Can anyone give me information on a Tilley pump that has a "clip in" valve rather than the normal screw in, also does anyone know if a spare part can still be obtained? Not come across one before and friends just acquired a TL13 with pump missing that valve. Not a problem if none available as I've plenty of spare pumps that will fit but would like to know about it. Lyn
Without a photograph it's difficult to be certain but this sounds like one of the early Tilley NRVs. These have a circular plate with a domed centre having one central hole through which the seal holder stem protrudes. There are three small semi-circular cutouts on the edge. This domed plate is held in place against spring pressure within a recess at the lower end of the pump by three small pips located on the inside of the recess. It works on a sort of bayonet principle - the cutouts clear the pips and the plate is then rotated 60 degrees against the spring to secure it. It's not the most robust of arrangements but notwithstanding that, it seems to work reasonably well... I've no idea whether the domed plates are available but the phrase 'rocking horse droppings' springs to mind...
I think I only have one Tilley that has that pump arrangement - a steel tanked PL53. You could try emailing Jeff at base-camp. I can't see one listed on his site but you never know what he may have in his stores. http://www.base-camp.co.uk/Contactu.htm
I have seen a few of these but they are old and rare. Early 1930s for sure and maybe earlier. Never seen one as a spare but you never know Mike may have one. ::Neil::
Thanks David, that's the same pump end as the one friends have, sans the dome. They did check in the tank just in case it had worked loose and was sitting in there. They've got a working pump and are happy with that, especially as they were effected by the power cuts in the Highlands and were off for a few days. Thanks James and Neil, will look into that. Lyn
Those bayonet fitting domes are scarce, but they were also used on some of the Tilley filler cap / pressure valves, the link below shows an example. Over the last three days the power in my area has been off for about 30 hours, Jeff. http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/3541
I remember a few years ago during a discussion about donut pumps I mentioned that I had taken this part from a 'normal' pump and fitted it to a donut one.
David, can you also identify this pump please. Was rummaging through (disorganised) box of spares to see if there was anything like that pump and came up with this one. Have been unable to dismantle it so soaking it in vinegar overnight to see if it loosens it up, failing that will subject it to some heat and see if a little expansion will help
Hi Lyn I wouldn't apply heat to loosen your pump fittings. Invariably they just need a little more force. The problem is usually how to apply it without damaging the knurling. If you use something like a pair of 'vice grip' pliers and wrap an old leather belt around the knurling first and lock onto the belt (just sufficient to grip), you usually can obtain the small extra force to overcome the stuck parts. Take care.
Thanks Iain, not thinking of exposing it to extreme heat but gently over a period of time. Looking at it more closely I'm coming to the conclusion that it isn't a standard fitting but a home made adaptation but well engineered and fitted. Whether I can take it apart and replace the washer and spring is another matter. It's now had 24 hours in vinegar and has been washed to remove the last of it, so see how it goes. Lyn
Hello Lyn, it's a genuine Tilley pump and so is the NRV., fitting and the link below shows a post about Tilley pumps and 2 of the pumps there have that fitting, that style of Tilley pump often turns up on early PL-53 lanterns and I have had many of them, Jeff. http://0flo.com/index.php?threads/3553
Thank you Jeff, clears that one up. Have now managed to get it apart, after boiling it for a few minutes. Found the threads covered with a kind of paste which was stopping me unscrewing it before. So will have another spare pump to add to the list of working spare parts. Lyn
