I have been fettling Optimus 1551 lamps recently. They were my first addiction. Changed the fuel-lid gasket and after some moderate violence needed to check the NRV-valve since it was not pressurizing. After prodding the pip with a paperclip it finally came unstuck and the lamp lit up like a sun. The next step I'm looking at is to get the quick lighter to work. Is there a description of how these work? Nothing seems to be happening even if the pressure is 1 bar on the manometer. Does it need to be 2 bar (the red line)? I don't understand how the lamp can seal so well with the quicklighter not working.
May be the "rapid pre heater" (search forums for that expression) is just blocked? It will normally use kerosene from the tank, mix it with lots of air (also taken from the tank) and spray the mixture towards the generator. You will need to ignite it directly at the lever. The orifice may be blocked, the fuel pickup tube may be blocked, the small holes around the orifice which provide air may be blocked... Erik
The lamp is airtight because the air and fuel holes in the rapid preheater are clogged. You need to disassemble the parts,soakthem in citric acid to clean them,and carefully clear out these small passages-bu tunder no circumstances should you enlarge the hole diameters ,or the fuel-air mixture will be thrown off.Then, reassemble the United using New seals. Check the intake pipe and filter screen to ensure they are clear.Finally , pressurize the tank and check for leaks in a bucket of water;be extremely meticulous during this Stephan and do not tolerante even the slightest leak. The Red Mark on the pressure gaugeindicates the correct pressure for the rapid preheater , Provider the gauge is properly calibrated.
