Evening, Some time ago I picked up a Coleman 639 and I know diddly squit about them. I've managed to get it going more by luck than judgement and it's very bright. However, it appears to leak paraffin around the top of the tank. Before I attempt to take it apart I was wondering if anyone has worked on these who can advise me on how to service them? Also the tank is in good condition bar quite a few splashes of paint on it - what's the best way of removing them without damaging the original paint? Thanks a lot.
Leaks around the top of the tank in Coleman lanterns is normally not from the main valve to tank joint but often weeping from the valve gland or generator fitter. Before getting too worried I would check the gland seals and check the generator fitter seal is OK. ::Neil::
Sorry to resurrect this thread but can anyone let me know where I can buy a service kit for the 639 and mantles? I got distracted with other stuff but over the weekend I decided to fire it up and realised that I hadn't fixed the leak so I'm thinking about replacing the seals as I love the look of the lantern and want it up and running for summer (such that it is...)
Chances are like most Coleman it wants a service rather than replacement parts. You probably don't need a service kit. You might need a filler cap seal and maybe a new leather pump washer but that's about all. Empty the fuel and after pumping some shove it in water and operate things to see where it's leaking. Might need to tighten the valve and pricker gland seals but you can nip those up with a wrench. Those glands rarely need replacing you just tighten them. Quick fix if they won't seal is to release the gland nut and wind a little PTFE gas tape around the spindle and replace the gland nut. PTFE will stand the heat and provide a good permanenent seal. If the seal between generator and valve is leaking the smear a little copper slip on the mating surfaces and re fit. That never has a sealing washer anyway as it is intended to be a metal to metal seal. Copper slip will sort out any minor imperfections in the surfaces and give you a good seal and certainly stand the heat. ::Neil::
+1 on the Copaslip which is the Molyslip brand of copper bearing grease. Spanjaard among others make a similar product and will work equally well. Put a little on both the inner and outer surfaces of the gennie flange and on the jamb nut threads. I have come across a couple of Coleman generators where the sealing flange had work hardened to such an extent that it cracked. Easily preventable by annealing the flange end of the generator. Heat to dull cherry red and quench in cold water. This softens the brass and makes for a better seal with less torque on the jamb nut.
Thanks to you all for your advice. I did exactly what you said and used a spot of PTFE tape and some copper grease and she is running like a dream
