Hi all, I wonder if it is possible to use spare parts for Petromax HK500 to fix Chinese lamp Anchor 909 (500cp). So far, I found that pre-heater is junk ex-works (too big nozzles, it literally spits droplets of kerosene and sucks in flame from both lighter and match) and I am also suspicious about diameter of top nozzle (the lamp burns yellow and emits black smoke even after proper pre-heating using alcohol bowl). I am unable to get spares for the Chinese lamp, but I am able to order parts for Petromax HK500. Any input is sincerely appreciated.
Ahoj @Bitzer, I believe a lot of the parts will fit. What about starting with the burning yellow question and move on to the preheater when the rest works? There is a U tube which has variable height from the Jet and a vane inside that which also adjusts the mixture. Fix these and you can enjoy the lamp with alcohol preheat. The preheater on a Hipolito and maybe also a Petromax is sensitive to adjustment of the outside nozzle to the main body. The two are separate pieces and distance between is critical for atomisation and a mist spray. Maybe there is a washer inside that sets this distance? I forget.
Hi Bitzer, what was the fuel level when you started the Rapid preheater? If the level is too high it will blow out droplets or even a solid jet of fuel like you described, because fuel gets into the air holes. There is no washer between the inner and outer part which sets the distance. It seems normal that the flame gets sucked in when lighting the preheater because of the strong airflow in the flametube. A possible problem could be an air leak between inner and outer part (e.g. due to scratches), or at the pip which shuts the preheater. Regarding the lamp burning yellow I suspect that the distance between jet/nipple and J-tube is too small. Please adjust to the maximum possible and then reduce step by step, if necessary. Also the jet may be enlarged (possible already by bad manufacturing). It should be examined and replaced in case. Petromax replacement parts will mostly fit, but not all. Some threads may be slightly different, and the length of the upper part of the vaporizer may not fit. I also had problems to use a Schott Suprax glass without re-working the upper ring of the cage which was too narrow. If you lan to use petromax parts also think of downsizing the jet to 350HK which gives less fuel consumption and more margin for a proper function. Good luck, Martin
FYI: Did some quality parts improvement on my SeaAnchor 950, replaced the pump cap and pump knob locking washer from BriteLyt here in the States, their jet and jet needle also fit. I also fabricated a prototype heat shield, it still needs some refinements.
...OK, that looks nearly good. But compare it to an original Petromax from the 1960's: (Besides that nasty dent in the tank)
So far, no luck, I am afraid. I replaced original nozzle and needle with those for Petromax 500HK, which are exact fit (the parts are not exactly readily available in my neck of the woods, in fact, AFAIK, there is only one hardware store in Prague which stocks them, fortunately, they have an e-shop). Hole in the Chinese nozzle seemed bigger and not exactly round. The lower valve of the carburettor (in tank) is tight only in one position of spring/seal assembly. If I turn the seal by as much as 45°, it starts leaking, but I found the right spot. I set the distance between nozzle and J-tube to be the same as on my Petromax 829B. Actually, there is a dimple in the J-tube which provides for this setting. After proper pre-heat with alcohol and with pressure exactly at the red line, I got very wild yellow flames. My question is: Does bigger distance between the nozzle and J-piece provide for leaner or richer mixture? Thanks. P.S.: The product reminded me the urban legend about Chinese reverse engineering. They were supposedly able to copy Russian AK-47, but not AK-74, because they did not understand crucial importance of tight tolerances.
