Coleman Fuel Valve Operation Diagram

[grob]

Here is a diagram I just finished to show how a fuel valve and F/A tube works. It is a redo of what Coleman had done at one time, with more detail and in color for clarity. I combined two diagrams of the valve and the F/A tube. The F/A tube and fount are of course not to scale. I can supply a high res version if needed. Let me know of any ideas, typos, or incorrect information and I will edit.
Gar

Link to it
https://www.keepandshare.com/photo2/23523/coleman-camping

[Phredd]

Fabulous diagram! Very nicely done. This would make a nice laminated diagram for the shop!

And maybe one idea for improvement. Make the color of the vapor in the middle diagram a different color from the one on the right. In the start position is it only vapor from the top of the tank that goes up the tube - or is it a mix. As opposed to fully open when it is mostly fluid?

Phredd

[Ridge Runner]

Nice job, Gary! Just saved a copy, thank you

[dbosch]

On the operating position, the preheating of the generator is complete and full vaporization of the fuel is taking place. When that happens, it creates a back pressure in the generator that slows down the flow of fuel through the system, allowing the fuel level to rise over the end of the inner fuel/air tube and match that in the fount. This is also aided by the wire being removed from the fuel/air tube orifice. This cuts off the flow of pressurized air from the fount. preventing it from mixing with fuel into the burner system. The pressurized air now just simply pushes on the top of the fuel in the fount and forces it into the burner system, just like a Quick-Lite. No air from the fount is mixing with the fuel at this time. On your operating position diagram, it should reflect that no air is mixing in from the top end of the fuel air tube, only fuel is entering from the bottom as the level of fuel in the fuel/air tube is the same as it is in the fount. This is also how the modern lanterns work with the plastic fuel air tube with no moving parts.

[grob]

Dan and Phredd, Thanks for the input. Here is a revision. See if this makes more sense. I did a mix of orange and blue to a green for the fuel/air mix for the starting position and changed to solid fuel in the F/A tube for the operating position. Also added an F/A tube cross section and a photo of the parts.
Gary

[Ridge Runner]

Gary it’s really looking good and keeps getting better and better.

Just wondering after reading Phredd & Dan’s comments: in the valve closed position, would the fuel level line in the fount and also inside the outer FA tube be similar to that in the full open position?

Do you happen to have a pic of a valve assembly in more of an “exploded view” layout? I realize that one is from your recent B rebuild and it certainly makes identifying parts much easier. Just thought one showing their orientation with each other would help those newer to fettling see more clearly the placement of the pieces.

Keep it coming, this should be put in the How-To/Safety section once finished. ??

[dbosch]

would the fuel level line in the fount and also inside the outer FA tube be similar to that in the full open position

Yes. That slug of fuel would be sucked up into the burner system when the valve is initially opened along with the air from the fount. As it remains open, the system would push air along with a small amount of fuel that makes it past the rod/orifice until vaporization takes place.

The diagram is very nice. What software are you using?

[bwperreault]

Excellent drawing. It really confirms my understanding of how the f/a works. Thank you

[Phredd]

Very nicely done - you are an artist!! It definitely belongs in the TechArchives

Phred

[Gasman64]

Very nice work, Gary, a color illustration always seems better than B&W. Your diagrams are great, and will be a big help to new members/collectors.
I also saved it-thank you.

[grob]

Here is a revision with an exploded view of the valve and fuel/air system. I am going to offer a high-res 12X18 print in the Classified section. Let me know if I need to change or add anything. This is from a B model and I included an E & F model valve stem. I have also retouched a photo of a 228B fuel valve and gas tip cleaner assembly.
Gary

[mikew]

These are excellent diagrams!! Especially those showing the operation.
In the operation position, the fuel (orange area) would also be occupying the area along the valve stem threads to the packing, but may be too hard to show in such a small clearance. In the parts diagram, the air tube changed from brass to steel on the later F models.

[grob]

Mike, Thanks, here is a revision showing the fuel and fuel/air behind the threads. Added light blue above the closed valve and a screw head to the valve wheel. Regarding the steel air tube on later F models, I can't get into all the model changes and differences here (way to many). Just trying to show how they work generally. Actually a bag of ash filled with burning gas that creates so much light is a mystery to me.
Dan, I am using Adobe Illustrator on a Mac OSX.
Gar

[Phredd]

Fabulous diagrams! Real works of art!

[TwoCanoes]

Incredibly useful and so well-done! Thank you.

[grob]

Thanks Phredd and Two Canoes. I like doing this even so many years later.
G