Light Up: Coleman 252 Milspec

Ah yes, the Coleman Milspec. Ya either love 'em or hate 'em. Lots of people who don't like them, probably have had some bad experiences in the past. To be fair, they can be an "exciting" lantern to light. However, even with their quirks, they can be a great partner to have in a dark place. They're probably one of the simplest and longest-running lanterns out there, and in the past I wasn't so thrilled about them, but now I can't get enough. Come along as we go through the in and out of this lantern, see how it works, learn what to look for if you're looking to buy one, and finally, light it up!

[@stillwater62]

I enjoy the heck out of your videos. Everyone is educational, interesting, and entertaining. It would be nice if you could zoom in a little closer to the lanterns because I feel like I am in the nosebleed section when you are discussing certain features on a particular lantern and binoculars do not work on my computer screen.

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Thanks! That really means a lot. I think it was Mark Twain that said he could live for two months on a compliment. :) I hear ya about the distance to the subject matter. In recent videos I've been using a headcam that gets y'all more into the action. Honestly, it makes editing a lot easier too. Just keep an eye out for the new stuff, you'll see much more FPV video.

[@albedo0.392]

Love this video and your channel, everything is simple, nice, normal, no BS

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@Reaglesracing44_]

@@gasunderpressure9131 so i got another one that won’t run smoothly. no matter the pressure it just blows out the bottom of the mantle. could the tip be blown out ?

[@LowLumens]

Nice light up!!

[@bobzimmerman9796]

I have a 1958 model and my globe is 4 pieces and stamped us quadrant globe gasoline lantern.

[@davidstreetman2389]

Great presentation I recently picked up one of those at a flea market sale and can't wait to clean it up a bit and try to lite it I was also warned it was loud while running 😀 thanks for sharing.

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Yep, they sound like an APU running! They will keep going a long, long time though.

[@JX6G]

Perfect lighting without ventilator off!

[@gasunderpressure9131]

That's how it's done! So many people have very involved methods for lighting these, which are just not necessary. No soldier out in the field is going to partially disassemble the lantern to light it. They're going to open the valve, "whoomp" it (which is pretty fun BTW) and go on to the next one once it's burning bright. That's how they're designed. Every time I see someone preheat a white gas lantern with the fuel/air assembly, I die a bit inside! :D

[@JX6G]

@@gasunderpressure9131 Totally agree with you! Coleman never wrote such a complicated procedure in the instructions. I never preheat, I never disassemble WG lanterns to light, too. :)

[@chalemi]

I also the the same Coleman mil spec 1958 like yours. Mine has the quad U.S. globe.

[@TonyM540]

Dead right. Never lose your nuts out in the field.

[@LowLumens]

I have the spark lighter I’m the same spot on mine. I light mine the same way. People put to much pressure or have torches or taking it all apart to light it. Just follow directions and it’s good.

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Exactly. That's why I have quite a few light up videos on the channel, mainly to show people how easy they are to light. Other channels I see have such dang complicated (and completely unnecessary!) procedures, it's no wonder why people shy away from liquid fuel lanterns.

[@droptop5006]

I have a mil- spec 1966 and was curious if the generator is supposed to have the flathead screw on the bottom and is it supposed to be screwed in tight or loose thanks for the help and I love your videos hopefully you will have more soon

[@The762x39mm]

That screw must be removed before installing the generator on the lantern. The screw is there to prevent any dirt in the generator while not installed. Spare generator are stored that way. They may also have a little protective cap on the generator tip that must be removed before installing.

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Thanks for uploading this video! I have one of these, mine is made by AFM in 1967 and is in really good shape. However after running for about 10 minutes it starts to sputter and die. I do have some replacement generators for it, Im thinking I should clean the air intake tubes and possibly replace the generator? It holds pressure fine. Thoughts?

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Hm. That's an interesting one. If the air intake is plugged/restricted, it'll burn yellow/sooty right from the beginning. I'd be thinking about replacing the generator at this point. Maybe it's almost clogged and the heat makes things expand enough to choke it off? Just grasping at straws here. Does it just fade out, or does it go to a yellow flame and die?

[@Reaglesracing44_]

mine i just got is just like a fire ball that’s constant no matter what the pressure is

[@gasunderpressure9131]

I would check to make sure you've got a gas tip in the end of the generator.

[@Reaglesracing44_]

@@gasunderpressure9131 it’s there and clear. it’s only got less than 1/4 tank of fuel

[@JWLamph]

I’ve got a 1945 model. The valve knob on mine does not turn at all, and neither does the knob for the parts compartment. Any tips on getting them to budge? I’ve tried WD40 to loosen threads, to no avail. Thanks

[@gasunderpressure9131]

I sure do. A small butane torch should provide enough heat to loosen up those fittings. You don't want a propane torch as those burn about 1,000 degrees hotter and are hard to control. You just want to get enough heat in to soften the varnish that is keeping it from turning. The parts compartment one is different, as there shouldn't be any fuel varnish buildup there. I'd use some PB blaster to loosen the threads. A bit of heat might also help break it free.

[@BOITeacher]

Got an SMP from the 80's that is pain in the a**. Could you recommend someone on the upper Texas coast that could troubleshoot or repair it to running condition?

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Not too much to work on with those. Replacing the generator should fix just about any issue. Only other thing would be a stuck fuel/air rod. What's the problem you're having?

[@Fashion372]

Hi, how did you start it? Boomstick? Were can i find this? Regards

[@gasunderpressure9131]

Yep, the whumpstick. I think you can find one if you look for a coleman spark ignigter.

[@pyrog.c.c89]

Like to have 1.