Hi all, I've recently got a Coleman single mantle kerosene lantern -this model (639b 700) is burning out new mantles within 45 mins. It seems to be overheating for some reason... I've not had this problem with either of the 2 other Colemans I own.. any ideas of the root cause. The mantles are new and good quality so it may be some thing to do with the air/fuel mixture... Thanks
Welcome Orpheus! What mantles are they, and how do you go about burning them in before lighting the lantern?
I've used Coleman 11 and the equivalent peerless mantles ..both brands are burning straight away...the problem seems to be with the lamp sadly
The instructions on the Peerless packet say to burn off the mantle with a match and let it cool off completely. Only then pre-heat with alcohol and open fuel valve to light lantern. Before burning off the mantle it is a good idea to pressurize the fount so that you do not disturb the delicate ash before lighting the lantern. See how you go doing it this way and let us know?
@Orpheus Interesting. I’ve never had a mantle “burning out” after being formed. I’ve had them break, though. Can you describe or photograph what this “burning out” looks like. As for “overheating”: check that all your generator and burner components are tight and no air passages blocked. Cheers Tony
Thanks so much..I've had absolutely no problem with mantle issues on my other two Coleman lamps. I've always followed the correct protocol in relation to lighting or changing mantles. This particular Coleman is literally burning big holes in mantles within 15 minutes, even at the lowest fuel setting. I can also see a red glow and a small orange tongue of flame, almost like a Bunsen burner, at the vaporiser aperture.
@Orpheus If you have “a tongue of flame” coming from anywhere other than the burner nozzle (pointing down) you’ve got a fault that needs fixing. The blowing of a hole in the mantle shows that something is wrong. A photo would help us help you. I’m not sure what you mean by “at the vaporiser aperture”. Try lighting with the mantle off and see where this errant flame is emanating. Cheers Tony
Tony,thanks for your help..in mentioning the vaporizer aperture I am referring to the burner nozzle. I'm adding a photo now. Really appreciate your insight on this.
The jet on the vapouriser may be enlarged and check the wire mesh on the nozzle, if it's damaged then that would cause mantle damage. As other members have already said, photographs will help us to assist you.
@Orpheus 1. As @JEFF JOHNSON said, check the mesh in the nozzle; 2. Release pressure in tank and re-pressurise as per instructions. 3. Light without mantle and post photo. Cheers Tony
Looks like there is some damage to the generator. Would you be able to try it out with another generator?
There is definitely a problem with that vapouriser and as I mentioned in my previous post check the nozzle for damage.
@shagratork Well spotted!!! @Orpheus Your generator is ruined. You have no hope but to get a new one. Cheers Tony
From what I can see Tony is probably right. It looks like a slit in the vaporizer. A flame could be coming out of the vap, hitting the mantle and blowing it apart. Only time I had this happen was on a Petromax 829 (German made). I checked it several time and determined that the mantles were bad. This happens sometimes. I checked the package the mantles were in and on the package it stated, "ORGINAL"; spelled wrong on the package. This indicated to me they were some knock-off and I notified the seller. He wasn't very happy.
Many years ago I had an Anchor vapouriser which had a cracked stem, but it was repairable by being brazed.
Thanks so much to everyone for your advice..I'm overwhelmed by the enthusiasm here. Much appreciated. I'll order a new generator(my own view was that this was the problem) but because it was essentially a brand new Coleman I was unsure. Thanks again, Matt
