Great Video! Nice Work! Seeing the old 502 brought back many fond memories of camping with my Dad. It inspired me to find my Dad's 502 and plan to clean it up and put it to use. Thanks!
On plated steel parts ,a piece of crumpled up aluminum foil used like sand paper can do amazing things without scratching the plating. I do this a lot on vintage bike parts. The stove looks great.
I have one that I restored and cleaned out. I keep it in my emergency box in the back of my truck with a can of coleman fuel as well. Works great, I use it to make coffee and heat of chili on the pipeline ROW's out in the middle of nowhere.
Really delighted to run into this video. My personal Coleman backpacking stove, circa 1979, has been sitting in my basement for 40 years unused. I was about to start rehabbing it. This video gives me hope that I will have a good result.
I have had the 533 for years it back up an working thanks to ur videos. Just don't no if to keep it or sell it these days I love my trangia an fire box for days out an camping
Nice job. Another issue with the first boil test is that you left the valve in the 1/4 turn to light position. This drastically affects the output and the amount of tank pressure it drains. Additionally, the adjustment lever wasn't in the high position. Any time the flame appears low, always give the cleaning lever a spin first. That almost always get it going immediately. It's really amazing how well these things were designed and made. They can take a lot of abuse and just keep cookin. The generators work really well for a long time until they don't. Then you wish you would have cleaned it more often. Haha. A periodic cleaning is quick and easy. Pro tip: turn the valve back to the light position until you see the flame lean out before shutting down. Should just take a few second, and the flame will go out much quicker, with less fumes when you close it all the way. These aren't speed boilers by any stretch. But they are efficient and near bullet proof reliable.
I did a complete preventive cleaning of the Coleman 502. I managed to disassemble the gas generator tube. There is a jet, a long fuel adjustment needle on which there was a lot of carbon deposits. Inside the tube, in front of the jet, there is a brass mesh, and along the entire length of the tube there is a coil spring, which I managed to remove with a crochet hook. These things had the largest amount of soot. If you learn how to take them apart and clean them, your heater will last forever. I bought it on eBay for $70. Hello from Ukraine. Now these devices are very necessary for people in our country and not for the sake of entertainment but for survival.
I found one at a yard sale still in the box with all paper work for it . $5.00 pulled it out of the box put fuel in and lit it right up . I was very lucky
I restore Coleman lanterns and stoves as a hobby. I also have a Coleman 502 from 4/74. The recommended oil for pump cups is Neatsfoot Oil. You might as well paint the bunson since you've already disassembled the stove. I would and probably paint mine if and when I take it apart. I would also paint the burner cup and the burner top with high heat paint. You could also paint the fount with some clear to prevent any further rust and maintain the patina on the stove. Once lit you should turn the valve to fully open. I always clean the generator and tip before lighting. Good job on the stove and nice video. W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee
I have used these stoves for over 40 years and always carried an extra generator with me. Also carried generators for all my Coleman lanterns. You used to be able to purchase a metal keeper for the bottom of the stove or lantern to carry spare mantles and generators. Good video.
I’d use my dremel tool with a polishing wheel charged with aluminium oxide to polish away some of the light rust. It also will make a mirror polish. Look for nickel plating videos using an old transformer wound battery charger (cathode and anode). I enjoyed the video, thanks!
Great video! I've resurrected a few of these old 502 stoves and I love their simplicity and classic design. I used to buy those metal cans of acetone at the hardware store until I found the pint containers of 100% acetone sold near the nail polish at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost.
On the bowl and other small parts where you are concerned with the plating use a cloth buffer wheel and maybe some Jewlers rouge, this will bring back the luster without doing any real damage to the plating. Great video, thanks for sharing.
I have the 442 feather dual fuel stove for years and have used it and abused it like it were stolen. Shelved it about 2 years ago for I could not figure out how to remove the pump. Did not want to damage anything. And there at 13:48 you showed me how it’s done. Simply remove the silver D retainer clip. Bwahahaha. Thanks Ernie.
To avoid clogging up of the generator and possibly even get some old debris out you might want to run these petrol stoves on Alkylate fuel such as Aspen 4T. This is very pure and free from additives. The smell is also greatly reduced when burning this.
Nice work! I have an old stove which looks just like yours other than condition. I think I picked mine up for around $5.00 but it was quite dirty and rusted. The labels were gone so I sanded and painted mine. All I had was camo brown but that's fine with me. It works great. One time while fishing I found a double mantle Colman lantern appromimately the same vintage submerged in the pond. I had to buy a new glass globe and of course the very fragile ash mantles. I pumped it up and it fired up with the original gas. Of course being pressurized no water got into it. Worked great for many years.
I can’t tell you how happy I was to see this video, I have the same stove. I recovered it from the bottom of a lake years ago and got it running. It probably fell through an ice fishing hole and sank to the bottom. This fall it developed a leak at the cleaning knob. I tried to take the valve apart but stopped when you said the seals were graphite based. I put the nut back on and tightened it as much as I dared and it didn’t leak! So it looks like I’m going to get some more use out of it. Thanks again for your video !
Hey Ernie, great content as always. I still pack my vintage stove I bought new in 1972. The two legged Primus 2260 propane. Still works great. The third leg is the propane cylinder. It was considered a backpacking stove back then. One of those green cylinders will last you a month on the trail.
Nice work! I picked up my 502 a few years ago at an auction for $10. It's in excellent condition and says 5/70 on the bottom. This is my all time favorite stove. I love taking it on camping trips and using it to make coffee in the mornings. I just love the way it looks and is all self contained compared to the dual burner stoves. Looking forward to more active vids!
Excellent video Ernie, Always good to find a stove that needs minimum work to get running. Check valves can be miserable to get out even with the removal tool so I am glad you didn’t have to do that….. Nickel plating will give really nice finish but in the end, heat/time will win. Always good to have an Electo-plating set up as you can plate and do rust removal.
Nice clean up and problem solving to get the stove looking good and working correctly. I used to carry one of those on hiking trips back in the 80s before I discovered the much lighter and quieter alcohol stoves. I still use the Coleman for car camping.
My 502 is also a '74. It runs, but it needs work. It's been a couple years since I worked on it, but I think I probably just couldn't get the generator apart. I will have to try and get it going again.
Love those old Coleman stoves. I had two 502 stoves that I bought to just fix up and get running. I gave my 1974 model away but kept my 1965 model, it came with the cook kit as well. Hard to beat them, just too big for backpacking. Keep the videos coming!
Great video Erine! Vintage Coleman gear is very well made. With proper care it lasts forever. For pump lubricant, 3-in-1 works ok, but most prefer neatsfoot. Looking forward to more refurbs!
I have a mint condition 502 that my father gave me. it comes with a metal case/pot and is pretty nice! I use my MSR single burner stoves, instead, but I won't get rid of it.
I keep looking for the video on the old Peak 1 Model 400a disassembly and reassembly, and refurbishing but have not found it on either of your channels as of yet. Am I missing something? I have a couple of them, plus one i used to carry in the military that is needing rebuilt. Plus I just like to put videos such as this into my Watch Later videos to have when I do a refurbishing on anything I have. You have one of the most easy to follow How Tos I have found yet. Please let me know when you plan on making this video available.
For the first boil test you didn't open the main fuel valve all the way after the generator got hot, so you were running it on the fuel+air setting. On the second test it was both cleaner AND you ran it properly. As far as the plating, it's a tool: you got the rust off, so that's good. If you're just going to set it on the shelf and look at it, then by all means re-plate it. If you USE it, the plating is just going to come off again eventually...
I just found a coleman 502 11-80 someone put out for free. I downloaded the instruction and parts manual then started watching videos on how to take it apart and make it work. Ill let you know when it is. Or not working.
Mine 1977, was lighting but barely. I had left gas in it over the years. Then I took it apart and cleaned it, the pins and springs were seized. Now it does'nt work so good. I ordered a new generator, pretty much the only piece we can order, hope that it will fix the flame. Beside's that I have no clue.
I seen a fella put his 200 dollar airbrush through an ultrasonic cleaner. Within 6 months it looked like a 10+ yr old gun. Most of these types of guns are heirloom quality that'll be passed down to the next generation. They are plated as well. I know ya got the sandblaster for Christmas, but may wanna look into setting up an electrolysis tank. They are easy and cheap to set up. Vinegar is also another good rust remover. I use both for old neglected cast iron pieces. For sake of appearance ya may be able to just try polishing compounds without plating. That's probably the route I'd take initially.
I have a Colman peak stove I bought new. Has been my go to stove for years and years. Tried to get it going last summer. Started ok but the valve was real hard to turn up and down. Started leaking whole thing cought on fire. Not real easy to put out. Just can't give up on it yet. Just not sure how to fix it. Thanks.
Which peak stove is it? What year? I have a mid 80's Peak One, Brown colored tank, that I could do a video on taking apart and cleaning up. It's really not too difficult and we need to save your stove :)
Yes! Please do a video on your brown Peak 1. I’ve got one dated 1980 and would be interested in seeing a video taking it apart and cleaning it up. I haven’t fired it up yet for fear of what happened to Rod’s.
Happy new year! I have the same ultrasonic cleaner for ammo brass. I suggest using one of your stoves to preheat the solution just to speed things up. I also installed a 90 degree elbow for ease of draining it. Try Flitz for the rust removal and polishing of chrome. Brasso for the brass. Looking forward to the new channel content.
Hi Ernie, I always enjoy your vids, if you already haven't, check out OldTownColeman videos by Frank his are the best I have seen, easy to follow. Keep up the great work I always learn something and look forward to your vids. Thanx, Sam
A lot of people didn't understand what you were saying when you told us about the fix shouldn't you show us to fix? Asking for a friend who didn't understand what you were saying by talking about springs police and levers and stuff like that again some people aren't as familiar so to say you fix something and not show us how you fixed it doesn't make any sense for a channel like this I mean all I see is Joy on your face because you fixed your item but you see confusion on your viewers faces cuz we have no clue what the f*** just happened anyway stay safe I love the stove
Great Video! Nice Work! Seeing the old 502 brought back many fond memories of camping with my Dad. It inspired me to find my Dad's 502 and plan to clean it up and put it to use. Thanks!
I love the patina of heavily used, lovingly maintained, and immaculately clean.
Just watched for the second time due to finding this stove, just wanted to say thank you for the education as always.
On plated steel parts ,a piece of crumpled up aluminum foil used like sand paper can do amazing things without scratching the plating. I do this a lot on vintage bike parts. The stove looks great.
Just got a 1968 502 fired up the first time without cleaning anything. Can't wait to clean it up.
I have one that I restored and cleaned out. I keep it in my emergency box in the back of my truck with a can of coleman fuel as well. Works great, I use it to make coffee and heat of chili on the pipeline ROW's out in the middle of nowhere.
Really delighted to run into this video. My personal Coleman backpacking stove, circa 1979, has been sitting in my basement for 40 years unused. I was about to start rehabbing it. This video gives me hope that I will have a good result.
I have had the 533 for years it back up an working thanks to ur videos. Just don't no if to keep it or sell it these days I love my trangia an fire box for days out an camping
Nice job. Another issue with the first boil test is that you left the valve in the 1/4 turn to light position. This drastically affects the output and the amount of tank pressure it drains. Additionally, the adjustment lever wasn't in the high position. Any time the flame appears low, always give the cleaning lever a spin first. That almost always get it going immediately. It's really amazing how well these things were designed and made. They can take a lot of abuse and just keep cookin. The generators work really well for a long time until they don't. Then you wish you would have cleaned it more often. Haha. A periodic cleaning is quick and easy. Pro tip: turn the valve back to the light position until you see the flame lean out before shutting down. Should just take a few second, and the flame will go out much quicker, with less fumes when you close it all the way. These aren't speed boilers by any stretch. But they are efficient and near bullet proof reliable.
I did a complete preventive cleaning of the Coleman 502. I managed to disassemble the gas generator tube. There is a jet, a long fuel adjustment needle on which there was a lot of carbon deposits. Inside the tube, in front of the jet, there is a brass mesh, and along the entire length of the tube there is a coil spring, which I managed to remove with a crochet hook. These things had the largest amount of soot. If you learn how to take them apart and clean them, your heater will last forever. I bought it on eBay for $70. Hello from Ukraine. Now these devices are very necessary for people in our country and not for the sake of entertainment but for survival.
I found one at a yard sale still in the box with all paper work for it . $5.00 pulled it out of the box put fuel in and lit it right up . I was very lucky
I restore Coleman lanterns and stoves as a hobby. I also have a Coleman 502 from 4/74. The recommended oil for pump cups is Neatsfoot Oil. You might as well paint the bunson since you've already disassembled the stove. I would and probably paint mine if and when I take it apart. I would also paint the burner cup and the burner top with high heat paint. You could also paint the fount with some clear to prevent any further rust and maintain the patina on the stove. Once lit you should turn the valve to fully open. I always clean the generator and tip before lighting. Good job on the stove and nice video. W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee
I have a 1983 from my Dad (I was born in 77), and the thing is damn near immaculate.
Fun fun!! Thanks!!
You can get graphite valve packing rope from industrial supply houses to rebuild the valve seals.
Great job best simmering pot ever
Thanks for the step by step, great job
I have used these stoves for over 40 years and always carried an extra generator with me. Also carried generators for all my Coleman lanterns. You used to be able to purchase a metal keeper for the bottom of the stove or lantern to carry spare mantles and generators. Good video.
Nice job on that 502. I am a big fan of those stoves and you did well!
I’d use my dremel tool with a polishing wheel charged with aluminium oxide to polish away some of the light rust. It also will make a mirror polish.
Look for nickel plating videos using an old transformer wound battery charger (cathode and anode).
I enjoyed the video, thanks!
Great video! I've resurrected a few of these old 502 stoves and I love their simplicity and classic design. I used to buy those metal cans of acetone at the hardware store until I found the pint containers of 100% acetone sold near the nail polish at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost.
On the bowl and other small parts where you are concerned with the plating use a cloth buffer wheel and maybe some Jewlers rouge, this will bring back the luster without doing any real damage to the plating. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed the video. It made me drag out one of my 502 and boil some water. It had been a while since I had used it. Thank you!
I have the 442 feather dual fuel stove for years and have used it and abused it like it were stolen. Shelved it about 2 years ago for I could not figure out how to remove the pump. Did not want to damage anything. And there at 13:48 you showed me how it’s done. Simply remove the silver D retainer clip. Bwahahaha. Thanks Ernie.
Wow...gorgeous !
Ernie it looks fantastic! Great job!
To avoid clogging up of the generator and possibly even get some old debris out you might want to run these petrol stoves on Alkylate fuel such as Aspen 4T. This is very pure and free from additives. The smell is also greatly reduced when burning this.
Nice work! I have an old stove which looks just like yours other than condition. I think I picked mine up for around $5.00 but it was quite dirty and rusted. The labels were gone so I sanded and painted mine. All I had was camo brown but that's fine with me. It works great. One time while fishing I found a double mantle Colman lantern appromimately the same vintage submerged in the pond. I had to buy a new glass globe and of course the very fragile ash mantles. I pumped it up and it fired up with the original gas. Of course being pressurized no water got into it. Worked great for many years.
I can’t tell you how happy I was to see this video, I have the same stove. I recovered it from the bottom of a lake years ago and got it running. It probably fell through an ice fishing hole and sank to the bottom. This fall it developed a leak at the cleaning knob. I tried to take the valve apart but stopped when you said the seals were graphite based. I put the nut back on and tightened it as much as I dared and it didn’t leak! So it looks like I’m going to get some more use out of it. Thanks again for your video !
The graphite packing is actually very easy to replace, and cheap to get. I'll show how to change them in an upcoming video. Thanks for watching!
@@paleomakermd7358 I be waiting😁
Great job, I love the old 502. I have been doing some videos lately talking about stoves. 👍🏻
Hey Ernie, great content as always. I still pack my vintage stove I bought new in 1972. The two legged Primus 2260 propane. Still works great. The third leg is the propane cylinder. It was considered a backpacking stove back then. One of those green cylinders will last you a month on the trail.
Nice work! I picked up my 502 a few years ago at an auction for $10. It's in excellent condition and says 5/70 on the bottom. This is my all time favorite stove. I love taking it on camping trips and using it to make coffee in the mornings. I just love the way it looks and is all self contained compared to the dual burner stoves. Looking forward to more active vids!
Excellent video Ernie, Always good to find a stove that needs minimum work to get running. Check valves can be miserable to get out even with the removal tool so I am glad you didn’t have to do that…..
Nickel plating will give really nice finish but in the end, heat/time will win. Always good to have an Electo-plating set up as you can plate and do rust removal.
Nice clean up and problem solving to get the stove looking good and working correctly. I used to carry one of those on hiking trips back in the 80s before I discovered the much lighter and quieter alcohol stoves. I still use the Coleman for car camping.
My 502 is also a '74.
It runs, but it needs work.
It's been a couple years since I worked on it, but I think I probably just couldn't get the generator apart.
I will have to try and get it going again.
Love those old Coleman stoves. I had two 502 stoves that I bought to just fix up and get running. I gave my 1974 model away but kept my 1965 model, it came with the cook kit as well. Hard to beat them, just too big for backpacking. Keep the videos coming!
Looks great Ernie! Much better flame after the cleaning.
Nice find. I have one and I'll have to check the bottom for a date. Love it and my old heavily used two burner.
Great video. I picked up one of these a couple years ago for $25 on Facebook marketplace.
Great video Erine! Vintage Coleman gear is very well made. With proper care it lasts forever. For pump lubricant, 3-in-1 works ok, but most prefer neatsfoot. Looking forward to more refurbs!
I have a mint condition 502 that my father gave me. it comes with a metal case/pot and is pretty nice! I use my MSR single burner stoves, instead, but I won't get rid of it.
I’ve got the same stove I bought and restored 10 years or so ago, great stove. Need to break it out and check it out soon. Great video
I keep looking for the video on the old Peak 1 Model 400a disassembly and reassembly, and refurbishing but have not found it on either of your channels as of yet. Am I missing something? I have a couple of them, plus one i used to carry in the military that is needing rebuilt. Plus I just like to put videos such as this into my Watch Later videos to have when I do a refurbishing on anything I have. You have one of the most easy to follow How Tos I have found yet. Please let me know when you plan on making this video available.
Glad to see you doing tho type of video, great 👍🏽
For the first boil test you didn't open the main fuel valve all the way after the generator got hot, so you were running it on the fuel+air setting. On the second test it was both cleaner AND you ran it properly. As far as the plating, it's a tool: you got the rust off, so that's good. If you're just going to set it on the shelf and look at it, then by all means re-plate it. If you USE it, the plating is just going to come off again eventually...
I just found a coleman 502 11-80 someone put out for free. I downloaded the instruction and parts manual then started watching videos on how to take it apart and make it work. Ill let you know when it is. Or not working.
My brothernlaw worked for coleman n Wichita kansas for years
I’ve got that same 502 great stove, gave 20 bucks for it at a pawnshop!!! 👍😎
Happy new year!
Same to you!
Great job Ernie, love the vintage stoves. I'm looking forward to the military pocket stove and it's civilian counterpart. Keep up the good work!
Great video!! I love that you are listening to Harry Potter ♥️
Mine 1977, was lighting but barely. I had left gas in it over the years. Then I took it apart and cleaned it, the pins and springs were seized. Now it does'nt work so good. I ordered a new generator, pretty much the only piece we can order, hope that it will fix the flame. Beside's that I have no clue.
If you do decide to remove a check valve, please get a proper extractor. Loving this series!
Actually got one in the mail Friday, so no worries. Thanks for the advice!
Righty tighty....lefty loosie!
I have no idea, none whatsoever, but when I work on these stoves I always go backwards! It's crazy, and won't stop LOL.
What fuel do you use in these stoves? I have the 502 dated 1968.
I seen a fella put his 200 dollar airbrush through an ultrasonic cleaner. Within 6 months it looked like a 10+ yr old gun. Most of these types of guns are heirloom quality that'll be passed down to the next generation. They are plated as well. I know ya got the sandblaster for Christmas, but may wanna look into setting up an electrolysis tank. They are easy and cheap to set up. Vinegar is also another good rust remover. I use both for old neglected cast iron pieces. For sake of appearance ya may be able to just try polishing compounds without plating. That's probably the route I'd take initially.
I have everything I need for electrolysis and electroplating...so going to start experimenting with those. All part of the fun, thanks for watching!
12:33 Please, does the injector go into this part, and where is the air inlet? Sorry for not speaking English.(google tradutor)
I have a Colman peak stove I bought new. Has been my go to stove for years and years. Tried to get it going last summer. Started ok but the valve was real hard to turn up and down. Started leaking whole thing cought on fire. Not real easy to put out. Just can't give up on it yet. Just not sure how to fix it. Thanks.
Which peak stove is it? What year? I have a mid 80's Peak One, Brown colored tank, that I could do a video on taking apart and cleaning up. It's really not too difficult and we need to save your stove :)
Yes! Please do a video on your brown Peak 1. I’ve got one dated 1980 and would be interested in seeing a video taking it apart and cleaning it up. I haven’t fired it up yet for fear of what happened to Rod’s.
Has anyone ever used iron dust, debris and bb with a magnet to clean the generator?
😎🤙
Use the back of your hand to check for heat Earnie. The back is more sensitive and it’s better to burn that than your fingers or palm……
👋
Happy new year! I have the same ultrasonic cleaner for ammo brass. I suggest using one of your stoves to preheat the solution just to speed things up. I also installed a 90 degree elbow for ease of draining it. Try Flitz for the rust removal and polishing of chrome. Brasso for the brass. Looking forward to the new channel content.
It's SO LOUD!!! I'll check out Flitz, thanks!
Hi Ernie, I always enjoy your vids, if you already haven't, check out OldTownColeman videos by Frank his are the best I have seen, easy to follow. Keep up the great work I always learn something and look forward to your vids.
Thanx, Sam
Google molasses as a rust removal. Seriously...
A lot of people didn't understand what you were saying when you told us about the fix shouldn't you show us to fix? Asking for a friend who didn't understand what you were saying by talking about springs police and levers and stuff like that again some people aren't as familiar so to say you fix something and not show us how you fixed it doesn't make any sense for a channel like this I mean all I see is Joy on your face because you fixed your item but you see confusion on your viewers faces cuz we have no clue what the f*** just happened anyway stay safe I love the stove