Coleman Lantern Troubleshooting Basics

[@ChaseTheOttah]

Took my lantern apart last night, a Coleman Major 236, and gave it a mild clean trying to get it working. Thanks for the video, it confirmed how the lantern works in the first place and showed me I can take the generator apart and at least inspect it if not repair.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Glad I could help. If you have any further questions, please be sure to ask.

[@insightman05]

Excellent video you are very articulate and well spoken. Many thanks

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Thank you kindly!

[@gregdileo]

Dude, that was awesome. Totally clear. Thanks

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Glad it helped!

[@markbelden6919]

Wright brand wrench, nice!!!

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Haha, honestly, I do not remember where I got that wrench. I have a lot tools I bought and inherited. My tool brands range from Snap-on to Harbor Freight, lol.

[@bigjimbo560]

great video, thanks

[@RavenwoodAcres]

You are welcome!

[@davidcronin5689]

Thank you.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Glad you found this video useful.

[@namewitheld]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamespeirano3192]

How do you check the check valve and ball inside the tank? My lantern will not pump up. It will pump up, but it leaks out but the seat looks fine.😊

[@RavenwoodAcres]

It sounds like spring and ball are not seating fully. Sometimes they can be fixed soaked with an oil like Marvel Mystery Oil. However, if you have to remove it can be difficult. Here is a great website for learning more: www.oldtowncoleman.com/learn/coleman-special-tools-check-valve-remover.htm

[@alfonsotosta2777]

Hello, the Coleman flashlight is not giving pressure, the pumping that you did, what part can I change to make it work? Thanks in advance

[@curtiscline2441]

Great video! Just found your channel tonight. I have a Coleman Lantern 220e with a date stamp of 11-52 that came into my possession after my neighbor passed away 10 years ago. I also have a 290a that my father gave me in 1991. I'm wanting to make sure the 220e works before we travel west this summer. However, the main valve wheel that turns 1/4 to the left to light is stuck and won't turn. Do you have any recommendation (or a video) on how to loosen the valve wheel? Thankfully the tank still holds pressure. 🙂

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Sorry about the late response. I have had this issue before on an old 220 and I ended up replacing it with a used valve. The other likely option is disassemble an soak the valve in something like Marvel Mystery oil.

[@curtiscline2441]

@@RavenwoodAcres Thanks! I ended up disassembling, cleaning, and loosening the valve wheel. After also replacing the generator, the 70 y.o. lantern works like a charm! :-)

[@davidv.5234]

Excellent video- I picked up 3 old Colemans lanterns and a stove from local recycle transfer station, just getting around to messing with them. One was not stored well and may be for parts, the other two pressure up but nothing seems to come up the biz end. When u open the gas cap there is pressure release, so maybe spiders have clogged up airtubes?. I will disassemble and mess with them when I get a chance

[@RavenwoodAcres]

If you're not getting a hissing sound when you turn them on. Then you probably have a fuel clogged some where. I would take the air tubes and gas generator off. From there I carefully turn on the valve to see if I get fuel from the valve. If not your issue is with the fuel feed assembly. If you get fuel your issue is most likely with the gas generator. Let me know if this helps? Thanks for watching!

[@aaron5632018]

@@RavenwoodAcres you said “air tubes” , there is more than one air tube? Thanks for the help !!

[@RavenwoodAcres]

@@aaron5632018 Let me correct myself, there's two burner tube that come from mixer manifold.

[@aaron5632018]

@@RavenwoodAcres gotcha !! Thank you for the reply so quickly! You seem super knowledgeable can I bounce something off of you real quick? I got a garage sale lantern the other day , it’s in pretty good condition in a custom wooden box the old man made for it, I’m getting pressure in the tank just fine, but nothing whenever I open the knob for the pressure release , the only pressure release is whenever I open the cap to the fuel tank , that’s how I am sure I’m building good pressure , no leaks ,, what would you do next? Thank you again

[@aaron5632018]

It’s a Coleman 2 mantle

[@Adventuremann0310]

How do you change the check valve? I just got a 220f and the tank won’t pressurize at all.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

It is not to difficult unless it is seized in there. Start with large flat tipped screw driver. The check valve has a slot and with some luck it should unscrew. There is some good video on KZbin. However, I owe my followers a video so I produce one this weekend.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Check out this video from Oldtown Coleman. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bafZYX54i7ykgZo

[@carlosedwardos]

I have a lot of 220F's to restore, and a few of the 220J and 220K which are essentially identical - which parts should I keep in inventory? - I am making a bulk order of parts, so in my cart I have some generators and some fuel filler cap gaskets and some leather cups and a check valve or two - what else?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

You got it mostly covered. You might consider adding a share globe and the ventilator barrel nut.

[@camf5187]

hello, you seem to be very familiar with coleman lamps, and I wanted to ask you about the fuel on the latest, most recent model from Coleman. I don't want to buy one to put only Coleman brand cans which are not found everywhere but I would like to know if the lamp works without problem with 95 or 98 unleaded gasoline? Thanks !

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Some claim that all Coleman lanterns (except kerosene) will run on unleaded gasoline. I have however, ran over a dozen tank of gasoline through my Coleman dual-fuel lantern with no issues. My preference is non-ethanol when I can find it. I guess that means I should test that theory for the sake of good KZbin content. 😀

[@Farron1960]

Nice video, brass fittings is a softer metal and have tapered threads and do not require thread sealer.

[@paulhare662]

He said it was his preference!!! And apparently knew you would be here to point out that you knew better.

[@petechka6931]

all threaded pipe fittings require thread sealer

[@tomlynaghsr8752]

Now I know the names of the all the parts I'm going to hunt down the cleaner value I damaged stripping down my Dad's 228e he had since he was a kid.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I am glad you found this video useful.

[@capcon6]

Also I need a valve assembly. Any suggestions?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Oldcolemanparts.com or eBay are my go to sources for parts.

[@nattaylor7665]

Agreed, very helpful. What I need is a video showing how best to dismantle my lantern properly so I can try to determine why it's not lighting up. Also, when I unscrewed the flow control knob and began to pull it away there was some sort of a graphite washer type thing that disintegrated as I was removing the stem. What's that all about? Can you explain? Or do you have a video that explains how to disassemble the lantern - mine is a 220K

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Nat, I several videos on my channel covering the 220 Lantern. I believe this one may be helpful. Please me know if you need more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2WunqiFnJl4g6M

[@fechaed]

Please, from what material is this white (10:30) part of the vaporizer made? Here in Brazil there is no spare part. I have to adapt.Thank you (google tradutor).

[@RavenwoodAcres]

It is a heat barrier or insulating material. Sorry but I do not know what it is made of. Older lanterns vaporizer could have used asbestos. Newer lanterns probably a similar heat resistant material like fiber glass.

[@fechaed]

@@RavenwoodAcres Thank you!

[@Maxumized]

fechaed use brass wool to wrap around spring

[@thankswillie]

gas generator,what is the white part,and what goes wrong with these generators?,i understand the needle and office ..thank you

[@RavenwoodAcres]

The white part is an insulating material. From what I have seen go wrong with the generator is, needle damage and a worn spring.

[@thankswillie]

@@RavenwoodAcres thanks

[@garrettsmeal728]

Awesome video! Learned alot! Just got a Northstar at a. Garage sale, it doesn't turn off, just gets low/dim. I know it's a different unit... But do you think the valve would be my culprit? It's leaks LP as soon as you put a bottle on it

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Great tip!

[@paulvelte]

Can you explain a pump that won't push because it has too much pressure? Take out the check valve, and it pumps air fine... so the air tube is not clogged, right? Put the check valve back in, and cannot pump... I'm stumped.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

This problem is usually associated with the a clogged or stuck check valve. However, it you have taken it out and cleaned the valve, maybe not. Another thing to check is the threads the air stem. That is the piece that threads into the check valve from the pump plunger assemble. If those threats are stripped you won't be able to open it to pump air into the tank/fountain. I hope that makes sense, please reply back with if you have more questions.

[@capcon6]

Great video Mr. N! Ur vid have helped a lot in restoration of a 1/1960 220e lantern. The Question is how do u get the rust flakes and particles out of the tank/fount?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

You can start with a shop vacuum. They make small attachments that are designed for detailing car interiors. Another method is to add .177 caliber steel BB's into the tank and shake it to break up the rust so it can be flushed out. Some people even add liquid rust dissolving solutions with the BBs and then flush with water.

[@countryhamop4580]

@@RavenwoodAcres I saw another lantern restore video where the guy filled the tank with vinegar, let it sit 24 hours, then poured in a mix of water and baking soda to neutralize the residual acid, then triple rinsed the tank, then used alcohol (probably the 91% stuff without any extra ingredients) and that gets rid of the water. Once that's dried out it's time to see if the rust got into the fountain tube.

[@philipanderson4673]

one guy suggested a piece of chain and some fuel.. shake it around.. my tank emptied out fuel that looked like unfiltered apple cider..

[@milekh6681]

@@philipanderson4673 I just dump steel BBs in it and shake it , then use a small telescopic magnet to recover loose bbs. After that I redkote the whole inside of the tank it’s a fuel resistant liner

[@joekelley6606]

What if you take the valve out of the pump and you still can't pump air into it ? I got it soaking now in paint thinner. Figure it's varnish. Am I on the right track?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Sounds like you're on the right track.

[@carywalls430]

My lantern is spitting out fuel when I turn the gas on. Any idea why?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

It sounds like a gas generator issue. However, to troubleshoot more, I will need more details. I assume it is spitting fuel out of burner tubes? Have you done yet work to it recently?

[@carywalls430]

@@RavenwoodAcres no I haven't but I'm going to tonight. It's like it spits out the fuel through the mantles. I'm going to clean it really good and maybe there's something stuck in it somewhere. I'll get back to you. It's like new. It did it once and I kept it burning and it slowly went away but it took a minute.

[@penncapt]

One thing he didn't cover was the pickup tube. there is a hole at the top and a hole at bottom. 1/2 half turn of valve lets air thru from the top of tank to light.. then when warmed up... open the valve more to start getting the liquid from bottom of tank. There is a rod that needs to move up and down when valve is turned. remove the gen, remove the air tubes, reinstall the gen... this operation can be checked.

[@johnbelle2307]

Hi im interested to learn how the tube that goes in the tank it has a hole on the side how doe's it all work thanks john

[@RavenwoodAcres]

In my Coleman video series I show disassembly and reassembly of several different lantern series. However, none of them specifically cover the fuel feed tube. I will add that to my list, thanks for watching.

[@dylanreischling4151]

I have a 200A and it’s very fussy and it won’t run below a 3/4th tank of gas. I just replaced the generator as the old one was fried. Any ideas?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Sorry for the late response. That is tough question. Does it hold pressure over night? Either way, I lean towards a possible issue with your fuel feed systems within the tank. Have you ever taken it apart?

[@edshelden7590]

Great Video. Hear is my problem, the lantern does not get bright enough and does not sound like the blow torch when it running correctly. Like it is being starved for gas? I have taken everything apart, Cleaned the tank with steel bolts, break up rust and flushed the tank. Cleaned the lower fuel supply tube, cleaned and inspected the valves installed new gas generator (that helped a little). When I pressurize the tank and open the main valve the gasoline seem to bubble and does not squirt (like a gas stove). The gas that was in the lantern was old I dumped. The new lantern gas is in a 1 gallon can which is old but the galoline look clean. Do you have any thoughts.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Ed, it seems like you have covered all the bases. My first guess was going to be the intake tube could be partially clogged. However, you have cleaned that and replaced the gas generator. So the only thing I got is to double check the fuel intake for clogs. Thanks for watching.

[@edshelden7590]

@@RavenwoodAcres Thank you, will try to clean intake again.

[@seanm8478]

Did you ever resolve the problem? I am having the same issue...

[@edshelden7590]

sean m I have been busy on other projects. Thanks for the reminder, I have time now to restart the project.

[@beljar4]

Hello, I have a question about a valve and generator for a dual fuel 424 gas stove. I left gas in it for years and then had issues. I replaced the generator and now when pumping it it sprays gas out the generator and I'm pretty sure I ruined the graphite in the brass nut. Any suggestions besides buying a valve and generator assy?

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Sorry for the late reply. KZbin doesn't do the greatest job at letting me know when I have new comments. If gas is spraying out of the generator the valve closed then there is an issue with the valve. I would disassemble the valve area and inspect for damage.

[@blakelaird7379]

How do you fix the check valve ?? I have a single mantel army Colman 1946

[@RavenwoodAcres]

In some cases you can fix it by pulling it out and cleaning it. However, the spring could be weak or the seat could be damaged. Either way the first step is to remove it, next you can determine weather or not it can be clean or just replaced. Thanks for you question, please let me know if I answered your question or if you.

[@jeffgrant4417]

@@RavenwoodAcres The check valves don't have a spring. It's a ball check valve which should move freely on its own. The pressure on the pump side opens it, the pressure in the tank seals it in place. Spraying carburetor cleaner through them, while in place, can often times clean them up. Otherwise they should be removed with the proper tool which can be found on eBay. Then you can clean it better or replace it with new.

[@billk457]

Great video! I am just getting started on restoring stoves and lanterns. Very informative. If you have time to answer a quick question, I have a lantern that does not sputter or bring fuel out of the generator when i try to light it. Just air comes out from the mantle, to the point that it moves the flame from the match but dose not light. Would that be a problem in the portion that is inside the tank? Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting problem with your lantern. Have removed and inspected the gas generator? I would start there because if you're getting air then there is probably not a clog.

[@JIMMYSBN]

Thanks for the video! I own a model 282-700E and it has an issue...I unscrew the valve and try to pump air in the tank, but no air is allowed in the tank, pump is hard to push an kicks my finger back up. Any idea for a possible fix?

[@richardbrown6565]

I have the same problem. How was it fixed?

[@snowysnobdds7842]

The check valve in the bottom of the pump is probably stuck closed, not allowing air into the fount. Spray some carb cleaner in and let it sit. If its too bad you'll have to remove the check valve. Use a tool designed for it you can buy them.

[@barrowpeter604]

Check valve bad

[@patriciaberne613]

We have a Coleman rechargeable family-size led lantern. We are unable to remove the main housing of the unit from the bottom. It appears to catch right under the control knob, and we are afraid to pull too hard because of the circuitry close by. Is there a lever that we are supposed to press so that we can completely slide off the bottom housing? Thanks for helping us.

[@GStaxxx86]

Hey Nomad, just discovered your channel. I just purchased a 220J model coleman lantern yesterday at a thrift store for $8. Its in absolutely beautiful condition. Im having trouble figuring out why i cant get it to light. The gas generator will release pressure from the tank, but only air, NOT fuel (yes, i did put fuel in it, lol). Do you think i have to clean the inside of the tank out? It holds pressure just fine and has no leaks, it just wont push fuel to the generator. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I would fully disassemble and clean the lantern. There is good chance that the debris clogging the fuel intake screen. One way to check the tank is by draining the fuel into clear container so you can inspect the fuel. If you see a lot of contaminates, it likely that you have a clog. Coleman lanterns depending on the the year and model have some sort of intake filter/screen in the tank. This can be only accessed by a full dissemble of the lantern. If you have questions check out my 220 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2WunqiFnJl4g6M. Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions.

[@thegamingchannel2373]

Painful gossiping dam dude

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Gossiping? Maybe rambling, I am bad about that. Not sure what you are getting at.