Hi all, I'm Jim, this my first post as I bought a couple of lanterns that need a little understanding by me before I get them fettled. This is a sea anchor 350cp, all is good apart from the pressure gauge not working. It builds pressure though, however, this caused paraffin to spray out of the jet and there is only a tiny point on the circumference of the control cock that seems to close the jet. Also the cock is able to turn and turn, alas I don't know enough to know if this is normal. Any advice would be gratefully received!
Hello Jim and welcome aboard! Anchor lanterns are Chinese made copies of the German Petromax lanterns, the Anchor lanterns are cheaply made, but once they are set up properly they give a good light. They are prone to rusting, so it's a good idea to dry them if they get wet and to store them in a dry place. If the pressure gauge has stopped measuring the pressure, it will still work as a filler cap, but replacement gauges are available. The control cock on this style of lantern, is in fact only a pricker control and yes, it's meant to turn all the way around. So when you are preheating the lantern, have the pricker in the jet and only pump in a little pressure once the meths is about half used, I'm assuming that you are using meths to preheat the lantern rather than a rapid preheater. Once the meths is about 2 thirds used, then turn the pricker control so that the jet is open, the lantern should light but it will be dull, then start pumping the pressure in quickly, the lantern should gradually brighten. You will know when there is sufficient pressure in the lantern by it's brightness and the deep roar of the lantern, also it will become difficult to pump more air into it, Jeff.
I am not sure about the Sea Anchor but most later Petromax do have a shut off valve. The pricker control rod runs up from the cam and the shut off rod runs down from it through the feed tube to a spring loaded NRV at the end. As these are kero lantens and will work just fine without a shut off this valve is often not seviced and you may not even be aware there is a valve or if it works. You have to remove the valve block and feed tube to find out. ::Neil::
Jeff, thanks for your reply, it does help to know I can get it lit without worry and see if it's in need of more work. With regard to the nrv rod/ pricker, I'll see about taking it apart and see what's what inside the assembly. I bought a service kit which does contain a couple of prickers on a small brass bar threaded at one end. So I guess one end, I can service!
Hi underground Neil is correct in his assumption that these clones have a shut off valve. You can get spares and new Sea Anchor lamps from Carl at http://www.hurricanelamps.co.uk/anchorparts.htm Regards, Jeremy
Hi Jeremy, thanks- on the link, is the serviceable part the 'conducting rod'? A general question also, does a new, and therefore dry, leather pump gasket need soaking in oil or anything before use?
There are two types of pickup tubes even on the new lanterns one with a internal foot/shut off valve and the other without. in both cases the wheel will turn 360 degrees here is a pic of both: on the left the one without and on the right the one with. part #196 is the shutoff valve that sits in the tank and that is the one to be serviced (seal and spring). as for the pump leather you should soak it in oil before use.
Hi underground Sorry, not had the chance to log on for a while. Doron has said it all. Good luck. Regards, Jeremy
Sorry too for the delay in thanking you, Doron, and everyone. Although I'm not certain the shut off valve is that effective on my model, the pressure gauge works and the release screw allows the flow to be controlled when not in use - it simply seeps out very slowly when the needle is closed at full pressure. The wife has just asked why another lantern arrived today....
