How to Repair an Oil Lantern

As the years have passed, oil lanterns have evolved and grown more advanced, longer-lasting and easier to use. From time to time, these lanterns still need to be repaired. Luckily, this process is not particularly difficult. Before starting to repair your lantern, it is important to identify the exact problem, which will allow you to buy the proper replacement parts for your specific lantern model. In addition, you should always consult your owner's manual before starting any repairs, as there may be useful information there that can expedite the process.

Things You'll Need

• Compressed air canister
• Rag
• Light machine oil
• Replacement parts (vary based on repair needed)

Instructions

General Repair

1. Take out the fuel from the bottom of the oil lantern.

2. Wash the outside of the lantern with a rag and water to keep dust or dirt from getting inside. Debris inside the lantern could cause further damage or render the repair useless.

3. Pour a light machine oil on the pump plunger, which will assist the lantern in functioning properly.

4. Remove the pump and spray compressed air inside the lantern to clear out dead insects and other forms of debris that could be causing it to malfunction. Once everything is cleaned out, reattach the pump and check to see if the problem is fixed.

Fuel Tank Repair

1. Empty the fuel tank of a lantern that is making a popping sound.

2. Wash the inside of the oil tank out.

3. Refill the tank with fresh fuel.

Repair Glass Globe

1. Unscrew the ball nut to take the ventilation cover off of a lantern with a damaged glass globe.

2. Install the new globe.

3. Reattach the ventilator cover and ball nut.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your lantern owner's manual to perform other installations or replacements, such as mantles or a faulty pump. Store your lantern in a sealed plastic bag or storage box.

• Be careful when working with fuel oil as it can be highly flammable.

References

• Trails: How To Repair a Coleman Lantern