Coleman 243B

It is interesting that the "generator" for the kerosene version is advertised with the same part number as the CF version. T-66.I still don't know which version I have! (it was advertised in the shop ad a kerosene lamp).


Jim.

 

The gasoline/petrol generator versions usually have a kind of asbestos paper inside, whereas the kerosene/paraffin versions have a kind of metal "springs" which basically serve to center the pricker rod.
In my opinion there should be no big difference in usage, but those with the "spring" inside are easier to maintain/clean. Maybe the jet size is also a bit different (the kerosene/paraffin versions could have a slightly smaller jet orifice). So if you have a worn jet you can use it better with some lighter fuel mixture.

 

Mine has a white cloth tube wrapped around a metal spring which is funnel-shaped.


Jim

 

As well as adding a bit of extra mass to hold heat energy, increase inner surface area, slow down fuel flow rate and also aid heat transfer from the outside to the inside, all of which are beneficial in vapourising the less volatile fuel...

 

I took the valve assembly out of the lamp, then tried to remove the cleaner shaft (because it was very tight and I reckoned, incorrectly, that it was gummed up and could use a good clean). A couple of Youtube video clips suggested that the shaft would pull out when the nut was loosened completely, and, if it did not, the correct procedure was to fix the lever end of the shaft in the vice and to tap on the body of the valve assembly to remove the shaft complete with the packing. I did this, and the shaft came out, without the packing! Added to which was the fact that the eccenter at the end of the shaft was now straight! I dug out the packing, which needed drilling out with a suitable drill. Once all was out, I reformed the eccentric by placing the shaft in the vice and tapping the end to bend it in the right direction, then putting this end in the vice and tapping the main part of the shaft so that the eccentric was reformed. I have to buy some carbon sheet to remake the packing. I then removed the "generator" to hook the bottom of it into the hole in the eccentric block. While doing this, I noticed that the needle was no longer there!. So I just gave up and ordered a complete valve assembly, complete with "generator" from the US. I hope this will solve all my problems, but I will order the carbon sheet for the packing and a kerosene generator as a spare.

Jim.

 

The 243B was only sold as a white gasoline lantern and not as a kerosene lantern.
Some were changed by their owners to burn kerosene by fitting a TK66 generator and a spirit cup.

The kerosene generator is the TK66 with a .006" jet size and brass spiral inside and the CF generator the T66 with a .007" jet size and the steel spiral with "cardboard" tube . The modern equivalents are 201-5891 for kerosene and 200A-5891 for CF

There is a very useful chart of Coleman generator specs that has not recently been referred to on this forum at:

http://light.papo-art.com/tech-n-info/Coleman_technical/ColemanGenerators/Generator%20List%20Lanterns%20Feb%2020%202009.htm

 

The seal is a ferrule or little cylinder made of graphite. One can make it from a strip of thin graphite sheet rolled into a cylinder and then compressed into shape by tightening the box nut or bolt on the shaft so that the graphite forms to the shape of the space inside.

 

Try getting a copy of the MSDS for the spot cleaner

 

Reese pointed me to this post on CCF Link when I had a similar problem with a 242B. It gives advise (with pictures) on repacking the gland.

 

I don't know if you are aware but Old Coleman Parts stocks replacement graphite packing and it doesn't take too long to get a shipment from them!

 

Great model with the aluminum vent.

 

It really is a pretty lamp!


Jim.