Good information. I just finished cleaning up several really old, really filthy lanterns. After a great deal of chemical analysis and scientific reasoning I wound up using the only can of spray within arms reach. Sea Foam top engine cleaner/lubricant. I sprayed them, left them set for a couple hours, scrubbed with an old tooth brush, wiped them off. It softened all the crud, didn't harm the original finish and left a nice sheen. Wadded up newspaper used dry will remove the soot nicely from the globe too. Just my two cents worth.
That's worth more than two cents. I actually use about a capful of Seafoam engine cleaner in my Coleman lanterns and stoves as it's great at cleaning out the residue in the generators.
I restored a very very VERY old Dietz comet that belonged to my grandpa and it has since become one of my favorite pieces of gear, there is something very charming about an oil lantern.
Thanks Dean, great info my friend. I’ve just started refurbishing an old lantern this week that had been given to me a few days ago and it’s coming along pretty good 👍🏼. I enjoy your videos on how they work, thank you.
Gotta say it. WD40 is rust protection and a rust losner. It's not a lubrication, yes it lubricates a bit but it's not a primary lubricant. Grease is for high friction and oil is for rotating parts and a rust on bare steel protector. As a watchmaker, I've seen a lot of clocks drenched in WD40 and it's simply a myth that has to go. I agree it works in a pinch, but it's not a long-term lubricant.
Good to see you Dean! I recently scored a Dietz that hadn't ever been burned for a good price, I am away at work so can't recall the model but it is blue. I also now have a Fuerhand and a small baby generic that seems to work pretty good.
I have a Dietz No. 80 Lantern green with gold trim GL250. That's exactly what it says on the box, and nothing more. Do you know where I can get a replacement globe... They seem non-existent. I'm in Ontario. Thank you.
any idea how to reattach the spiked wick wheels to the adjusting rod? 1945 Comet? i have the burner apart with full access. (PS, no relacement part exists. only post 50's avail and do not fit. i have one )
Sorry, all I can suggest is look for other burners. There are more than just one for Dietz and there might be one in my Amazon store below, but you could also try WT Kirkman lanterns. He has a lot of antique parts and may even have a new burner sized to fit.
Normally this means that the teeth on the wick adjuster are either clogged up with fibers or are totally worn down. Getting to that adjustment shaft is very fiddly, so I normally just order a new burner. I've got them in my Amazon Store in the Description.
Hi. One of the burners of my lanterns seems to be broken because the handle turns all too smoothly. Is there a way to disassemble the burner and repair it?
Not easily as these parts are usually stamped and crimped. But if you pry off the top of the burner carefully, you may be able to access the wick advancer. There are little teeth on it that help grab the wick and you may be able to pry those teeth out a bit. But that's a lot of "maybes". Spare burners are cheap, and I've bought a few. Enough, in fact, that they're on Amazon and I have them in my Influencer Store below in the Description.
@@AlbertaBushcrafter one more thing: I also tried to put the wick back into the burner. But although the burner wheel does turn (in 2 out of 3 burners), the wick does not enter. What can I do? Thanks!
@@Malato_di_Storia It could be that the burner needs replacing. But I've had the same thing happen with a wick that's slightly too big. What make and model is it?
@@AlbertaBushcrafter now sorted. The wick was too big and that's why the wheels could not move. On another note: I have acquired yet another kerosene lamp and its frame "rocks" a little where it should be joined with the fuel tank. Is there a way to repair it (not by welding)? "JB Weld" glue, for instance?
I'm just wondering.... Those lamps were around 100+ years ago. BUT..... rubber gloves, paper towels and breathing protection was NOT around. HOW our great grand parents survived without Walmart Amazon and YT? Thinking?
Instead of rubber gloves and paper towels, they would have used one of the most common cleaning tools available: rags. And breathing protection? I've never needed it either as most of this stuff I do outdoors anyway. And if you want to get an idea how our great-grandparents managed without a lot of today's conveniences, pick up a copy of one of the 12 Foxfire book series. Tons of useful info in those about how our ancestors made their own gear.
I've never seen a pump selling #1 kerosene. Only #1 ULSD Diesel. Don't believe the claims that it's the same thing as #1 kerosene, though, because I've tested it in a number of kerosene-powered devices. In some cases, the stuff works flawlessly. But in other devices, it fails miserably. I have a big kerosene heater taking up space on my deck as proof of that. Diesel clogs many types of wicks if you don't throw in a few additives.
Vinegar works well to remove rust and dirt without damaging the paint. I soak in a bucket with about 25-40% vinegar to water. Works on all sorts of ferrous metals. Tooth brush gets in the nooks and crannies.
Great work Dean, G’day from Down Under 👍🏼. The good old faithful Kerosene lantern, or, hurricane lantern as we use to know it. I’ve just ordered one for myself to use at home or to take camping. My father always used his, even up until his passing a couple of years ago. I suppose it just brings back great memories of yesteryear. Thanks for sharing your video with s all who love these lights.
Wow! That one sure is crooked, they're great lamps but always come either bent or dented when brand new lack of quality control so I just straightened it out myself when I get one
Sometimes you may get some corrosion on the wire frame or base of the globe, so look closely. And it sounds weird, but maybe a spray of WD-40 might loosen it up.
@@AlbertaBushcrafter yes it is stuck in the chimney portion of the top, after watching more of your videos i see how easy to remove it can be. I will try it tonight. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Appreciate your channel: just getting into oil lanterns: my first lantern is a Diest 2500: I really enjoy appreciate the history of these lanterns as well.
This was very helpful. My husband left me quite a collection of lanterns - many Dietz - and this really helped. I found a few that leak fuel. Is there anything I can do to repair the tank? My guess is that it’s probably not able to be fixed.
There IS a way to fix a leaky fount seam. The product is called SEAL ALL, and you will need to empty the fuel out, and wash the inside real well with detergent, two or three times, rinse well and dry. Now you could rinse it one last time with 99% rubbing alchohol, let dry a couple days- Then, pour in 1/2 tube of seal all abd roll the labtern a while to spread the sealant around where that bottom edge is. Now, let cure for about a week, should be good to go!!
I know it can be done, but I'm not sure exactly what it takes to do it. But search for "dietz lantern leaking" and a ton of articles come up. I just can't remember what product you use to actually seal the tank.
Check the Description below. These lamps are available on Amazon and I have a storefront. You can also get them at Lehmann's and Lee Valley Tools among other places.
Thanks! A number of weird and annoying things happened in 2022, but once I get an indoor studio set up I expect to be creating some more content for everyone.
A quick fix for a leaking fuel cap is to add an O ring sized 7/8"od X 3/4"id with a wall thickness 1/16". Also some Deitz lantern do not soften or grind the edges of the globes so the sharp edges should be sanded with a silicon carbide sandpaper to prevent adding red to its color.
Excellent information! Thanks very much! And yes, it looks like most globes really could use that touchup. "Adding red to its color"..... nicely done! 😂
