Hi all, Yet another question. I need to replace the needle on the 3/300 I am fettling. It would be minimal cost to replace the brass mesh generator filling at the same time. I don't really know what I am looking at though - maybe there is plenty of life in the one I already have. (I'm brand new to pressure lanterns). So interested in others thoughts - generator mesh filling - clean or replace? If I clean it how best to do that do you think? I've seen some talk on the forum about vinegar and/or marine clean? Here is a pic of the generator filling. Note that when I hold it up to the light I can see through the mesh so it is not badly clagged up, by my eye, but not really sure what I'm looking for: And for reference here is the rest of the existing generator bits and pieces disassembled (note I've already cleaned up the generator tube and put it through the brass tumbler I had handy with corn cob media): And assembled, again for reference:
There's nothing wrong with the mesh. It's only carbon build up on it. It burns off nicely with a blow torch. Just put it on a brick or some non flammable surface and heat it up until nice and red. The carbon burns off and leaves it nice and clean and ready to use again.
@Pauly @Nils Stephenson provides an ideal way to clean your mesh, but be careful if you accidentally pick up the MAPP torch rather than the propane one (and don’t pay attention). Too hot and you’ll blow a hole it. I know from experience . Cheers Tony
OK, sorted. Pencil blowtorch. Still appears black in places but looks better than when I started so figure good enough - it seemed to change back to black in places after I'd seen it clean up.
Yes, it would. Brass contains copper and if you heat up copper in the presence of air, it oxidises to form copper oxide - which is black. However, the copper oxide layer will be thin and shouldn't affect the operation of the mesh. You could remove it by immersing the mesh in a DILUTE acid for a SHORT period of time, then cleaning it up with an old toothbrush until the brass is clean again...
