I have a 2002 'unissued' MOD M320 on which I've just had to replace the vapouriser, after less than 20 hours use. I know these can be a bit hit and miss, what with their age and all but I was surprised at the way in which the lamp failed. It was running perfectly, when I noticed that the mantle was beginning to break up at the base. I changed it and that was that; the lamp would not run properly, giving practically no light at all, flames outside the mantle etc. I also noticed quite a build up of a very fine yellow-white deposit in the hood and on the underside of the burner. I'd read the Vapalux overheat thread and assumed that I needed a new vap tube, it has done the trick but I'm surprised that I've had to replace it so soon. Is this yellow-white deposit a symptom of something? Also, will over-pressuring affect the jet orifice? (I did cane it a bit at first). Pre-heated with meths, running on Bartoline paraffin (b&q), Tilley 164X mantles (I know!) Thanks in advance
Did you rinse the tank out before first firing it up... There could have been some nasty residue in there that has clogged/damaged the vapouriser... As you have guessed they should last a lot longer than that.
I didn't think I needed to, the lamp was unused. Just one of those things I suppose. Now that I think about it though, it had been pulsing quite a bit. That's why I cranked the pressure up.
Those yellowish residues can as well be from the meths, I've noticed this as well. I was able to wipe it away from the hood easily.
Yes, I've had this too but I've no idea what causes it. Worst case I had was on a Bialaddin I converted to '500cp' in the same way Tilley converted the X246B to '500cp' - longer burner spigot, bigger mantle and more pressure but the same vapouriser. And before you ask, I had exactly the same success doing it as Tilley did with their attempt...
It is a Vapalux, why use Tilley mantles? The cuurent Tilley X mantle is 500cp, sadly it does not work on a Tilley which only puts out around 200cp on a good day.! Use a 300cp Vapalux mantle, less pressure and decent paraffin, not kerosene, heating oil or white spirit. A new Vapalux vapouriser will last around three years of regular use...!
