Anyone fix up camp lanterns??
- Thread starter Toolhorder
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OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I soaked the leather pump plunger thingy all night in olive oil but it didn't improve the pump at all. Going to have to replace it. Went to the flea this morning and picked up a dual mantle 220F. It will light but won't stay lit. Runs 20-30 seconds then flames out. Gotta fix that one now.
Outlawmws
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
There are several forums that make you, me, and your dad look like pikers for lanterns (and stoves although the Stovies are mostly into single burner brass stoves)
These people have them in there houses and at least one had a shelf high on the walls in a large living room and it was lined with them.
I stopped hanging mine from the rafter after I knocked one off the nail and it hit the floor bending the fount and breaking the glass.
Steinmetz
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.
That "thingy" that's missing is a flash barrier. It threads onto the pipe shown , and includes a screen to prevent flashback. Don't light this thing without that.
Steinmetz
Well-known member
Also, the check valve in the pump is probably stuck, or the pump leather is too worn to develop pressure. There may also be a pressure leak at the cap due to a bad sealing washer.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Yep the flash barrier piece is missing and that also provides the "lip" the mantle ties to so it doesn't fall off.
The mantle will shrink and reform into a smaller bulb shape once you "burn it off" and light the lantern. you are supposed to light the silk mantle and let it burn to a delicate ash unit that will than glow once lit and properly warmed up.
The mantle will shrink and reform into a smaller bulb shape once you "burn it off" and light the lantern. you are supposed to light the silk mantle and let it burn to a delicate ash unit that will than glow once lit and properly warmed up.
OP
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I ordered the flash barrier cap thingy from ebay and I'm going to order a pump leather online tonight.
The newly acquired 220F was stripped down at work today (Mondays are slow) and I threw all the parts in vinegar for awhile to clean the soot off. Tomorrow I'll polish all the brass and make sure it's 100% clean and reassembly it. fingers crossed it isn't going to need a generator. I got a pump rebuilt kit from wally world and some mantles today for it.
The newly acquired 220F was stripped down at work today (Mondays are slow) and I threw all the parts in vinegar for awhile to clean the soot off. Tomorrow I'll polish all the brass and make sure it's 100% clean and reassembly it. fingers crossed it isn't going to need a generator. I got a pump rebuilt kit from wally world and some mantles today for it.
Steinmetz
Well-known member
Get a replacement cap. They are inexpensive.
arnwoodwheels
Well-known member
Like Tools and JG Coleman lanterns can be addictive.
I think I have about 18 now. Some really old ones. All of them work. There great for late back yard party's. Or sitting out back reading a book. Something about the sound and the color of the light puts me in a good mood.
I think I have about 18 now. Some really old ones. All of them work. There great for late back yard party's. Or sitting out back reading a book. Something about the sound and the color of the light puts me in a good mood.
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318fekim
Well-known member
zuk123
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redwrench60
Well-known member
Old thread, but I finally got a wild hair to fix my old red Coleman model 200A gas lantern. It's date stamped from 1972 and is in decent shape with the origional Pyrex globe. I took it apart and cleaned it up, replaced the generator, the pump and mantle. Good as new and ready for another 42 years of adventure.
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Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
This is scary. I was just over my neighbors and he shows me his 10 or so vintage camp lanterns. Some restored beautifully and others are about to be done. I need to grab some pics. He did some nice work.
sofasurfer
Well-known member
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- Jul 2, 2012
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Coleman has lots of repair web site. Youtube should have plenty of videos.
G_P
Well-known member
I love finding these things at yard sales. People sell them dirt cheap because they dont work they dont understand how they work to fix them, or they are scared of burning liquid fuel to create light. They would rather buy a bunch of batteries and an LED lamp.
I have around 12 now. Plus 2 stoves including a huge 3 burner monster and one of those half round dome shaped catalytic heaters.
NEVER use the catalytic heater in a tent or indoors unless you have some serious ventilation! Mine came with its original box that said "safe for use in tents and indoors". I lit it and put it in a large tent. Had a small flap open for fresh air and that thing pumped out so much CO that I woke up not knowing where I was with a pounding headache. Girl next to me would not even wake up. Took me a minute or so to realize what was happening. I threw it out of the tent and opened up every flap I could and then she woke up with a pounding headache.
CO poisoning is no joke. That old heater is now a dust collector. I wont even sell it because I dont want to think about it killing someone who is just following instructions.
I have around 12 now. Plus 2 stoves including a huge 3 burner monster and one of those half round dome shaped catalytic heaters.
NEVER use the catalytic heater in a tent or indoors unless you have some serious ventilation! Mine came with its original box that said "safe for use in tents and indoors". I lit it and put it in a large tent. Had a small flap open for fresh air and that thing pumped out so much CO that I woke up not knowing where I was with a pounding headache. Girl next to me would not even wake up. Took me a minute or so to realize what was happening. I threw it out of the tent and opened up every flap I could and then she woke up with a pounding headache.
CO poisoning is no joke. That old heater is now a dust collector. I wont even sell it because I dont want to think about it killing someone who is just following instructions.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I've been CO poisoned, but not camping, in the cab of a truck where there was an exhaust leak near a hole in the firewall... One of the worst headaches I've ever had, with nausea as well...
I want a CO alarm even if all I have in the tent is a lantern.
Red wrench, I was just using a Coleman 200 single mantle up hunting. When I got it several years ago I just cleaned all the generator parts well, and it was good to go. I may have replaced the pump leather, I don't remember. This one has a 4-55 date code on it, so it is pushing 60!.
I want a CO alarm even if all I have in the tent is a lantern.
Red wrench, I was just using a Coleman 200 single mantle up hunting. When I got it several years ago I just cleaned all the generator parts well, and it was good to go. I may have replaced the pump leather, I don't remember. This one has a 4-55 date code on it, so it is pushing 60!.
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redwrench60
Well-known member
I've been CO poisoned, but not camping, in the cab of a truck where there was an exhaust leak near a hole in the firewall... One of the worst headaches I've ever had, with nausea as well...
I want a CO alarm even if all I have in the tent is a lantern.
Red wrench, I was just using a Coleman 200 single mantle up hunting. When I got it several years ago I just cleaned all the generator parts well, and it was good to go. I may have replaced the pump leather, I don't remember. This one has a 4-55 date code on it, so it is pushing 60!.
I like my little Coleman model 200. They're a classic piece of Americana that works. The red is faded on the base but the top is still vivid red from where it hung from the ceiling of a shed near a window forgotten for years. It was given to me about two years ago but I finally decided to get it going. I'm surprised how bright it is only having one mantle. I'm used to the two mantle models.
I'm beginning to feel a slight tug to seek out more.
Steinmetz
Well-known member
You are missing the flame arrestor. It includes a screen mesh that prevents the flame inside the mantle from flashing back by maintaining openings having the proper quench diameter for the fuel-air mixture.
Look for another lantern, and take the flame arrestor from that one. Use some anti-seize when you install it.
Look for another lantern, and take the flame arrestor from that one. Use some anti-seize when you install it.
mellowdave
Active member
I just got a little red Coleman model 200 from the mother in law. It's in fine condition, I'd almost use it as is, so I'm a little torn about just polishing it up and going with patina, or fully restoring it. The lid is as glossy as the day it was made. The only real corrosion on the whole thing is the brass on the pump body it still has the reflector panel.
Along with it came a nice Coleman 426D three burner stove, that is a little more beaten up outside, I'm certainly going to media blast it and refinish it. I found that Coleman actually makes a propane conversion kit for those old stoves, which normally I wouldn't consider but we just used a Coleman tail gater this weekend while car camping and I decided to re look the idea. We shall see.
That classic green case on the stove carries so many memories from my childhood.
Hmm...my attachments are sideways...
Sent from a tablet more powerful than WOPR
Along with it came a nice Coleman 426D three burner stove, that is a little more beaten up outside, I'm certainly going to media blast it and refinish it. I found that Coleman actually makes a propane conversion kit for those old stoves, which normally I wouldn't consider but we just used a Coleman tail gater this weekend while car camping and I decided to re look the idea. We shall see.
That classic green case on the stove carries so many memories from my childhood.
Hmm...my attachments are sideways...
Sent from a tablet more powerful than WOPR
Attachments
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Steinmetz, Who are you talking to? I think you already said that to ToolHoarder almost 2 years ago?
Dave - you have the mantle storage cover for the bottom of that one! Very cool!
Under that should be a date code stamped into the bottom of the Fount.
These were porcelain enameled on the tops, painted on the Fount. Try rubbing the pint out first. if that gets the oxidation, wax it.
Dave - you have the mantle storage cover for the bottom of that one! Very cool!
Under that should be a date code stamped into the bottom of the Fount.
These were porcelain enameled on the tops, painted on the Fount. Try rubbing the pint out first. if that gets the oxidation, wax it.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Something I want to do is make a Franken lantern: The 200 top, and the oversized fount of one of the big lanterns. I think they once made a Fount about 2X larger than 2 mantle lanterns. Fuel at home and use for a week!
Wider base too, so less likely to be tipped over.
littleponderosa
Well-known member
just at the finish of rebuilding my Fathers 220e with parts & help from oldcolemanparts.com.
good fella and parts show up damn quick. it would be running now if i hadn't crushed some valve packing, fingers just don't work like they did.
Bill
good fella and parts show up damn quick. it would be running now if i hadn't crushed some valve packing, fingers just don't work like they did.
Bill
Fretters
Well-known member
I've been resisting this thread upto just as the thread title was just begging for something like a John Inman reference, but honestly, how could a person resist chuckling at those two nuggets in a such titled thread.
foghorn1966
Well-known member
Damn, why did I have to read this thread.....
old thread, I know, but for those of you who hoarde these things (like me, i've got a dozen or so), i've got a neat little piece of coleman history. II found this in a house I was renovating, I thought it was cool. Seems this guy in the '20's immigrated to America and worked at Coleman. He got married. So I have this hand typed letter on coleman letterhead from the president saying something to the affect of: as is our custom, please accept our congratulations on your marriage and $10 to start your home. pretty cool I thought. maybe I can scan it in and post it if anyone wants to see it. - edit I posted the images a few threads down...
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redwrench60
Well-known member
Something I want to do is make a Franken lantern: The 200 top, and the oversized fount of one of the big lanterns. I think they once made a Fount about 2X larger than 2 mantle lanterns. Fuel at home and use for a week!
Wider base too, so less likely to be tipped over.
I like it. The Confederates would have called it that damn Yankee lantern that you fuel on Sunday and burn all week.
cowboy73
Well-known member
That's a very cool letter, gungatim! I collect Coleman lanterns and stoves also.
warmpancakes
Well-known member
I have a pile of them in the basement that were a buddy's, I'm tasked with their selling if there's inTrest aI'll grab pics, they are 60s and older
Hemlock
Well-known member
I also share the appreciation of these lamps. I have three. A guy I know has a really old one, looks like one pictured on that first letter. Globe is made of sheets of mica, and the pump is not built in.
Yes old thread but still just have to comment about these classic (some vintage) lanterns (Coleman, Kamplite, Sears, J.C. Higgins, etc.).
I also collect them as well and repair and or restore these classic lanterns, at last count have about 40 or so of them in my small collection. There's nothing like seeing a Coleman Fuel lantern burning bright.
I enjoy the heck out of using them!
I also collect them as well and repair and or restore these classic lanterns, at last count have about 40 or so of them in my small collection. There's nothing like seeing a Coleman Fuel lantern burning bright.
I enjoy the heck out of using them!
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picked up a few more yard saling this summer, one is about 5 years old in plastic case and never used. a bargain at $3. nother older round globe from the 50's for $6...
BTW, if anyone needs parts, they had new generators and other stuff for the modern lanterns on clearance at Gander Mountain for 97 cents last weekend when I stopped in...
BTW, if anyone needs parts, they had new generators and other stuff for the modern lanterns on clearance at Gander Mountain for 97 cents last weekend when I stopped in...
LOL... Coleman... I was a Quality Control Systems salesman for a few years. I went to the plant engineers and asked them about their Quality Control program and if they had issues with tolerances. They grinned and laughed... they said they never had to worry about it. Nothing in their gear required any tight tolerances and that defect numbers were so low they didn't bother keeping records. He said they tested one each hour. They showed me a copier paper box of all the defects from one month's production. Man what a fun visit.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Funny this one came back up:
I just finished fettleing an old 1965 Colman 200A single mantle lantern I picked up somewhere back into action. It needed a new generator, and the supply tube cleaned out. Burns bright and steady again.
Bad in late August I also completed the Frankenlantern I mentioned a while back. I didn't use the 200 single mantle top, but an even smaller 222 back backers lantern. I took it hunting and it ran for 6 mornings and evenings on one fuel up, and I only needed to pump it up one a night compared to several times for the 22 and its tiny tank...
Pics of the 222 frankenlantern: not pretty but effective!
I just finished fettleing an old 1965 Colman 200A single mantle lantern I picked up somewhere back into action. It needed a new generator, and the supply tube cleaned out. Burns bright and steady again.
Bad in late August I also completed the Frankenlantern I mentioned a while back. I didn't use the 200 single mantle top, but an even smaller 222 back backers lantern. I took it hunting and it ran for 6 mornings and evenings on one fuel up, and I only needed to pump it up one a night compared to several times for the 22 and its tiny tank...
Pics of the 222 frankenlantern: not pretty but effective!
four.cycle
Well-known member
Coleman Lanterns and Replacement Parts 1938 Geo. Worthington Co. catalog pp 635
Coleman Lanterns and Replacement Parts 1938 Geo. Worthington Co. catalog pp 636
Coleman Lanterns and Replacement Parts 1938 Geo. Worthington Co. catalog pp 636A
Coleman Camp Stoves and Repair Parts 1938 Michigan Hardware Co. catalog pp 806
Coleman Camp Stoves and Repair Parts 1938 Michigan Hardware Co. catalog pp 807
1938 Sporting Goods Dealer Coleman ad pp 109
I'm up to 2 dozen lanterns and 8 stoves. About 2/3 of the lanterns work, a couple of the rest are "parts" and I just gotta get to the rest and see what's up with.
7 of my 8 stoves work. Had them all out on tables and put at the same time last summer
My favorite is my 426 3 burner
As far as 2 burner ones the 413 are better than the 425s because the cabinet is bigger and you can actually get 2 pots or pans on the 413 at the same time, the 425 is too crowded
Id sell/ trade the 425s away.
I also have 2 of the fold up ovens that sit over 1 burner of a Coleman stove. An 8x8 pan fits in one perfect, my wife likes making her chili Mac while camping and that stove is perfect for making corn bread to go with it
I ran across someone on marketplace last summer who had a bunch of Coleman fuel for sale. They're affiliated with a company that sponsors the periodic "bring your flammable or chemical stuff to the public works building on some Saturday" for "proper" disposal. I got 12 gallons, 6 were unopened and I combined the other 6 into 3 full ones for a total of 9 gallons. I'll definitely use it.
I see it's up to about $18 a gallon now when I can find it. I ended up getting them at about $4.50 a gallon.
And where every hardware store plus Kmart, Wal Mart etc used to have at least a half a row of replacement gloves pumps mantels generators and such for them I'm lucky to find mantels in any store anymore. I've resorted to buying common parts in bulk from feebay.
When camping I still take a Coleman lantern to the shower house and we always have at least 2 stoves running whenever we camp.
The comments I get are one of 2... (There's one of those hanging in the barn that hasn't been used in at least 30 years ". Or else "I didn't know people actually still used those".
I've been camping since I was a kid in the 70s and we never left home without our Coleman stuff... The cooler, the lantern, stove, stove stand and more. We had to go to town at least once a campout for Coleman fuel, mantels, and the occasional generator or globe...
7 of my 8 stoves work. Had them all out on tables and put at the same time last summer
My favorite is my 426 3 burner
As far as 2 burner ones the 413 are better than the 425s because the cabinet is bigger and you can actually get 2 pots or pans on the 413 at the same time, the 425 is too crowded
Id sell/ trade the 425s away.
I also have 2 of the fold up ovens that sit over 1 burner of a Coleman stove. An 8x8 pan fits in one perfect, my wife likes making her chili Mac while camping and that stove is perfect for making corn bread to go with it
I ran across someone on marketplace last summer who had a bunch of Coleman fuel for sale. They're affiliated with a company that sponsors the periodic "bring your flammable or chemical stuff to the public works building on some Saturday" for "proper" disposal. I got 12 gallons, 6 were unopened and I combined the other 6 into 3 full ones for a total of 9 gallons. I'll definitely use it.
I see it's up to about $18 a gallon now when I can find it. I ended up getting them at about $4.50 a gallon.
And where every hardware store plus Kmart, Wal Mart etc used to have at least a half a row of replacement gloves pumps mantels generators and such for them I'm lucky to find mantels in any store anymore. I've resorted to buying common parts in bulk from feebay.
When camping I still take a Coleman lantern to the shower house and we always have at least 2 stoves running whenever we camp.
The comments I get are one of 2... (There's one of those hanging in the barn that hasn't been used in at least 30 years ". Or else "I didn't know people actually still used those".
I've been camping since I was a kid in the 70s and we never left home without our Coleman stuff... The cooler, the lantern, stove, stove stand and more. We had to go to town at least once a campout for Coleman fuel, mantels, and the occasional generator or globe...
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I might have rebuilt a few....
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Good luck with that. Suitcase stoves are just too damned big and heavy to be worth shipping--it will cost more than the stove is worth.
I've had pretty good luck at gatherings like beer festivals with the younger hipster crowd (sales pick up after about the third beer). Seems they're more into stoves than lanterns. My pricing is highly realistic, not optimistic. Suitcases are a a dime a dozen and pretty easy to fix if not entirely trashed.
Look for the original 426--no suffix letter. The rounded corners of the case are diagnostic. Just aesthetically superior--in my opinion.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
The 426B also has the rounded corners. I just got one a week or two back.
