Paraffin pressure lamp question

[Giblets]

I've had various lamps (for fishing and camping) and I have no hesitation in saying that the Coleman North Star is the best. It is a petrol lamp though. I could never go back to paraffin and all that messing about trying to get the damned things to light. Electronic ignition is great! Because there is no need for an opening to get a pre-heat burner through, the wind has no effect. It will light at the push of a button even in a howling gale.

Sound like a good bit of kit with the one exception - PETROL!

 

[alahol2]

I've had various lamps (for fishing and camping) and I have no hesitation in saying that the Coleman North Star is the best. It is a petrol lamp though. I could never go back to paraffin and all that messing about trying to get the damned things to light. Electronic ignition is great! Because there is no need for an opening to get a pre-heat burner through, the wind has no effect. It will light at the push of a button even in a howling gale.

I agree they are very easy to light and the light output is brilliant. Had one for a few years but it somehow developed a leak from the top of the tank whilst running. Once you've had a flareup from a petrol lantern you will never trust it again. The scariest thing ever, just no way to put it out, all you can do is run away and hope it runs out of fuel before it explodes. Mine went straight into the bin.
PS. Luckily this whilst camping, I guess on a boat it would be a case of trying to heave it overboard.

 

[VO5]

I agree they are very easy to light and the light output is brilliant. Had one for a few years but it somehow developed a leak from the top of the tank whilst running. Once you've had a flareup from a petrol lantern you will never trust it again. The scariest thing ever, just no way to put it out, all you can do is run away and hope it runs out of fuel before it explodes. Mine went straight into the bin.
PS. Luckily this whilst camping, I guess on a boat it would be a case of trying to heave it overboard.

+1

The idea of a petrol fuelled pressure lamp gives me the shudders.

I stick to Tilley. I have a Guardsman and several X246Bs.
A full tank will last more than 8 hours and the light is blindingly bright.

The pre heater must burn for a minimum of 90 secxonds for the column to reach its proper operating temperature.
If the column is not properly heated you will get black smoke making a mess and discolouring the glass.

The trick is when you store it, be sure to loosen the pump slightly, otherwise changes in atmospheric pressure will make the top of the column leak.

Operating problems with the Tilley are easily avoided by following the precauation of not fiddling with the tap. The tap ought to remain open slightly. When the column is properly heated, the Tillewy ought to be pumped.
When you want to extinguish the lamp, do not turn off the fuel cock. Do this by gently easing the pump, and it will put itself out quietly and safely.

Never overrfill.