Petromax HK500, River of Fire

[Simes]

Hello Folks,

I have a Petromax HK500 pressure lantern. It was a present from the Father in Law a couple of years ago. When we light it way back then it developed a series of rivers of burning paraffin running down the glass and dripping onto what ever was underneath it. So turned it off and tried again, same effect very spectacular and all that but a little un-nerving for SWM.
We put it away and forgot all about it, however Father in Law is coming to stay again and SWM would like to be able to use the Petromax and say "look how pretty!"

Have you had this problem? How did you cure it?

the Petromax site does not seem to be of any help.

Simes

 

[ostell]

This looks like a similar device to a primus stove. Usually get problems of flaming paraffin when the preheater has not been used for long enough to vaporise the paraffin before it gets to the burning nozzle.

So it's more meths into the preheat bowl and wait till it's nearly out.

 

[Simes]

Hmm, Thats what I thought

The mantle is producing lots of light, and all is hot enough. The paraffin is coming out of the needle valve even when the valve is in the closed position.

I have cleaned out the valve and the needle.

I can't believe that this is a design fault, must be some thing I am doing wrong or that the lamp has been incorrectly assembled, also hard to believe.

Simes

 

[sarabande]

Petromax have a good site with lots of FAQs on problems, including some videos.

http://www.petromax.net/technical.htm


See the Troubleshooting Tips pages.

The arrival of unvaporised fuel out of the jet can only be due to excess delivery, leaky valve, or insufficient pre-heating. One of those little butane gas gadgets which also doubles as a hot-knife, is useful in the latter respect.

 

[Simes]

Hi Sarabande,

That is a great site, I had only found the German Petromax site. looks as if the needle valve is fouled. I will check it when I get home tonight.

Thanks to all,

Simes