Vapalux methylated spitits fill?

J

johnjfrake

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 Oct 2010
Messages
97
Location
Reading
Visit site
I have bought a a Vapalux lamp for use on my boat. I have a problem with it in that: The instructions state that you should lift the glass and fill the spirit cup with meths. Given the small size of the gap how??? I cannot find a suitable container for the meths with a long slim spout, especially one that can be sealed tight after use. Old oil cans look promising but how safe are they when filled with the very penetrative low viscosity meths? Any sugestions please?

Thanks
 
johnjfrake said:
I have bought a a Vapalux lamp for use on my boat. I have a problem with it in that: The instructions state that you should lift the glass and fill the spirit cup with meths. Given the small size of the gap how??? I cannot find a suitable container for the meths with a long slim spout, especially one that can be sealed tight after use. Old oil cans look promising but how safe are they when filled with the very penetrative low viscosity meths? Any sugestions please?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I have a similar problem with a Tilley lantern. Originally fitted with a cup with an asbsetos (?) wick that clipped into place but the replacement permanently fitted cup and wick suffers from the same problem as your Vapalux.

I agree you dont want to store meths in a container than is not leak proof or cannot be sealed.

I solved the problem with a small hypodermic syringe and a short piece of polythene tube.

View attachment 27430
 
Last edited by a moderator:
parsifal said:
I don't know if it would suit the Vapalux lamp but I pre-heat my Taylors heater with a clip on Spirit Lighter which is normally kept in a Meths Bottle.

Both items shown on this page:

http://www.parafinalia.biz/tilley-tilley-lamp-spares-c-195_185_86.html

Or how about these?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wash-Bottle...1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358697475&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Click to expand...

The clip on Tilley spirit lighter is what I could not get when I wanted one ... perhaps they have re-introduced them.

The trouble with the washbottle is that it will tend to dribble as the temp fluctuates if it is used to store the meths, otherwise Ok. It should be possible to get smaller ones than 500ml. 250 ml are certainly common and I am sure Ive seen 100/125 ml ones
 
Last edited:
I take the hood and glass off and fill with small bottle. I have never had a problem. Is meths that dangerous in any case? Diesel, meths and parafin a sure way to a girls heart
 
Paddingtonbear said:
Is meths that dangerous in any case?
Click to expand...

It is classed as a highly flammable liquid. Its flash point is sufficiently low for it to produce a flammable vapour in more than cool conditions.
It is nowhere near as dangerous as gasoline of course. Paraffin and diesel are not classed as highly flammable and in normal conditions do not produce a flammable vapour.
 
Thanks for all the replies and advice. Base camp are closed till early Feb now so i have order the FUEL FILLER BOTTLE & CAp option from Ebay. Made a note to call Base camp in mid Feb which I will do in unlikely event cant get on with nitor bottle!
 
I have a Tilley now, for which I used the clamp around lighter shown above. When I had an Alladin with a straight glass that could not accept this type I used to use an old contact lens bottle for meths. The flow rate was very slow with the the original hole size so I increased it using a hot wire. Very easy to squirt it into the cup.

Alternatively you could use the solid fuel, which avoids meths altogether.
 
We use a syringe since the original spirit can developed a leak. A friend of ours uses a turkey baster. Syringe works well as I know exactly how much meths I need to light the lamp, without putting way too much in which can take an age to burn down which is not good when you're desperately in need of some heat and light!

Good lamp choice btw! They're the best!!
 
Lodesman77 said:
Try using the original filler can? I use one, along with an extra sealing washer for when not in use.

Alternately, a fuel filler for a model aircraft works well - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221031591660?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Edit: Basecamp appear to be out of original fillers but are offering an updated one here - http://www.base-camp.co.uk/vapalux.html

.
Click to expand...

Thanks Lodesman, I have just bought the nitro filler for this use at home, eg for power cuts. Have a Taylor's primer bottle on board
 
VicS said:
Isn't that pretty much the same idea as in post #2
Click to expand...

Inasmuch as it is a syringe?

Yes, it is a syringe but can be used straight out of the packet without having to fabricate and connect a plastic tube.

I am also specific in the capacity (5ML as opposed to 'small' - small is relative).

I have also used this method on my Vapalux (not your Tilley) for several years.

So, no, it is probably not pretty much the same idea.

I did not realise you held the patent for suggestions.
 
chinita said:
Inasmuch as it is a syringe?

Yes, it is a syringe but can be used straight out of the packet without having to fabricate and connect a plastic tube.

I am also specific in the capacity (5ML as opposed to 'small' - small is relative).

I have also used this method on my Vapalux (not your Tilley) for several years.

So, no, it is probably not pretty much the same idea.

I did not realise you held the patent for suggestions.
Click to expand...

Exactly the same idea. Just a bit of plastic tube added to suit the Tilley lamp.. nothing special "fabricated" as you put it.

Exact size is not important. I used a 2ml because I had one handy. 5ml would probably be better. If I'd still been working I'd have got hold of a 5 ml or even a 10ml one. They are all "small" compared with say a 100ml one or the very small ones with a capacity of a few microlitres

Anyway the nitro bottle suggested in post #7 is the best idea !
 
Last edited:
I use one of these oil dispensers with a brass spout and sealable nozzle for my Taylors: http://www.cromwell.co.uk/KEN5405120K
"Translucent Dispensing Bottles, Manufactured from oil and chemical resistant polyethylene. With rigid applicator nozzles and sealing caps.
With adjustable brass spout & nozzle"
Inexpensive and very useful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top