New guy here, in need of some learning and advise REF: Coleman 427

Years ago I inherited what I believe is a Coleman 427 quick light, made in the early-mid 20s.
I have a bunch of kero wick type lamps, but no pressure lamps, so my knowledge base is not very deep.
It’s in fairly decent shape, no major outside issues that I can see, although I’m assuming that all the seals are bad.
What type of fuel does it take?
Where can I find replacement parts?
What else do I need to be aware of?
Thanks in advance

Mike Hunter

 

Welcome aboard Mike!

Photographs will help us to assist you, Jeff.

 

Hi and wellcome Mike.
Nice lamp, the 427.

Claus C

 

I always like to make sure the check valve under the pump is in good order, always helps keep the leaks to a minimum. I have a 327 from those days and it runs on white gas. Takes a bit of pre-heating the generator to make it happy (i.e. not flare up) and then it runs fine. I found mine had asbestos string for the seals so if you plan on taking it apart be aware. These were well made lamps. If it needs a new generator I think the R55 from Coleman will do the trick but others may be more informed for your model. Welcome and enjoy your new lamp.

 

These lamps don't have much in the way of seals. Just the filler cap rubber and the valve gland packing. The pump check is a steel ball which might be corroded and want a clean but other than these all the lamp will want is a good clean out and maybe a new generator. It is important to make sure the burner tubes are clear because they are a favourite place for spider nests.

A 427 can't be early 1920s. The model was prototyped in 1924 and only produced in quantity from 1925. We really do need to see a picture please. Important because there are some variations in the model from 1924 to 1927 and one is super rare. ::Neil::

 

Gentlemen

Thank you

I will try and get some pics tonite

Mike

 

Sorry no pics tonight

A little more info:

It has the long exposed plunger assembly like you would find on a 427

the base is marked under the filler cap: Coleman Quick -Lite, Trademark and a small 5 3 below that.

It's in pretty good shape, no major rust or issues that I can see.

Is this thing worth restoring and made operational?

V/R

Mike

 

The answer is yes!

 

Made in March 1925 then which is early for the model. Certainly well worth restoring. ::Neil::

 

All

Thank you very much for the replies.

My guess is that it hasn’t been fired up since the 50s, my dad had it up at his ranch in So Cal high desert. I found it after he passed away.

So where can I get repair parts for it? Also is there a schematic for parts breakdown?

Will current Coleman mantels work in this?

On a separate note, will standard Coleman mantels work on Petromax type kerosene pressure lanterns?

 

Hello Mike, modern Coleman mantles will work, but they are not so well made as the old mantles, Peerless mantles are good and that lantern runs on Coleman fuel.

The link below is for the Coleman Collectors Forum and parts can be obtained from Old Coleman Parts who operate the forum.

There are catalogues etc., in the reference library of this website, but it's open only to subscribers, Jeff.

http://www.colemancollectorsforum.com/

 

Large Coleman mantles (number 1111) will work on the Petromax type of lantern, but it's better to use a more bulbous mantle, i often use Anchor mantles.

 

Specifically the Peerless 2C-HG is the one made for coleman types of that size. I use them on mine and they are as good as you could ask for.

See?

 

You are not likely to want any parts other than maybe a new generator. Maybe the filler cap seal and the pump leather will want replacing and you need to check the valve gland seal is OK but that will probably be good and may only want tightening a little. However these lamps commonly just work without anything other than a clean out of the tubes and tank.

Coleman #20 mantles were the original type used on these twin mantle lamps but the standard Coleman #21 or an equivalent will work fine. If you have to go buy then Peerless as suggested will likely be best. ::Neil::