weems plath mini lantern goes out..

[groundhog]

Hi there,
I tried out my lantern this passed weekend.

If I keep the wick very low, the flame will burn continuously, but with a strong/weak/strong.... etc. cadence.

But if I turn it up.... out the flame goes.

It appears to me to be the design. There are gas exit holes at the very top of the lantern, but the air intake holes are about a half or one inch above the wick and flame. The flue effect is choking the flame out.

When I run the wick and base only with out the glass top housing, the flame gets very strong...

Does anyone else have this problem?
Is there a fix to it?

Thanks!
groundhog

[justified]

What type of lamp oil are you using? I own two of them and never had any problems with the flame and the height of the wick. I would always have one hanging on the backstay at night and one inside the cabin.
Peter

[groundhog]

This is the mini yacht lantern.

[Bene505]

I have a mini and a large one. The mini won't stay lit in the wind. IMHO they are for inside use, or use on a windless night. The large ones stay lit in the wind.

As for the flame-out, unscrew the top and clean the screen that is above the wick. It gets clogged with soot. Water will work (if not, try some lamp oil), with an old toothbrush or even a few paper towels.

Regards,
Brad

[groundhog]

This is a brand new lantern. First time it was used.

Im not a lamp designer, but i am an engineer.
I think the design of the mini is screwed up. This is not how I would fabricate a lamp. It seems to me you need some air intake below the flame, not above the flame.

I was kind of hoping someone would tell me I am missing a gasket with air holes in it or something.

If this lamp is fully intact, it is hard for me to believe weems n plath could b e selling this unit successfully for so many years like this.

groundhog

[groundhog]

Ok, I believe I have fixed the problem.

The design needs another gasket type thing with holes or gaps in it.

I fabricated one using plastic pipe.
I cut about 1/4 inch section of pipe off. Then I cut partial through cuts in it perpendicular to the axis around the new ring.

Install below the piece of glass, below the first black ring gasket and above the brass retaining ring. This allows air in under the flame.

groundhog

[rikhall]

Do not be afraid to contact Peter at Weems and Plath - he is really big on customer service.

I have nothing but praise for my personal experiences with that company.

(no, I do not work there)

Rik