I tried to light up my precious Zvaigzne Riga today and it worked juhu, well almost . The only thing I didnt dismantle was the securityvalve down the deep dark pumphole when it was restored. The securityvalve dont close properly and lets out just a bit fuel so the pumphole fills slowly. The topnut of the securityvalve is like primus, where one have to use this special tool, halfround with straight sides and that tool I do have. But this lamp is a Zvaigzne and the topnut is almost 1/3 smaller and the primus-Tool is much too big. Beside that, the securityvalve is stuck. Is it possible to make a tool that just push on the straight sides of the topnut and is it possible to ex. heat that tool for transferring heat to the securityvalve without damaging the lot in some way. I did read this http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/6088 But I dont wanna drill out the securityvalve, while it probably is the only one in the world and not replaceable . Any ideas - I think I only have one shot here. Claus C
Yes, it is enough if the tool only touches the flat sides of the valves head. A slot across the centre end of a rod is sufficient. If your valve (non-return valve, abbreviated NRV below) is of the same shape as e.g. Primus, only smaller, it's just to make a tool that has a smaller slot at the end than the normal 5 mm. NRV tools are about the easiest tools to make on your own that there is. Just get a good steel rod which preferably fits snugly inside the pump tube, and file, grind, mill - or what ever method you want - a slot that will fit exactly over your smaller NRV head. You don't need any fancy stuff. Just don't use a steel that is too soft. I made one out of an old cold chisel many years ago, and it hasn't failed me yet even if it looks like shit: Link If you think your NRV is really stuck, and since you don't know its exact size, I would suggest you make your tool too narrow, and slowly increase the width of the slot until you barely can fit it over the NRV head. If you need to tap it down slightly over the NRV, it will have a good and snug grip. I doubt it's worth heating the tool to transform the heat as you suggest. Rightfully it is the pump tube that should be heated, but you can use some penetrating oil. It might do some work. Also (especially!) on the inside where the valve protrudes from the pump tube.
Ok thanks Christer. I just made a led-print of the topnut of the NRV and found out it messures 4,9 mm - almost the 5 mm and the origínal tool as on your topic I have is pretty shitty and soft material. I will try to make the smart thing you did but I will also heat a bit it it should be sticky old fuel there is glueing it stuck. Thanks Claus C
Oh, yes! It can't hurt to heat a bit. Just don't too much. The disc at the bottom of the pump tube where the NRV is threaded is probably soft soldered in to place. They usually are. Good luck!
Claus once you have a tool similar to Christers I have had a good success rate removing these Nrv if I hit it with a hammer then Tighten it slightly first usually comes straight out then or maybe I have been lucky cheers pete
Thanks Christer and Steve - now I can sleep without any worries : Christers invention (but only fits Zvaigzne) and I did heat a Little and hit it gentle too: I will never throw this away. Claus C
I have had a few NRV's on Aladdins that have had damaged spanner flats on the valve. I unsolder the pump from the font unsolder the bottom of the pump remove the valve replace with a new/refurbished valve and resolder. If you are careful with the resolder it is very hard to detect. I use a flame from a small blowtorch to do the resoldering after using degreaser to remove any kerosene from the font then let it dry. If you use a soldering iron you will not get good results. If you have an old font and pump that is unusable you may want to practice on that first. Make sure the pump is well "tinned" before resoldering.
