Simple question lantern friends, is there a way to convert either a 285-700 or a 295 powerhouse to run on kerosene/paraffin? I'm guessing our American or maybe Canadian cousins might have some ideas on how to do this. I assume I would need one of the Coleman kerosene generators that will fit, plus I will need a preheating cup to get the fuel to vaporize once it's hot enough. I searched the forums but couldn't find anything but maybe there is already a thread here somewhere? Colin
A number of reasons, Coleman fuel is very expensive, petrol is cheap enough but if I keep using it, the generators will get gummed up, and in the event of a failure, petrol tends to cause quite serious problems including injury and death (OK I'm joking a bit but it's not the safest of fuels to mess around with even though I use petrol stoves pretty frequently!
Also, can anyone identify this item I have 3 of them. The packet is marked 603218 but I can't find any reference to that on any Coleman parts list. BTW, the jet (if that's what it is) is roughly 6mm or 7mm long with an internal hole
That is a jet or nipple from a generator. The I stamp indicates an orifice of .0085 from memory. This jet would have been used on a 237 generator (and probably other generators as well).
Re. converting a gas lantern to kerosene - a 242B or a 200A would be better candidates. Alternatively as you are in the UK find a 201 lantern which takes lerosene and are relatively common over there.
Other Coleman kerosene models that turn up frequently in the UK include 339,639,249 and the above mentioned 237.
The older Coleman 220 or 228 E, F and H are good candidates for a conversion but the newer models with the pressed steel pancake type burner galleries tend to be less successful. Some members of CCF have reported success on the later (dual fuel/unleaded) models like yours with the unmodified original generator and only a preheat cup added. Be aware that paraffin lamps generate a lot more heat and a heat shield is advisable to protect the valve innards, which may contain plastic parts on newer models.
Thanks for the info. When I'm feeling brave I'll drain the tank on one of em and have a go... probably the 285.
Interesting note on my 220F conversion was almost no discernible temperature difference. It might be due to the smaller jet size allowing less paraffin through.
The 220 probably does not get quite as hot with either fuel as a 236 or 237 does. But if you look at the difference in vent condition between your average 236 vs. 237 and the 242 vs. 249 it speaks volumes.
Hi all .. I am planning to do this kero conversion soon .. I have studied much... read up notes .. I have aquired a Coleman 693 generator new.. which all but a couple of thou's in length fits and so all I require now is a preheater cup... candle light holder could suffice and a donor.." time expired 295 Dual fuel lantern".. I will wait a bit when done post my findings,, all above duly noted
So work done .. the below named in the you tube clip was my mentor on this one ... plus all the aforementioned advice and comments rendered here .. which I have all but took on board.. I suppose most are familiar with this clip ... this work took about 2 hours to kerofinize my 295 D/Fuel lantern ... I used a Coleman 639 kero generator which is near identical fit..a 28mm copper stop end some 10 mm copper pipe , solder , flux and a superb little gas gun..for soldering .. incidentally which has many uses..in the kitchen and garage/ lamp lighting uses.. having made the preheat cup, my dremel and other electric drill used .. a small round file needed..and hack saws... fitted and fired up a treat .... cost new generator about £11.00 currently on E Bay, copper etc £3.00.. the rest I already had.. DIY etc .. so I filled it up , fired it up and it is ticking away in my garden.. and has been so for the last 3 hours now .. no petrol lurking about ...all my lamps are kero now .. My Coleman lamp was little used but not new I suppose it hasless plastic in it than the new designs may be ... light is just a tad less .. heat a little more. Good luch
Well I am not very good at this so I will give it a go.. Jpg 1 shows the lamp and all my diy tools and parts needed for this work ... the small gas soldering torch type 503 was outstanding in fact . Had it 2 years never let me down yet .. Jpg 2 shows the lamp illumination this morning it is a dark day here with much rain about in the uk ... shots taken on my Samsung Mobile the shots taken in front of my garage .. it is a .very cluttered at the moment... I lit my " keroized " 295 last night it performed quite " brilliantly " .. I have a Coleman 693 and it was just as good.. pressure held up.. very controllable in fact .. Good luck to all
