Toolhorder
Well-known member
Bought a vintage camp lantern and need a little help. It's a Sears model 74421.
Anyone fix up camp lanterns??
- Thread starter Toolhorder
- Start date
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Yep, What seems to be the issue?
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
How should I bring her back to operational status? If I take some pictures can you tell if it's all there? I went to a store and the guy behind the counter said the regulator is missing off the pipe the bag hangs from?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Take some good pics. if it was made by Coleman for sears, then parts are probably available. Even if it wasn't some parts may be available off of Eprey.
Gas lanterns are pretty simple and usually reparable.
Gas lanterns are pretty simple and usually reparable.
bigcaddy
Well-known member
Post up some pictures and lets see what we are dealing with. I've got a small boneyard of working and non-working Coleman lanterns and stoves. The nice ones are what i use for camping but i can't pass up a decent one at a garage sale just to have the extra parts for any kinds of repairs.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
wife just killed my main laptop 
I'll see what I can do from this one. It's an old toughbook with limited HD/RAM.
I'll see what I can do from this one. It's an old toughbook with limited HD/RAM.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
On this picture you can see the bottom of the pipe that holds the bag mesh thingy has threads exposed. The man at the store says something screws in on those threads to slow down the gas vapors and without it the lamp with work but the fuel will burn faster.
Is this bag too big?? I'm thinking it should be a lot smaller...
This pump thingy has no resistance when you pump it. The fuel tank is empty but I figure it still would have some resistance. I purchased a small container of Kerosene but I'm not sure if it takes Kerosene or not. It says "white gas" online. I could add water to the fuel tank and try to get pressure to build up with the pump to see if it's still intact.
Is this bag too big?? I'm thinking it should be a lot smaller...
This pump thingy has no resistance when you pump it. The fuel tank is empty but I figure it still would have some resistance. I purchased a small container of Kerosene but I'm not sure if it takes Kerosene or not. It says "white gas" online. I could add water to the fuel tank and try to get pressure to build up with the pump to see if it's still intact.
camarotoolman
Banned
I called Coleman for parts once, so exspenive that it wasn't worth fixing. I would just buy more lights till you get what you need.
WV Hillbilly
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure Walmart has new pumps for Coleman lanterns
The mesh bag is called a mantle. When you first install it, it is too big and very flexible. If you light the mantle on fire, which you should do after installing the mantle, it will burn and turn to ash. That will cause it to shrink and become very brittle and delicate. After the mantle is secured, I usually trim the mantle string so it is neat. Normally, there is a cap and screen that screws to the end of that threaded pipe. I'm not sure exactly what it does, but it is shaped to hold the mantles properly. The pump should apply pressure regardless of the tank being full or not. If yours doesn't, something's wrong. You do have to cover the hole on the pump handle with your thumb in order to build up pressure. If you don't cover the hole with your thumb, the pump won't pump. The pumps are fairly simple to take apart. I've done it a few times when I was a kid. I wouldn't put kerosene in the lantern. White gas is also called Coleman fuel and I'm sure you could buy it in one gallon cans at just about any sort of sporting goods store. I've heard of people using gasoline in the white gas lanterns, but I've never tried it. I've always just used the Coleman fuel.
You will need the screen under the mantle. Also be sure your pumping it with your finger over the hole like tube guy said. Watch youtube for instructions. Dont put water or anything else other than Coleman fuel. Its about 10 bucks per gallon.
You do not need fuel in it to pump it up. If its not holding pressure you will need a new pump - again about $8 from walmart. If the pump is holding pressure and after you replace the screen above the mantel if its still not working we move on to the generator. Again very simple but we will go one step at a time.
You do not need fuel in it to pump it up. If its not holding pressure you will need a new pump - again about $8 from walmart. If the pump is holding pressure and after you replace the screen above the mantel if its still not working we move on to the generator. Again very simple but we will go one step at a time.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
First off all you seem to be missing is the mantle lip that screws onto the large tube the guy at the store knows NOTHING about lanterns based on what he told you, the screen help for an even distribution of fuel and air but does nothing to limit the flow...
As was mentioned, the pump has to have you thumb over the hole to actually pump. it also has a "screw valve, to open and close access, so to seal the valve toy turn clock wise until it seats firmly, before pumping pressure, you unscrew a turn or two. then pump. if you don;t feel some pressure/resistance the leather pump seal likely needs some oil. I like to soak mine in Olive oil, but almost any light oil will do in a pinch. (I saw my dad oil one up off the dipstick of our truck once up camping when I was a kid)
To get the pump plunger out remove the D shaped clip from the silver cap it goes through, and simply pull out. be careful not to damage the seal cup reinserting the cup, flanged face inwards.
Do NOT put water in the tank. (unless you want real issues)
Do NOT use kerosene, you will foul the generator and make a mess, and it won't work right, if it works at all.
This is not an expensive lantern so unless it has sentimental value I would not put a great deal of $$ into it.
Let us know if you get pressure into it and if the main valve seems to work (you should hear hissing when open and nothing when closed)
As was mentioned, the pump has to have you thumb over the hole to actually pump. it also has a "screw valve, to open and close access, so to seal the valve toy turn clock wise until it seats firmly, before pumping pressure, you unscrew a turn or two. then pump. if you don;t feel some pressure/resistance the leather pump seal likely needs some oil. I like to soak mine in Olive oil, but almost any light oil will do in a pinch. (I saw my dad oil one up off the dipstick of our truck once up camping when I was a kid)
To get the pump plunger out remove the D shaped clip from the silver cap it goes through, and simply pull out. be careful not to damage the seal cup reinserting the cup, flanged face inwards.
Do NOT put water in the tank. (unless you want real issues)
Do NOT use kerosene, you will foul the generator and make a mess, and it won't work right, if it works at all.
This is not an expensive lantern so unless it has sentimental value I would not put a great deal of $$ into it.
Let us know if you get pressure into it and if the main valve seems to work (you should hear hissing when open and nothing when closed)
Outlawmws
Well-known member
And I'm 98% certain that is a Coleman built lantern
Outlawmws
Well-known member
What if any markings are on the bottom of the fount? (Tank)
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I love my old school Coleman Lantern from the 70's My parents bought it. Its still in use. The leather plunger and mantles are available at walmart. If your not getting pressure, its prolly the plunger. Also, the mantles will crumble if they are too old. They are like a fine silk type material that you actually like on fire to shrink them. I still have the old three burner stove from the 70s as well. Classic 70's green.
That appears to be a relabeled Coleman lantern. As others have said, don't put anything in it other than Coleman fuel. Some people do use unleaded gasoline, but the impurities eventually make the lamp not burn correctly or at all, requiring cleaning. Coleman fuel is less explosive than gas, burns a bit slower, and has less impurities. A quart lasts me through several weekends, a gallon lasts me a year or two running several lamps at our seasonal campground. Light the mantle on fire with no fuel running, and it will shrink up to the correct size. Pump rebuild kits are available at Wal-Mart for $8 or so. The old lanterns had leather gaskets that dry up, the new ones are rubber. The rebuild kits work with either style. The pumps should be lubricated every now and again. I use three in one oil to lubricate mine by placing a few drops down the hole and them pumping the lantern. I rebuilt one last year, and the gasket on the fuel cap had stopped sealing, which didn't allow it to build up pressure. I replaced it with a rubber ring the same size.
Lighting them can always be fun. When the generator gets dirty, the fuel does not atomize as well, and it can build up in the globe area. If the globe / top of the lantern catches on fire, don't panic, they don't blow up or anything. Eventually (30-60 seconds later) the fuel burns off, and you can adjust the valve for the correct amount of gas. I do this on a wooden picnic table, with nothing else on the table.
Lighting them can always be fun. When the generator gets dirty, the fuel does not atomize as well, and it can build up in the globe area. If the globe / top of the lantern catches on fire, don't panic, they don't blow up or anything. Eventually (30-60 seconds later) the fuel burns off, and you can adjust the valve for the correct amount of gas. I do this on a wooden picnic table, with nothing else on the table.
Acosi151
Well-known member
It's definitely a coleman.. check this out http://www.oldtowncoleman.com/tech/re1lanta.htm
I've rebuilt a few of these. I can get parts at bargain basement prices from my local mom & pop hardware store. You shouldn't have a hard time finding stuff.
They're dead simple and also scary while you're getting them dialed it. It's not uncomon to have 4 foot flames coming out of the sucker and nothing is actually wrong.. wear some welding gloves so you can shut it down while you're fiddling with it. Once you've got a feel for it they're bullet proof.
Don't hesitate to spend some money on parts. These lanters, in my opinion, are 10 times the units that the propane or electric jobs are.
I've rebuilt a few of these. I can get parts at bargain basement prices from my local mom & pop hardware store. You shouldn't have a hard time finding stuff.
They're dead simple and also scary while you're getting them dialed it. It's not uncomon to have 4 foot flames coming out of the sucker and nothing is actually wrong.. wear some welding gloves so you can shut it down while you're fiddling with it. Once you've got a feel for it they're bullet proof.
Don't hesitate to spend some money on parts. These lanters, in my opinion, are 10 times the units that the propane or electric jobs are.
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OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
So should I take it all apart or just see if I can get it going?
Also do I need that cap thing on the end and if so where can I get one?
Also do I need that cap thing on the end and if so where can I get one?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
This is a WAG as we don't know the precise model yours was made from:
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/parts/ProductImage2.asp?product_id=200A700
Part No. 18 $2.50 from Coleman...
Get those markings off the bottom there may be a clue...
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/parts/ProductImage2.asp?product_id=200A700
Part No. 18 $2.50 from Coleman...
Get those markings off the bottom there may be a clue...
Outlawmws
Well-known member
And No, don't take it apart more than needed. Get the pump sorted out, get the missing burner cap and screen, and test.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
if you have a pair of calipers, measure the diameter of the threads and I can compare to one of mine (I have at least 20..) and see if we get a physical size match to a known model.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
The bottom just says "Sears, Robuck and Co." there is a "4" on one side of that and a "72" on the other side. I'm assuming that's the month and year it was made.
Under the Sears Model number is says generator number 72225
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Yep a 72. no help other wise...
See if you can get that measurement.
See if you can get that measurement.
G_P
Well-known member
I have rebuilt a whole bunch of coleman white gas lanterns.
Take the pump plunger out and soak the leather cup in some oil overnight. That should get it working again. If the cup is all torn up just get a new one at walmart.
Shine a flashlight in the tank and check it for rust. If its all nasty inside your just going to end up clogging the generator nozzle and it will not light.
Also check the gasket in the fuel cap. Your pump may be fine but if that rubber seal is wrecked then you will never build any pressure in the tank.
Take the pump plunger out and soak the leather cup in some oil overnight. That should get it working again. If the cup is all torn up just get a new one at walmart.
Shine a flashlight in the tank and check it for rust. If its all nasty inside your just going to end up clogging the generator nozzle and it will not light.
Also check the gasket in the fuel cap. Your pump may be fine but if that rubber seal is wrecked then you will never build any pressure in the tank.
To me it looks just like a model 275 coleman. The 200A7 parts above will not work if I remember correctly. Here is a 275 but this is a double mantle. http://www.coleman.com/coleman/parts/ProductImage2.asp?product_id=275-710
As you can see the cap and screen have been discontinued but its part number 220-5231. I'm not certain this part will work since yours is a single mantle but check here at this site http://www.oldcolemanparts.com/home.php?cat=22&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=13
and send him a message. He will be able to lead you in the right direction.
Hope this helps.
As you can see the cap and screen have been discontinued but its part number 220-5231. I'm not certain this part will work since yours is a single mantle but check here at this site http://www.oldcolemanparts.com/home.php?cat=22&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=13
and send him a message. He will be able to lead you in the right direction.
Hope this helps.
If you need to clean up the parts, try soaking them in white vinegar overnight or over a weekend, then wipe them down with WD40 afterwards. Vinegar can also be used to eat away the rust inside the tank. It'll actually start to break away and float to the surface. The vinegar works by a process called chelation (pronounced "key-lay-shun"). Long story short, it eats away the rust and leaves the good metal. It's slow, but it works.
George in Rancho Cordova
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2011
- Messages
- 741
I remember when a Coleman rep would show up at events at sporting goods stores and fix equipment for the cost of the parts.
I'm sure that is long gone.
I'm sure that is long gone.
TexasDmax
Member
Definatley go to www.oldcolemanparts.com or to the collectors forum at http://colemancollectorsforum.websitetoolbox.com/ The parts you need are not expensive at all. I have a few my self
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OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
Kinda been awhile but I got the urge to fix this lantern again. Found a burner and screen brand new on feebay for $4 something shipped for a model 200 which looks correct. For $4 I'll take a chance.
Now just need to sort the pump out. Probably just pull it out and replace with a kit from wally world.
Now just need to sort the pump out. Probably just pull it out and replace with a kit from wally world.
redwrench60
Well-known member
You guys are gonna make me fix an old red Coleman lantern I have in the shed. It's all complete and in good shape but wildly over fuels. (flames out the top)
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Pull the plunger and it the leather cup looks decent, give it an over night soak in olive oil while you mess with the rest.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
Will do!
I also procured a bottle of white gas or whatever when I originally posted at the beginning of the year.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
Just pulled it out. The leather looks intact and not ripped or anything. I'll try soaking it overnight and if it doesn't improve I'll buy a replacement tomorrow.
bigcaddy
Well-known member
Op, you live in northern CA. If you frequent a few yard sales/estate sales, i promise you that you will find a donor lantern for parts. I actually missed one yesterday that i would of given you for free.
I'm guessing that its a model #220 single mantle and is very common. You can find parts on ebay or keep looking for them at sales. If you can translate the Sears number to an actual Coleman model number, members on here might have the parts you are looking for. I might even have them laying around since i have quite a few Colemans laying around.
I'm guessing that its a model #220 single mantle and is very common. You can find parts on ebay or keep looking for them at sales. If you can translate the Sears number to an actual Coleman model number, members on here might have the parts you are looking for. I might even have them laying around since i have quite a few Colemans laying around.
yup my wife ******* every time I bring home another Coleman stove or lantern...
I have a small "PEAK 1" heater but one thing I don't have but want is one of those half-round-at-the-top Catalytic heater.... Its unbelieveable what Coleman fuel goes for these days an excuse to buy a set of Coleman dual fuel appliances as they pop up at garage sales I can hear the wife already since I have about 5 lanterns and 3 or 4 stoves.
I have a small "PEAK 1" heater but one thing I don't have but want is one of those half-round-at-the-top Catalytic heater.... Its unbelieveable what Coleman fuel goes for these days an excuse to buy a set of Coleman dual fuel appliances as they pop up at garage sales I can hear the wife already since I have about 5 lanterns and 3 or 4 stoves.
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,835
I have several and they cannot be beat for light during power outages or camping. I have one that is a Korean War surplus model I think. It has 4 pieces of thick glass to make the globe, also has a compartment in the tank that holds extra mantels and leathers and lid gasket. It does not put out as much light as a newer unit but it is built sturdy compared to consumer goods, weighs about double a newer unit.
bigcaddy
Well-known member
Its good to see the Coleman Lantern/stove hording disease isn't strictly in my families DNA.
My dad has about 20-30 or so hanging from the rafters of his garage and all of them work perfectly. I've got about 5 i take camping but its nice to have choices when you camp
My favorite is a mid 1965 dual mantle, complete in the injection molded plastic Coleman case with funnel and spare mantle storage. It was 5 bucks at a sale and didn't have a single scratch on the thing and will out perform any new LED or flouescent lamp on the market, in my opinion. Coleman's just will not die
