Leak from pressure pump/nut

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Hi there, I am new to this so forgive if needed. I am restoring an old blow torch, well 2 in to 1 and mostly going well, I have it burning now, but I have a leak coming from the pump nut area. There is no washer there but I don't think there should be? Someone I know said, just from a video I sent them, that the safety valve isn't working? The pressure release valve certainly works. Please advise, I am trying to sort this as a gift to my son as he wants to get a new canal boat with a Bolinder engine and a blow torch is how you get them started . Thank in advance for any suggestions offered.

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Leak from pressure pump area on paraffin blow torch

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

They meant the pump non return valve

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Ah, thanks, that makes sense. So I need a new washer bit in there? What would I make this from please or can I acquire one from somewhere?

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Take the pump unit out and see.

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

It looks a little less than good, what alternative could I use please?

[Nick HughesParticipant @nickhughes97026]

Give Base-Camp a call or e-mail, to see if they can help.

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Thank you, I will do that

[john halfpennyParticipant @johnhalfpenny52803]

Is there a small one-way valve at the base of the pump tube?

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Hi Mash,

Another vote for Base Camp.

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Posted by john halfpenny on 29/04/2023 12:28:13:

Is there a small one-way valve at the base of the pump tube?

Yes, the little pip, I think this may be perished

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Posted by Bo'sun on 29/04/2023 12:34:28:

Hi Mash,

Another vote for Base Camp.

Thank you

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Base Camp was my thought too, having overhauled a 'Vapalux' paraffin-vapour lamp with parts from them.

A copy of the instructions too, vital as these lamps are operated in a way very different from most equivalents.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Posted by Nigel Graham 2 on 01/05/2023 22:35:15:

…….. these lamps are operated in a way very different from most equivalents.

Go on then it looks just like a Tilley lamp, tell us more

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

The ….

"Lamp, High Pressure Paraffin No.1 (Vapalux – W.O. Cat. No. JA 5557),

Lamp, Store, Type B Complete, A.M. Stores ref. No. 21C/2503" ,

as the instruction-card says it is, so now we know,…..

…. is still a pressure-lamp and it is lit and extinguished in a fairly similar way to a Tilley Lamp, with a meths cup for pre-heating. Its trap for the unwary accustomed to Tilley Lamps, is a finger-attracting control that operates what looks like a flame-regulating needle-valve in the jet.

It is not. The needle is an internal jet-cleaner and should be used only as in the instructions, including never for extinguishing the lamp.

They were made, by the way, by Willis & Bates Ltd, in Halifax.

[Mash AnscombeParticipant @mashanscombe79638]

Interesting, thanks. I have paraffin lamps but not a Tilley, and have watched videos on operating etc, so hopefully won't get my fingers burnt in a figurative or real way.

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

If you are seeking advice or parts in England, you will need to be clear whether your device is a blow-lamp – intended to provide heat (which has been overtaken by eg a propane torch), or a Tilley lamp (intended to provide light). They work on the same sorts of fuel, and in very similar ways. A piston pump pressurises the fuel tank, and the heat of the flame assists with vapourising it. The term 'blow-torch' is (in my experience) applied to more modern heat devices, usually with butane or propane gas in a separate tank, and no need to pump. And I admit that a blow-lamp should – from its name – be for lighting. But no. English is like that. Just don't get me going on carbon brushes …

Cheers, Tim

Edited By Tim Stevens on 02/05/2023 18:19:05

[Swarf, Mostly!Participant @swarfmostly]

Tim,

A quote: "Who but the English would write 'FIRE' on a bucket and then fill it with water?"

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Well, if they didn't put water in the bucket labelled 'FIRE' it might be awkward if things go wrong around the Blow-lamp that is a lamp not for lighting, except for lighting.

Three Huzzahs for eccentricity!

.

(Well, it makes valves work…)

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