I've tried to put in a new pump leather on my optimus. I've tried trimming it a bit but the leather seems too thick. It isn't helped by the fitting at the end of the pumps rod. Ive tried soaking the leather in oil as well. Any help appreciated
Fixed that issue with a vapalux pump cup. Now having issues with the vapouriser and blocked jet..........
No. A bent vapouriser is generally just to straighten. I have done that many times. A rod that fits snugly inside the vapouriser usually does the trick. Tuck it up an inch or so in the lower end and clamp the rod in a vise. Then you generally can straighten the vapouriser by bending it by hand, but if not, a tool can be used to get more force in the upper end. It's just important to not damage the surface on the very top since it need to be un-harmed if it should seal the jet properly later on. Same goes with the outer taper at the lower end. You can also hammer it straight by resting it on two supports and tapping it in between with a soft hammer.
Having straightened the vapouriser, the lamp pressurises but no paraffin comes out. Plus I think the small needle is missing off the end of the pricker. Will I have to replace the pricker?
If the lamp was stored with the pricker in the up position for many years it could have rusted and broken off in the jet. If that is the case it is almost impossible to salvage the jet and it would be best to replace the jet and pricker at the same time.
The needle is almost certainly lost, but if you have an ultrasonic bath available the jet/nipple will have a good chance to be saved, especially in the lamps with higher light output where the orifice is larger. You can also try an acupuncture needle in addition to unblock the jet. I did that successfully many times, and what I'm missing most is of course pricker needles. BR, Martin K.
I may have been a bit pessimistic on the jet, as Martin pointed out. I just thought that, as you would need a new needle anyway it would make sense to buy a new jet at the same time. Fogas in Sweden have them. Part number 2671 and 2681 Same as Petromax 826 and 828. See here: MUNSTYCKE RENSNÅL In addition to Martin's advice, you can also try to clear the jet by heating it red hot and plunging into cold water a few times. A citric acid bath may assist in dissolving any rust in the jet orifice. The risk you run with any mechanical procedure to remove a rusted off needle from the orifice is that you may enlarge it, which would render the jet useless for that lamp. ...Unless you shrink the orifice again, but that is a different rabbit hole to go down.
