Hi folks I have a Coleman 275 which has a leaking valve allowing fuel into the generator when switched off. I have watched the very informative Lantern Lab video on YouTube regarding the replacement and it was emphasised the importance of using a fuel grade valve stem core. I have seen plenty of tyre grade versions on eBay but no fuel grade and I couldn’t see a Coleman part number for this item in my paperwork. Does anyone here have any suggestions please as I feel it is a waste to purchase the complete part? Many thanks. Regards Jeremy
You can use a Schraeder valve from an A/C system. Your local auto parts store should have them. Just make sure the length of the pin (stem) is exactly the same height when installed as the original. Some are too long and have to be trimmed to exact size.
@Blueflame Many thanks for the information. I’m assuming this is a schrader valve from a car air conditioning system. Regards Jeremy
Hello Jeremy, A wise man once told me that Schrader valves have different coloured seals to represent intended use. I think fuel resistant ones are red and can be found in most things industrial or as Coleman spares.. Hope this helps. James
Yes it is for air conditioning. They are heat/oil/fuel resistant. I would not go by the color of the seal. I have worked 30 years in the a/c business as a tech and have seen many colors in OEM equipment. Make sure that you get correct one.
Hi @James K and @Blueflame Many thanks for your information and advise. Once I have the little bugger out, I’m waiting for a removal tool to arrive, I’ll have a sample to work with. Stay safe and keep sane. Regards Jeremy
@X246A Hi Jeremy! Just let me ask you what you think of the 275. I think, to a great degree, they are "crap" in more ways than just color! I bought one several years ago NOS! I just wanted an example. Mine is dated March 1976. It's the first run, so to speak; the Coleman 275 (no letter). The schrader valve is a joke. Yes, they will turn off and if you leave it pressurized it leaks! I checked mine out when I got it. Just pumped air in it. Few minutes later the damn thing was leaking! In my opinion you can't leave one of these pressurized, you must leave the air out. This was just a pi.. poor design on Coleman's part. My 2 cents worth!
@george I’ll let you know when I have experienced them in their full glory. I have a 275 which has a leak and a 275a which is on pressure test at present but so far seems to be holding its own. I will report back, however I always dump pressure on all my lamps when cold and safe to do so. Regards Jeremy
Schrader valves don't leak. They are fitted to millions of auto tyres and you don't see the highways littered with folk pumping. I have a few fitted to gasoline lamps and they are leak free. A clean valve with a new fuel resistant core should be sound. OCP sell the cores for 275s but a google search for fuel grade valve cores will give you lots of options. ::Neil::
Whether Schrader valves are crap or not, I think the main issue is their mode of failure which, under certain circumstances, can be a sudden, unannounced fireball.
This is true but Schrader valves can be fitted with a metal cap with a rubber seal. Easy enough to change the seal for a fuel compatible type and that will be an effective fail safe device. These metal caps also sometimes come with a core removal tool and they are cheap. Just search the Bay for schrader valve cap tool. ::Neil::
I already had a couple which I use as cap seals and I just bought another 40 for a fiver because this reminded me I needed a few more. ::Neil::
Old Coleman Parts has just what you’re looking for, a fuel rated schrader valve that fits your 275, matter of fact I’ve purchased the same one from them to replace a faulty 621A schrader valve, works great! Old Coleman Parts > Lanterns > Schrader Valve Core - R510
Hi Jeremy, This link is very informative informative and delves deeper into schrader valves Observations on valve assemblies for 400B, 442, 533 and compatible stoves - The Coleman Collectors Forum Problems i had with the valve was debris and wrong "setting" or clearance causing the valve to bypass
