I was disappointed in this latest crises. I fired up my old Coleman lantern.....and it didn't fire up. I replaced the generator, new mantles, old fuel. Sputtered and lit, then smoked and went out. I will replace the pump, but I'm guessing the fuel was "off". It was probably about three years old.

Any other thoughts? There isn't much else that could go wrong.

Terrible situation. Still zero temps here in SWMO too. At least there is sunshine today.

Buy a propane one.

Grizz

Does it have a leather O ring that keeps pressure in the tank in conjunction with the pump? If so, did you check it and lubricate it? Maybe I'm thinking of older or different Coleman lanterns. Just a thought.

I agree with Griz. After our last major power outage many years ago I installed propane lights on the walls (1 above the stairs + 1 above the cookstove). You can buy them from your LP provider or an RV supplier, + of course these days, Amazon. They use the same mantles as the Coleman lamps.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Does it have a leather O ring that keeps pressure in the tank in conjunction with the pump? If so, did you check it and lubricate it? Maybe I'm thinking of older or different Coleman lanterns. Just a thought.

Olive oil to lubricate it? I used olive oil on a gasket in a sprinkler valve, worked well.

Sounds familiar. I think that I used something similar.

Replaced Generator and Pump. Check Valve not functioning. Can't pump air into it. Sprayed WD-40 into it, and let it soak. May try to pull the check valve, with a screw driver (risky). I don't use this enough to waste any more money on it.

Damn I love these DIY projects that turn into ordeals.