Kerosens Lantern

oren1s · Jan 21, 2003

Hello all i'm quite newbie in CPF, glad 2 be with you

I have found 2 units of Coleman Kerosene Lanteren model 201-700 dated 1976, they are never been used & in mint condition. I would like your advise if its safe to operate after so many years and if it can be modified to work with unleaded ?

Thanks

Lighthouse · Jan 21, 2003

Hi oren1s and welcome to C.P.F.

Thank you for joining us. It's a nice place to hang out and there are many knowledgable and helpful folks on this site.

#1, If they've never been used, and are in mint condition, no leaks, all parts accounted for, hopefully with the instructions (if not, then perhaps a web search might provide them from the manufacturers website) you will probably be OK using them, however, READ AND HEED ALL OF THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS.

Do not use them in confined areas with no ventilation. Any burning fuel produces carbon monoxide which is is lethal. A carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector are strongly recommended.

There are some additives that may be added to the Kerosene to help it last longer, reduce smoke and soot, and some of them also reduce the odor as well.

#2. DO NOT

REPEAT DO NOT

USE GASOLINE AND/OR RELATED LIQUIDS IN A HEATER MADE FOR KEROSENE. THIS IS A DEADLY COMBINATION!!

#3. No matter what the heat source is, keep all flammable items well clear of the heat source, several feet at least. This includes, but is not limited to curtains / bedding / wall paper / and anything else that will not normally take this amount of neat.

Please make sure that you have a spill guard base of metal that will contain any un-noticed leaks from spreading on your floor.

#4. Do not fill it inside the building. Take it outside and let it cool off. Hate to spill some Kerosene on your floor and then light the heater. Yeoww! Wipe off any spillage and check for leaks before relighting.

Forgive me if I've covered material with which you're familiar. I've not personally used the units you describe, however they are most likely similar to many other brands that are currently available.

The information provided above is not particularily brand specific, and most of it is simply plain common "horse sense".

Please carefully research any information that pertains to your unit and heed the cautions.

It is quite likely that there are other C.P.F. members that have experience with this unit, and may be able to better address any concerns.

Let us know how things work out.
LH

Lux Luthor · Jan 21, 2003

There's a dirty litle secret about those dual fuel lanterns that work with unleaded. Unleaded gasoline gives off highly toxic poisons which should never be breathed in. Coleman should not advertise their lanterns for use with unleaded gasoline without telling people this.

I would stick with white gas or kerosene only.

Wits' End · Jan 21, 2003

I have not used the kerosene model but a few tips.

Check the wick they sometimes rot in storage.
I think you have to use alcohol to get it started. Though I assume you have directions?
You can not use it to burn gasoline as gas is much more volitile, if you choose to light from a distance

Steelwolf · Jan 23, 2003

I think I'm in trouble. I've been using unleaded petrol most of the time in my dual fuel lamps and stoves.

And being so terminally experimental, I've tried running the stove with various other fuels. Methylated spirits and iso-propyl alcohol don't work. I was going to try kerosene but I'm starting like being alive and having my eyebrows.

What was the problem that petrol has? What sort of additives are dangerous and what are those dangerous fumes they give off, and why are we driving around in cars that burn unleaded petrol anyway?

Lux Luthor · Jan 23, 2003

Steelwolf,

See this link from Optimus. I have some literature that came with a Primus stove I have that says something similar. I'm not sure whether or not unleaded gasoline that's sold in Australia has the same additives, though.