275 won't light

[Kippo]

Purchased a new generator for a 275. Still won't light. Only a little hissing was heard when in full "On" position. New fuel, new mantles. Any suggestions?

[GregB]

It could be the Schrader valve for which these models are notoriously known for having problems with. It is an inexpensive fix, although it can be very difficult to get the fuel assembly off of the fountain.

https://www.oldcolemanparts.com/select- ... -core-r510

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to the CCF.

While Schrader valves can create issues with these lanterns operation, if it’s passing air but no fuel it sounds like there are other problems.

Assuming you have enough fuel in the fount, the symptom of air but no fuel passing out of the top of the generator could be a couple things. Either you haven’t waited quite long enough for fuel to pass through the system (it could take 30 seconds) or the fuel pickup orifice at the bottom of the fuel/air tube is restricted.

Just to clarify, does your 275 have the On-Light-Off positions? Or just On-Off, which would be a 275A?

[Kippo]

Hello Ridge Runner,
Apparently, I have a 275A because it only has the On-Off label on the valve. When I pull the generator off of the Schrader valve the air released very quickly empties the pressure in the fount. No fuel was expelled. It does have a full fuel fount. It was used two years ago without any problem and then last weekend it wouldn't light. Is it possible to blow air down the Schrader with a compressor to clear any blockage? I would assume I need to empty the fount to perform such a procedure. What do you think?
Thank you for clarifying my model and your suggestions already.

[Ridge Runner]

With the genny removed, full tank and still no fuel flow, I definitely think the pickup is clogged/restricted. It is a super tiny opening similar in size to the gas tip opening on the top of the generator. Typically this restriction is from gummy fuel deposits--especially if pump gas has been used or stored in the lantern. Cleaning by removing the valve, flushing the fuel/air tube with something like carburetor cleaner and mechanically cleaning out the fuel orifice is the most effective route.

However, there is a brownish-colored fount liner in these that can become compromised and flake off or there may be debris in the fuel that got sucked up into the fuel pick up. Have you looked into the fount or emptied out the fuel to see if there are any floaters in there?

You could try to use compressed air as you suggested, and also rinse/flush the tank with fresh fuel. There is an outside chance you might get things to clear up.

Here are some images of the valve assembly so you can see what lies within. At the very top is the nipple where the generator attaches. Moving down you have the valve body and at the bottom is the fuel/air tube.



When you remove the F/A tube you can access the Schrader valve core. The little valve core is nestled into the F/A tube.



The F/A tube has a few openings. One air inlet on either side as illustrated by the red arrow:



When the pickup is plugged, that is where pressurized fount-air is going into then up through the valve.

And the fuel pickup orifice:



That fuel opening is very, very small--smaller than pin-hole size. I use the generator pricker wire to clean them when needed.

[Kippo]

Hello Ridge Runner,
I am afraid I have to give up on this old girl. I attempted to get the valve assembly off of the tank and bent the tank and valve. I may be sending everything to Rob at OCP and he can sell any of the used parts. It still looks brand new and was always in the plastic carry case.
Thank you for all the detailed pictures of what I should have found in the valve. Your expertise is appreciated.
I am depressed because I can usually fix everything. I guess I will go to the newer propane models.

[GregB]

I am depressed because I can usually fix everything. I guess I will go to the newer propane models.

Sorry about what happened to your Lantern. The parts should be replaceable. I would not be discouraged by problems with a 275a. They are a relatively difficult Lantern compared with so many other Colemans. I'd hate to see you go to propane based on this experience.

[Ridge Runner]

Oh no! I’m sorry that happened, not what I was hoping to see as an update.

How bad is the fount and valve? Can you post a pic? You might be able to straighten some of it out. As Greg mentioned, parts are out there if you need something.

I understand the urge to bail on the whole thing, but definitely stick with it. You can get back on track without resorting to propane!

Again, I’m terribly sorry that my recommendations (and your first experience here) led to more problems with your lantern.

[JimL]

Don't give up on it. Any dents and dings are now just part of its history. Lots of help is available here on the forum.

Although many of us joke about propane, there's nothing wrong with propane appliances. However, I'd rather you get the confidence with working on liquid fueled stuff before making the decision.

I tried getting the valve out of my 275, but felt I would risk trashing it if I did. So, instead of tearing into it, decided I would wait until I 'needed' to tear into it. But I understand that in this case, you have no choice.