I have 2 Tilley lamps both worked brilliantly last year while camping, this year however i an having problems lighting them, i go through the usual routine but now after preheating the vapouriser ( yes i leave it til the meths have almost been used up ) but when i try to pressurise the lamp its as if the parrafin isn't going up the vapouriser, i hear no hiss and it just doesn't light, i have tried to clean the hood out and had the vapouriser off which appears ok to my untrained eye but i am now fed up with replacing mantels at £2.00 a pop trying to find out what is wrong with them both, is it just me or do they both have a common problem, i cannot find this problem mentioned on any forum i have looked on, and the main tilley website don't return your email's, i know they are brilliant lamps but i am getting really stressed out with them and wont be taking them on our next trip as they don't work for me but any help in remedying the problem would be greatly appreciated .....
Are you able to strip the generator tube down. Going from memory (not too good now days) there is a filter at the bottom of the tube that can get blocked. The other problem could be if the pricker had broken off at the top, but unlikely on two lamps. The top half of the tube unscrews just above the valve assy. You can pull out the pricker and spring. and should be able to see through the tiny hole at the top. I used an old guitar string to clean out the top jet, as my primus pricker was too thick. Other thoughts are that the pump washers have dried out so are not giving any pressure, but again strange with two lamps, and you would feel no resistance when pumping.
EDIT
Re thinking, the filter is at the very bottom, where the tube screws into the tank. Perhaps dirty fuel, as both not working.
Post last edited on 16/07/2011 15:48:58
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
Hi we have a similar problem, cured by just using a second pre-heater. When the first starts to burn down I remove it and fit the second, usually lights up after that.
------------- May, Bridge House Marina Garstang
May Willowbank Southport
June Ashes Kendal
July Laverick Hall Halton
July Bridge House Marina
Aug Solway View, Borgue
Sept Willowbank Southport
Oct Wagtail Farm York
Oct Fisherpool Delamere.
We have two Tilley lamps and both have had this problem in the past. Our nice new looking red 246B had a damaged pump. When using pump to pressurize the fount there was very little resistance and now air was going in. New pump leather and washer allowed the pump to put air into the fount. Make sure it is 3/4 full of parrafin. Our old battered 246 has a faulty generator and it needs replacment. I have tried to clean it but not much luck. If I swop genertors between lamps, the fault travels with the genertaor tube. I would try a overhaul kit for pump and see how it goes. Then I would look at generator. But do check for obstructions in flow of fuel and make sure air tubes are clear in lamp hood.
------------- Twinwood festival, august bank holiday
Thanks to you all for your idea's, I will work through your ideas one at a time now there is some light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully soon be bathed once again in tilly glory.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Tilley help please
