Is there a petromax model which does not have a pump problem?

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Sorry I couldn't find the earlier thread on petromax lantern. One user posted a message that he has problem with the pump. Anyone has a similar problem or know of a more reliable model? Is the one sold by Nitropak ( around $175 with a reflector)okay or would anyone know where I can get a reliable one. Thanks for any tips.

-- Ray (Kcorner67@hotmail.com), March 10, 1999

Answers

Try this link. <:)=

my petromax arrived, but I cant make it work!

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 10, 1999.


Well, a Petromax is a Petromax. It's a brand and kind of lantern. It won't matter who you get it from.

Anyway, as far as the pump is concerned. I had to oil the gasket quite a bit. I also had to SPREAD it out a bit with my fingers. After that, it had to be coaxed back into the hole.

I started pumping, and it was immediately different. The pressure against the handle & the sound were quite different.

I'm not overly impressed with the functioning of the pump. It seems a bit sloppy to me. Especially in comparison with the Coleman Lamp I have. HOWEVER, interchangeability of parts to day one is kinda of nice. I suspect the pump design hasn't been changed ever. Certainly explains the leather parts.

Jolly

-- Jollyprez (Jolly@prez.com), March 10, 1999.


Jolly::

Not having had teh pleasure of opening a Petromax, but with EXTENSIVE experience repairing Coleman lanterns, I would MUCH rather have a leather pump gasket (errr "pump leather") than the neoprene or whatever Coleman is issuing/selling now. A couple drops of oil (well, maybe more than a couple but once you get it flexible, it only takes a couple, 2-3 times a year) and the leather lasts several decades. I have no idea how long the "new" Coleman stuff will last.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (reinzoo@en.com), March 10, 1999.


Chuck-

Husband wants to know what kind of oil is best? Thanks in advance.

PS....how's the vision?

Blessings...Mercy

-- Mercy (prepare@now.com), March 10, 1999.


I purchased a petromax lantern off the shelf at cabela's, a mail order firm that has factory stores in Nebraska. Packed with the lantern was a instruction sheet (written in all english text) that gave the name of the vendor that supplied the lantern to Cabela,s. A call to that vendor provided information that a new improved leather gasket is available that lets the pump work better. Call Geniol at 1-800-846-7504 Hope this might help with your pump problems TJ

-- TJ (trickjames@hotmail.com), March 10, 1999.


The oil I put on my leather gizmo was a light oil from my gun cleaning kit. You can use anything like that, including sewing machine oil.

The idea is to swell the leather, and lubricate it. Light oil works better in that it gets absorbed by the leather faster. If you wanted to you could use motor oil, and then work it in.

Jolly

-- Jollyprez (jolly@prez.com), March 10, 1999.


Chuck, when did Coleman make the switch to the non-leather pump 'leather'? I agree that longevity of the new material may be a problem.

P.S. I swear by (and unlike Petromax owners, not at) my Coleman kerosene pressure lantern. 400 watt equivalent, American made, parts available anywhere.

-- sparks (wireless@home.com), March 10, 1999.


Hi!

Talked to a new Petromax dealer, who used to sell Coleman's and he said that he'd never heard of the "400-watt Coleman", and never heard of them ever making one. I'd like to see one, if anyone can direct me to that site, or to a dealer who sells them. Competition is a great thing, isn't it? Cool!

To respond to all those who are having trouble "pumping" up the pressure, we are working on a solution to that problem and will be working on informing you as soon as possible. There are ways to add a part to the pump, so that you can use something as simple as a bicycle pump or air-pressure pump (get it at Wal-Mart). I am checking into getting the adaptors needed, so please be patient.

The Petromax lantern is of the best quality, more efficient, and used not only for lighting, but heating as well. Since the parts haven't changed in over 80 years, it has been known to be the longest-lasting and most reliable lantern. For some folks, however, the lantern may be a little difficult to get started. Once you have gotten the hang of it, though.....it's a piece of cake, and you'll love it.

As my head technician has over 30-years experience with these lanterns, please do not hesitate to contact us, regardless of where you might have obtained your lantern. That is not important to us. Your safety and well-being is our main concern, and we want you to enjoy these products, and know how to use them before any disaster comes your way. Practice makes perfect, and once you've gotten used to it, you'll discover that you've made the best choice of product.

Don't think any question you might have is silly or stupid.....The fact that you would even ask, shows that you are none of the above.

We're here to help (7-days per week), and no matter how long it takes, until you are comfortable with this product, we will assist you. If you still don't feel comfortable with this product, then I will do everything I can to find a product that will work for you.

I am glad to hear from those who are both satisfied, as well as those who aren't. Without varied opinions, life would be boring. And...believe it or not, even the worst criticism can be a blessing. IT keeps businesses on their toes. It's time to listen.

Thanks to you all, and keep smiling!

Diana....BriteLyt diana@petromax.com www.petromax.com

-- Diana Clifton (diana@petromax.com), March 11, 1999.


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