemble sequence.

    1489605629-P1010024.JPG

    The first was to re fit the check valve and pump rod assembly, Then the valve assembly and pick up tube was screwed in, as this was not a new valve assembly i screwed the valve half way in and then smeared some copper grease around the thread this will make sure of a air tight seal.
    Next the collar was fitted then the control knob and screw.

    1489606084-P1010025.JPG

    Next stage was to fit the frame bottom.

    1489606393-P1010027.JPG

    then the locking nut that clamps the frame bottom to the collar was screwed on lightly.

    1489606996-P1010028.JPG

    Then the upper burner assembly was slid in place over the generator, the little opened washer was slid between the upper burner base and the locking nut. The locking nut was then nipped up,and the heatshield was put in place.
    I then tied on two new mantles and burnt them in forgot to take a pic of this.

    1489607337-P1010030.JPG


    The glass globe was then put in place then the enamelled hood and then the ball nut was screwed on this holds the hood and globe to the lantern.

    1489607497-P1010031.JPG

    I then filled the lantern with some Coleman fuel, i say some Coleman fuel, as i only had enough to put two Coleman funnel fulls of fuel in the lantern, it fired up well, but after a few mins the lantern started to go dim and flicker and then go out.
    I am hoping this was due to lack of fuel, if not the most likely cause is a slit in the pick up tube where the two plastic parts are joined together.I will see if i can scrounge some fuel from my other white gas appliances and try again tomorrow.
    I hope this post has been enjoyable many kind thanks for viewing and replying with advice etc
     

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  10. podbros

    podbros United Kingdom Subscriber

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    ...Enjoyable and informative indeed!

    Many thanks! :)
     
  11. mr optimus

    mr optimus United Kingdom Subscriber

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    Pod Bros thank you very much for the compliment
     
  12. SamuelBrown

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    I used to have an old Aladdin kerosene lantern that I have had since I was a scout, and it has never really worked right.
     
  13. SamuelBrown

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    I used to have an old Aladdin kerosene lantern that I have had since I was a scout, and it has never really worked right. Now I'm considering getting new Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern for my camping needs . I read the overview on this lantern here Best Kerosene Lanterns&Oil Lamps For Camping - BestOutdoorItems .
     
  14. Hanzo

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    The Coleman's work well camping. Only issue with the 285 is its a very small lantern, but it runs great. The 295 Powerhouse the next sized lantern I've found a good camping lantern. Its a bit bigger and brighter and quite dependable.

    The Coleman lantern I like the best for camping is the Northstar PROPANE. Here in the states its $42 at Walmart and the best deal in camping lanterns going to me. Its brighter than most kero or gas lanterns , very reliable and easy to operate .It will burn about 4 hours on a lb canister of propane and it can be connected to a 20lb propane tank easily .
     
  15. phaedrus42

    phaedrus42 Subscriber

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    They are a handy size for camping, but remember they will not run on kerosene/paraffin/fotogen. Unleaded petrol/gasoline or Coleman Fuel/waschbenzin only.
     
  16. Asbestos

    Asbestos Subscriber

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    Consider getting a older Coleman, Don't know about the availability where you are, shipping may make a vintage one too expensive, but there are a lot of nice used 200A and 220's and 228's. Although the Northstar is a serious lantern that kicks out the lumens. They are all pretty easy to get back up and running as long as the fount is not rusted
     
  17. phaedrus42

    phaedrus42 Subscriber

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    @SamuelBrown , Considering that you are in Sweden, my recommendation for you would be an Optimus 200 or 200P or an Optimus 930. Both are powerful for their size and weight, very reliable and any parts you may need should be readily available. Also, fotogen/paraffin is a safer and more economical fuel than gasoline. You should have no problem finding either one for a good price on e.g. Tradera.
     

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