I’m looking for some guidance regarding an M320 I have which won’t stay lit. I have replaced all the seals and there doesn’t appear to be any leaks that I can detect and the lamp fires up ok but despite giving it 30 pumps it won’t stay lit for any more than 3 or 4 minutes. As this is only the second lamp I have worked on I don’t have the experience or confidence to say for definite what the issue might be although I would suspect the vaporiser may be at fault.
How does it not stay lit: does it peter out? Does the lamp light up again after pumping? Are you sure you have an airtight lamp? A definite check on leaks is dunking the pressured tank in water. Also, make sure the needle is fully down when operating the lamp.
Hi, yes it starts pulsing after a couple of minutes and then if left will just go out. If you start to pump it does light up again but only stays bright for a short time. I have checked and can’t find any leaks and the needle is fully down. It may be that I need to start the process all over again as maybe I have missed something
Hi @stuartc , Have you tried more pressure?... 30 pumps is ok for the start up but you need to get the lamp up to working pressure..
Ok I can try that thanks, but would it be normal for the pressure of 30 pumps to only last such a short time
Fine looking 320 there! Have you checked the filler cap washer? One of mine did that when I first started. They can let a lot of pressure out with a dodgy seal. That washer can let pressure out without making a paraffin mess.
It is all good advice, Stuart. Drain out the fuel and do a 'dunk test', then you can rule out a leak? One thing at a time an you'll get it sorted
Thank you @Johnny19 I can certainly have another look at the filler but as you point out there was no paraffin leak visible
Except it sounds as if you have an air leak from the tank somewhere. Do a dunk test as has been suggested. Or, if you prefer, pressure up the lantern and paint soapy water onto the various unions - filler cap, pressure release and jet cleaner washers...
Hi David, definitely losing pressure somewhere so tomorrow will do a dunk and hopefully get to the bottom of it. Thanks to everyone for their help and I’ll let you know how it goes
Yes ... pressure test ...but you may find that the culprit could be the NR Valve in the bottom of the pump tube . needs to be sorted ... get your sturdy screwdriver out ... check it out... take it apart ,, be careful ...grit inside or sticking with a substance clean maybe ? .... bit of light grease on the thread seal with a new washer ,, check all the washers and the fuel cap seals ... these lamps are solid .. I have a couple of them and usually the NRV is the little blighter responsible followed by the fuel cap seals . good luck
Hi folks, just a quick update and a big thanks for all the help. Did a dunk test this morning and the air release washer turned out to be the culprit . One replacement washer later and the lamp is all good. Thanks again
no I managed to keep it in one piece thankfully. The help offered on here is fantastic and I'm sure it encourages others like myself who are complete novices to persevere and continue with a great hobby / pastime / obsession (delete as appropriate!!)
It's helped me out a lot too, over the last couple of years. Again thats a nice 320 You have there. I love the hoods on them.
@Johnnie19 If with hood you mean the ventilator or chimney (hood is usually reserved for top screen, reflector or shade), is it you then that drives the prices up to insane levels on that site?
No problem! There are several names for the same article, not seldom a result of many languages and interpretations as background. Still the question remains about pushing prices, or let me ask you something different: what is your take on the absurd pricing of just this model? Not that an M-1 in mint condition can be had for change - as it used to be only a few years ago. But a n.i.b. 320 for £395.00? That is considerably more than a very mint Korean model - when you could buy them. Perhaps that factor is the upper? Your thoughts please. Mike
@M.Meijer In the couple of Years I have been collecting Lamps, I certainly have not paid outrageous prices for them. A few I have picked up for nothing from colleagues or friends that go fishing etc, and yes, admiittedly, I have had several cheeky bids on the bay on lamps that have interested me. (mostly with excellent results). It's a funny market though. One of my first lamps was an M1 in superb condition hardly used and like new, which i picked up for around £40, and yet I see similar ones in the hundreds of pounds. I just use discernment I suppose, and its paid off so far. You are right about the ventilators though. They are extremely hard to get hold of, and very expensive it t seems! I have only one M320, and although not in the condition of the above, it is a superb performer, and I'm happy because it just cost me the postage. Hope this ramble makes sense, because basically yes, I wouldn't pay through the roof for a pressure lamp. I'm happy paying for a decent used one that turns out to be a surprise, like that 315 I got the other week.
@Johnny19 , I merely asked in jest. But thank you for your reply. So as not to expand this thread too far off it's origins, I will start a new one on the general discussion forum. Mike
