Hi everyone I am new here the name is Jordan. I found this lamp in a skip along with a few spares I believe it was a house clearance. First I would like to identify what model this is on the underside the 3 numbers are 881 if this helps. I have a few bits of spares in original packaging. I have two new meth heaters I believe they are called, I have 6 tilley xmantle packs and 1 tilley vaporiser 606. It all appears to be new old stock.. Unfortunately the lamp has been given a bad blue paint job with is definitely needing to be sorted out... I would like to restore back to what it looked like originally and service the lamp. I have not attempted to fire up as I'm pretty sure the pump is not working it offers no resistance when pumping. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great I have always had an interest in lamps but never had an opportunity to get my hands on one like this before and I am keen on learning the ins and outs Many thanks Jordan
It's amazing what some folks will chuck out, isn't it! You have a Tilley X246B dated August 1981. Definitely Perhaps not the best-loved lantern in the world but a great place to start and adequate enough for most purposes. With those spares (and a 498 seals kit from The Fettlebox - see right - you should be able to get it up-and-running pretty quickly and without much problem. The original colour would almost certainly have been red by then but these are so common, no-one will care what colour you spray it. Any car aerosol from the like of Halfords will suffice - it doesn't need to be heat-resistant. The pump almost certainly will need a new leather washer although if it's dry but otherwise in good condition, a good soak in just about any oil will soften it so that you get a good seal again. Let us know how you get on...
Thankyou for the reply, definitely I know the things I see being thrown away on a daily basis it's mad. I will check the pump seal now . But yes I have always had a strange attraction to lamps I have no idea why so when I see this is just thought sod it let's do it and see where it goes and as you say a good place to start.. I will give it a good rub some and re spray I think just to make it look tidy again. Any idea what fuel this runs on?? Parrafin oil I believe?
Just checked the pump seal and it is considerably worn so I will order a new one today and a seal kit also as the seals all seem abit tired
Paraffin only! You can get away with other fuels similar to paraffin such as central heating fuel (28 second kerosene) and barbeque lighting fluid if you're prepared to wait until the end of the season and the likes of Wilko flog it off cheap to make room for their Halloween, Guy Fawkes and Christmas tat. Do not on any account use petrol! It's not designed to burn that and has none of the safety features required. Sooner or later you'll incinerate yourself, your loved ones and your property. Alcohol, meths etc. is no use for running although as you know, that's what you use for priming... Be careful - lantern pox is very virulent and very difficult to get rid of, once established - often there's no cure...
Thankyou digout I can see what you mean I have always had a sweet spot for them.. Just gave the lamp a quick once over ,seal kit on the way but gave it a shot and it fired up well... It leaks from the seals once I pump it up so I didn't leave it on to long. The pump seal is worn but once soaked in oil it got the job done but will be replacing once new one arrives. Overall I am happy with the results set me back 5 pounds so far for the fuel. Now a new paint job and will be used for power cuts and camping Now I'm hunting for another one lol
@Jordan Renton Welcome to CPL forum. A good find and an excellent example to cut your teeth on and no doubt more lamps will soon appear! Plenty of help will be offered here and The Fettlebox should have the bits you need, Regards, Jeremy
Thankyou guys,.. Yes I look forward to getting in oo a little restoration nothing to serious but I will be interested in how it turns out considering most of it is rust nothing a good rub down and re paint can't cure. I may take the paint off the bottom and try expose the chrome colour and polish it up maybe??
Go for 0000 steel wool for cleaning, (it doesn't scratch as much as standard) the 881 will be 8th month 88, watch pressure in these late model Tilley's they have a bad reputation with the bottom plate bulging,
I can't say I like these much but they do work OK and are pretty easy to fettle. Nice find at the price though. I have sent you a PDF of the instructions for the model. ::Neil::
Nice one Thankyou Graham and will keep an eye out for that also Thankyou mackburner appreciate it hopefully I will be able to use it better then my first attempt lol but definitely will be handy to learn the parts and functions.
