Hello, just found a Veritas 350

@rayw

I have had success clearing blocked jets by soaking in vinegar for 10 - 15 min then heating the nipple to a red and quench in the vinegar. Repeat if necessary and probe the jet with a cleaning wire each time.

 

Well, worth a try, let's see but I'm getting the feeling its jammed up for good.

 

Looking at the nipple it seems to be 4.6 mm dia and 32 TPI I think that is 3/16 unf.
Does anyone know if that is correct?

 

I'm not completely sure but I know they're the same size as an Austramax jet/nipple although the Austramax has an added 'shoulder' above the thread which needs to be removes... still, at least they are available!

 

3/16 x 32 TPI is also a BSF size.

 

@rayw
The Austramax jet will screw in the place of a Veritas jet, it’s the same thread. You may have to adjust the pricker assembly to enable it to do its work.
Here is the link to where you can get Austramax parts, and the new jet.
Kerosene Presser Lamps Parts
It maybe worth a try, I have successfully used these jets in my Veritas 350s.
Cheers
Pete

 

Yes as I remember the UNF and BSF threads are the same up to 7/16

Thanks for the link to Austramax lamps spares I was not aware of those, I have ordered a Petromax 350 jet and needle, but I would be more happy to leave the threads alone and fit the Austramax jet.

 

I wondered if any other paraffin/kerosene device used the same 3/16 UNF/BSF thread on the jet? I checked a Primus stove jet but the thread pitch is different which is a shame as the pricker needle fitted!

 

I have a little picnic stove, and some spare jets, but the hole was too big and the thread is wrong.
Ordered Some 3/16" taps and I am going to have another go at forcing the needle out using hydraulics, going to seal it up a bit tighter this time to give it a better chance, hope get the taps by Wednesday.

 

Well thought I would hive it a bit of a clean while I'm waiting for the taps to arrive.
Then postman showed up with my package.
So, I tapped a fitting 3/16" bsf

Screwed the nipple into it with some PTFE tape.

Then screwed on the other fittings and filled the assembly with oil


, put in a pin punch which was a decent fit, then applied some pressure

After a couple of blows oil was coming through so I took it apart, sprayed brake cleaner into the nipple and I could see it coming through.
I assembled the lamp and filled it up.

Well it lit but only a small patch of the mantle was glowing, I suspect the needs probing with a needle, but i ordered a petromax 350 needle to modify maybe that will work, or maybe the jet has had it, let's see.

 

Excellent... looks like you've made a good start on clearing the jet!

 

You're making progress

 

Surprised the PTFE is holding.... figured it would burn away.

 

Well done, your perseverence has paid off.

 

Strange stuff PTFE tape its pretty stable up to about 400C when it will start to deteriorate quite quickly, i used it when i was trying to clear the jet to try and make sure the pressure shock went to the right place this time, just left a small amount on the threads when I put the jet back in the lamp.
Just waiting to get the petromax needle and modify it then see if it will clear the jet completely, I think it will be a delicate operation

 

The old jet seems to be well and truly blocked.
But With the kind help and advice of Mr Henry Plews the old girl lives again,
It's been lit in my garage for about an hour now and burning nicely.


I've given it a bit of a clean up but not decided how I want to continue, maybe keep it looking like a good old'en
Given the story of spares for these lamps I think it should only be lit now and again, but it's great to know it works ok.

 

Well @rayw - you must be very pleased - look like a keeper to me !
Chris

 

That's nice - not over-done...

 

From the photo it isn't obvious what else you might want to do to it... the nickel plating looks good, the enamel hood is too as well as the frame! I'd leave it like if is and give it a quick rub over now and then.

Good job getting it running again, she looks great!

 

Yes I love the condition of this one, enamel is almost perfect, the plastic contol knob is great, the nickel plating has some flaws and I may have a go at re plating some time in the future, but there is something about knowing that it's not just an ornament.

 

...and then what will you do about the transfer on the tank? - as well as the cost of re-plating of course.

Although I've now officially given up dating anything, your lantern is the best part of 70 years old so some flaws in the plating are to be expected and just part of the life it's had. Just my two penn'orth of course.

 

Maybe I should have been clear, I was referring to the Nickel plate on the steel plate where the glass sits, it's a bit rusty so I wondered about cleaning it up then re plating it mysef ( after I've had a practice)
The brass work is fine but I have been wondering about cleaning around the transfer, I was thinking of using low tack masking tape so I can polish up to the transfer, but I am a bit worried about damaging it.

 

@rayw Looking good.

 

Well saved!

 

@rayw
She’s running well like the grand lady she is. Well done on your fettle.
Cheers
Pete