I have got everything sealed and cleaned thoroughly. Fount is holding pressure well and no leaks anywhere. I have attempted to light it and all I am getting is the orange flames with Kerosene leaking out of the air tube and around where the generator enters the burner head. I have preheated with a Tilley preheater and a propane torch. Still no go. Obviously there is no vaporization occurring at all. The cleaner needle is wrapped in what looks like asbestos string, which despite having been soaked in acetone, is still rock hard. Should I remove this and try the copper wire wrapping technique? What gauge of copper wire would be best? Should I do a single spiral, similar, say, to a Coleman 249, or multiple spirals with a thinner gauge? The other possibility is that the jet is seriously enlarged but it doesn't look like it and that still wouldn't explain almost complete lack of vaporization. At the bottom of the cleaner rod there is a sealing arrangement which works by compressing material within the generator base. I removed some ancient, very degraded, asbestos packing and replaced it with a thick Viton washer. This works to seal the bottom of the generator but is not handling the heat and needs to be replaced with something more heat proof. Any suggestions. I will not be defeated! Any help would be very gratefully appreciated.
You could try graphited string as in this example KENNIONS Model Engineering Supplies - Graphite String and Packing. As well as a general internet search, have a look for Model Engineer Supplies. There's also PTFE string. It's surprising what heat it can stand when not in a direct flame.
I have some PTFE tape for gas fittings (not the general plumbing one), the tape twirls nicely into an even string. I will give this a try as the Viton is not holding up.
David, Have you checked the nipple (jet) is sealing properly in the vapouriser? Fuel leaking around the threads will cause flooding. Excessive carbon buildup in the vapouriser prevents heat transfer to the fuel and poor vapourisation. Have you decoked the inside of the vapouriser? Acetone won't remove carbon, it needs to be burnt off or scraped off. Good luck
Hi there @David Cully . Are you sure it’s kerosene? My Nagle uses shellite. if the asbestos string on the Pricker rod is not restricting the flow keep it in condition. If you are going to replace it and it’s only a fuel restriction to help with the vaporisation, use some fine brass mess tightly rolled to suit the rod movement and the inner vaporiser. To remove carbon, try the heat and quench method. A few times, be inventive make a scraper to get in there. Ultrasound will also help , Check jet is installed correctly and firm. Check air tubes are clean and clear. You can control the fuel flow with the shut off valve may help. if you follow the other fellas advice and process of elimination. Your lamp will be very cool, hours of fun
