I live in the UK, and grew up using paraffìn (kerosene) lamps, heaters and stoves. I now have several Coleman lamps and stoves which I have rebuilt (thanks to your excellent videos!) and are fun to use. Being petrol (gas) they are quicker to light than the kerosene which need to be preheated using methylated spirits (denatured alcohol). Here in the UK we have 5% and 10% ethanol petrol (gas) available at the pumps. Zero % petrol is not available however. I make a point of using Naptha (Aspen 4 or Colemans) for 'cleansing' and storage, to avoid problems when laying up, but am quite happy to use unleaded 5% petrol when it's being used.
I also live in the Uk and have a Coleman Northstar and a Coleman Dual Fuel Lamp. I use Aspen 4 in both of them primarily because of the shelf life of the Aspen. I do this because of my perceived quality of UK unleaded petrol. Several of the 2 stroke or 4 stroke garden machines I have will not start if the UK unleaded fuel is left in them for over 3 months due to fuel deterioration and in my local service centre there is a massive sign giving warnings about this fact because they are constantly cleaning out carburettors. I make a point of properly 'laying up' all of my garden equipment for the winter and use Aspen in the final use but when it comes to the lanterns I didn't want unleaded anywhere near them. Am I wrong? Some people have said you can also burn Break Cleaner Fluid have you tried this? .... and where is the best UK source for Colemans Naphtha?
Dave, for whatever it's worth, you can use regular gas on your camp stove and lanterns. I enlisted in the army in 1984, and this is what we used then. My Sargent asked me to maintain the lanterns, and almost no one there knew anything about the mantles, the pumps and valves used in them. Fortunately, my dad showed me what the basics were, so I was able to do this. Coleman white gas is expensive, and for the most part unnecessary. Everything works just the same, the lamps are not providing brighter light, or the camp stoves are not hotter, they work just as well on either fuel. However, military fuels are typically better than civilian fuels. The additives in pump gas may, over the course of many months, degrade the mantle. On camp stoves, one would be hard pressed to notice much if any difference.
I never knew about that tip cleaner procedure. Thanks to your website, I finally identified my Grandfather's 1947 220D lantern. Thank you for all that you do!
So pleased to have found you, your web site and your wisdom!! I have just recently come into a bunch of old skool gear found under my parents house. A Coleman 530 "pocket" stove, a old Gold Bond 425 two burner, a 200a ('68) lantern...plus a couple of optimus stoves (8r and #5) and a optimus 930 kero lamp....I'm having fun with all this stuff and look forward to using it when I get out in the bush!! Cheers!!
I watch your videos a lot and they are very informative. I acquired a few old coleman lanterns myself and got them up and running thanks to you. good job
Not all of us can get ethanol free unleaded gas at the pump, and there's a good trick for removing it from pump gas: Add water, just enough to combine with the percentage of ethanol, shake it up and let it settle... Drain it off the bottom. So many ways to set up a tank for this purpose, and well worth the effort, ethanol is the problem. Thanks for the many great videos OTC!
It's a geographical issue....I've had pump access to non-ethanol gas here for over 20yrs. It's a HUGE seller for the couple of stations that sell it. Costs more, but still way under the price of white gas significantly.
@@crazysquirrel9425 True, but the nearest one is about 45 miles from here. I think some of the guys here are buying aviation gas at the bulk plant and up at the airport.
@@TheReal1953 Not sure what they put in aviation gas. You COULD add in 5% to 10% KleanStrip Acetone to help keep things cleaner. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a great cleaner but might be a bit toxic to use. Still wondering if you could use 2 cycle fuel.
@@crazysquirrel9425 They're doing it for the octane #'s and the fact that it's non-ethanol. The reality is that the octane #'s in things like small engines are wasted unless the engine has been extremely modified to do race/competition work. In fact, running high-octane non-ethanol gas in a standard small 2-cycle engine can actually make it run hotter....not something desirable in air-cooled engines for longevity.
I have a Coleman lantern and a cold and stove.They are both gas and all I have ever used to them is pump gas that I've had no problem with them and this is over many years still use them.I use them about a month ago.If this helps and I have never put anything else in them other than pump gas
I believe the real problem with E10 isn't from regular use, but long term storage. Ethanol free near me is $3.79, still much cheaper than white gas, and will store better than E10.
I rebuilt a 220H while following Frank's rebuild video... I am currently doing my own gasoline burn test... I've run it for over 20 hours so far with no performance drop-off... I plan to use gasoline from now on... In California where I live, Coleman fuel is over $16 per gallon and Crown is close to $10... Ouch!
CF @ $15 p/gal at Walmart right now makes cleaning all the fuel supply lines once a year because of pump gas.... VERY OPTIONAL. Just...saying. Thanks for another good video with information. They're helpful for people.
Thanks so much for all your terrific videos. I use them and recommend them to other people. I suggest that in certain stoves or lanterns only white camping gas should be used. For example, a Coleman 550B stove has a generator that I cannot clean. When the generator is plugged the stove becomes useless as those generators are no longer made and are nearly unobtainable. Same for the Coleman 400, 400A, and 400B. I use only camp gas in order to extend their life. It’s not just Coleman; I personally cannot clean the burner tubes on a Optimus 111. Coleman always intended generators to be a throw away item. On the other hand, most lanterns and stoves like the 502, 500, and the suitcase stoves all have straight generators that can be cleaned. Burning car gas in them can be done and the generator cleaned after they start misbehaving. Many overlanders use poor quality car gas in their suitcase stoves and clean them regularly with success.
@@BradinManheim Perhaps an ultrasonic cleaner with gun cleaner in it? Try using a propane torch? You might get a orifice cleaner kit (looks like TINY hairs but are drill bits).
@@crazysquirrel9425 I have tried a torch with no luck. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but have not tried that. The curved generators have tiny openings so I don’t think mechanical cleaning is possible. I have been weeding out stoves that I consider throwaways, but I still have a few 550Bs. I might even have one or two new generators for them. I seldom use those stoves now so I should probably sell them if I were not so lazy. It is interesting, in spite of having quite a few camping and backpack stoves, if I am eating out of a pack I usually grab a Trangia! They are just so easy and simple. I don’t live where it is cold so they are perfect.
@@BradinManheim Orifice drill bit may be of value. Mfr had to make the hole somehow. Ever asked them about it? I too have a Trangia! And a Redcamp. I use the pot stand from the Redcamp for the Trangia! lol Only used the Trangia once to cook with but inside a Firebox Nano on my kitchen tabletop! Cooked breakfast for two. Used a 4" cast iron skillet. Bacon and eggs. Went out and bought a gallon of Coleman Fuel today. Exactly the same price as Crown. You would think that Crown would be a little cheaper. Nope. Bought a couple large cans of butane/propane mix for my MSR pocket rocket deluxe - haven't used that one either. Just having extra options, just in case.
I've been working on lanterns that belonged to my father in law. Two of them have had car gasoline in them ,I think as they smell different from the other lanterns. Dirty too.😮
Thanks for this! I just found what I hope is a nice lantern from 1963 and hope the internals are in good working order but would like to know if there's a place besides Coleman where I could at least get decent quality. I bought a new Coleman a few years back and the top rusted right off the cap it was so thin and cheap. Can't seem to find anything that comes close to the old porcelain ones. At least I think that's what they coated them with.
Have you explored "Rec Gas" (Recreational Gasoline)? In Michigan, they sell it for your lawnmowers, 4wheelers, off road motorbikes, etc... it Doesn't have the additives/chemicals that Regular Unleaded does. It's about a buck more a gallon, but your lawn mowers/snow blower starts more reliably, especially after sitting or cold. It's what I'm using in my 275, and it seems to work great. Please share your thoughts. Love your channel. God Bless you and yours.
In my experience they run better on pump gas if you use a smaller mantle. I actually cut mine down and use a single strand of thin copper wire as a tie-off. Worked amazing. Still threw lots of light but you didnt have so much flame and smoke when lighting. Cool video, ive yet to have to clean the generator or do your little needle twirl thing tho.
P.S. I purchased the generator for my Coleman military milspec lantern from Mike at old Coleman parts. Thanks! Also, you did not say " keep em' burnin!"
Another year has passed now. Do you have further experience on running the lantern on regular fuel? Would love to see a disassembly of both generators.
I use crown on most lanterns. 50/50 crown and pump for my dual fuels. Straight pump gas always leaves this sticky residue, and it stains the brass parts bad too.
I am trying a preheat cup to stop the lighting flare up, works great, especially if you must light one in the house…..I made the pre heat cup from a 1/2” copper pipe cap, I drilled a 5/16” hole in the center and soldered a thin wall 5/16” brass tube using plumbing silver solder. I used Naphtha as fuel. It’s like turning on a light switch, no flare ups at all….I got the tubing from Amazon, K&S precision metals, brass telescopic tubing #3400….
Mr Frank, are you still planning on doing a tear down comparison on these lanterns? I’m really looking forward to it if you are. I know it’s hard to get to everything!
Frank, any thoughts on using pump gas in a Coleman catalytic heater? I’m using one in my garage this winter and based on your tests I’m just curious if in a pinch I could use pump gas? Does ethanol v ethanol free make a difference? Thanks!
You can find some excellent 3.75 in long burn matches on Amazon under the brand name UCO. They burn about 1 minute. UCO makes a lot of other matches for camping so be sure to look for the 3.75 in long burn matches.
I’m curious when you say that RUG trashed your generator. Is this because the newer generators cannot be cleaned due to Coleman crimping the lower end of the generator so as to prevent you from taking it apart and cleaning it? I usually try to clean my generators at the end of every season (200A, 220/228,335,201, generators etc) they come apart easily.
Interesting to know. Some sources would have you believe you'd be replacing a generator every 8-10 tanks of pump gas. Given the mix of Crown and Coleman fuel, have you noticed a difference between the 2? Crown being half the price of Coleman.
Keep in mind that where pure gasoline and Coleman fuel can be stored sealed up for years, the pump gas with ethanol starts seriously degrading into corrosive compounds after 4 to 6 months. If I had to use pump gas, I would flush and fill with Coleman fuel for long term storage. You can use Sta-bil to extend gasoline/ethanol mix storage life for engine use, but not for use in lanterns and stoves.
You can get gas that's ethanol free and still much cheaper than Coleman fuel that is now between 7-11 dollars per quart whereas ethanol free at a boat dock is 4-5 bucks a gal.
Thanks for the update! My 200a starts more like the second one, although not as bad. I've taken it completely apart and cleaned everything and replaced the generator as per your video instructions, and it's better than before, but still makes flames and soot for a bit on startup :(
Have you tried cleaning the fuel/air tube. If you're pulling to much raw fuel instead of vapors it will cause some decent sized orange flame and soot during start up.
Try starting it with fewer pumps. The 2nd lantern I lit would not have coughed and smoked so bad had I given it 20 pumps instead of 25. Too much pressure can cause a flooding situation, or too much fuel too fast.
@@jdj5952 and when I cleaned the fuel/air tube I stretched the spring slightly as Frank suggested to make the start circuit work a bit better. I'm wondering if I didn't quite get all the gunk out of the fount (peeling interior coating) and maybe it clogged something up part way.
I’ve seen a Coleman lantern converted to kerosene. It’s more troublesome to operate. The generator tube would need to be preheated by burning IPA alcohol. Once the tube is heated enough the lamp can be ignited. In my opinion it is simpler to not convert your lamp.
I wonder if the pump gas is ethanol free. I've ruined a few carbonators with the ethanol. One completely blocked the fuel line. Gas couldn't even reach the carb. Nasty stuff ethanol for small motors etc
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel. -- Physicist.
@@eby6114 it's no good for engines in vehicles either. Read owners manual for a 2022 jeep V6 engine and they say no more than 15% ethanol gasoline. Better if it's zero %
You look a lot like george Harrison of the. Beatles any one ever tell you that?? I learned a lot from your videos put out more please and thank.you Frank from montana
Coleman fuel is costing close to $30.00cdn for a large 4liter (1 gal approx) can where I am in Manitoba, Canada. There has never really been an alternate white gas option to buy. Just Coleman. My brother, a lifetime fan of white gas gear is sadly burning propane now bc of cost. Both of us have lived by the ‘don’t burn regular pump gasoline’ creed and sadly now that I see this, I almost feel like a dumbass for not having even questioned the notion. Gasoline is 1/5 less cost here. Thanks for letting me know. I am very eager for your follow up. Thanks eh!
Seeing your table answered a question I've had lately. Can I have st buy crown at half the price. Judging by your gallons I would say yes lol. Wally world has it for $7 and Coleman fuel for $15
Hardly mattered years ago. Coleman fuel wasn't all that expensive. Now its $20 a gallon if you buy it in the wrong place and not much cheaper otherwise.
Thought the videos on pump gas were interesting. How long did it go? Also, makes me wonder if a guy ran a tank or two of Coleman fuel through every few gallons of pump gas, if the extra additives would clean things out a bit and keep it going longer.
As I understand it, the only additive to the naptha in coleman fuel is a rust inhibitor, auto gasoline would have more additives, like octane boosters. I've heard of folks putting a cupful of injector cleaner in stoves/lanterns while burning auto fuel, having great results long term.
Hey Frank, how many mantles have you gone through if I may ask(400hrs), and the brand of mantle. I've been watching since you started this test on Instagram and here. Great job my friend. Keep em going👍👍👍🔥🔥
@@BFD378 I had a mantle with a small hole that I failed to notice and the hole sent out a hot jet that hot spotted and cracked the tempered glass globe when I was pumping the lantern up to full run pressure on my single mantle 200a.
What type of pump gas we have three types in wisc. E80. Reg. 87 and prem lead added 91. I know with small engines you need prem lead added like lawn mowers chain saw leaf blowers. Let me hear what type of pump gas
WHICH pump gas? Top Tier? Cheap grocery store gas? 10% ethanol? 15% Ethanol? Higher? How about zero Ethanol? Any thoughts on using 2 cycle gas? How about mixing gas with Coleman fuel to stretch the supply? I assume you made no mods to the generator?
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent. -- Physicist.
Great video, Frank.....have you had a chance to compare the generators in the 2 lanterns? Major differences between the two?.....Thanks for all you do.....
I wonder about the shelf life of the fuel. I don't use my lantern very often. If I left pump gas in it for a year would it still work? I know white gas keeps fairly well.
I would not leave pump gas in mine for a year, especially if it contains ethanol. It’s not as bad in a Coleman appliance because the tank is sealed. I have used 45 gal drums of regular fuel, (in the far north Canadian wilderness)that were 2 years old, & they were fine. The issue is with vented tanks, think, boat, lawnmower etc. The ethanol absorbs moisture, along with evaporation some of the more volatile compounds. If you don’t use your lantern often, stick with Coleman or generic naphtha. I’ve left Coleman fuel in kne lantern for 3 years & it lit up fine. Or, burn the tank dry at the end of camping season, then, as Frank suggests in “Storing”, leave the cap off for a day to evaporate the tiny bit remaining.
Those metal cans are handy to keep around for long term storage of fuel vs a plastic can. Especially if they have a metal cap under the white safety cap. Some do, some don’t. The ones that do pry off easily leaving the metal cap attached to the can. Way easier to unscrew as well since the plastic strips out.
@@OldTownColeman thanks! To pry off, first check to make sure it has a metal insert. But if so, leave it screwed onto the can when prying off with a flat screw driver. Way easier Vs trying to pry it out with the cap removed from the can.
New to your channel, are you saying that regular pump gas will work in any coleman lantern? Are there any modifications needed ? I know they make models that are dual fuel but is that just an advertising tool?
Exactly, that's just an advertising tool. There's no actual difference for the dual fuel models. You can use ordinary gas in any Coleman white gas lantern with no modifications. The obvious downside is degradation in storage. Most people don't use them every day.
@@SalisburySnake @todamnbad - Expanding on Salisbury's comment: Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel. -- Physicist.
- Expanding on Salisbury's comment: Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
I wish like everything in the world could find a way to convert my number 5 Coleman heater to kerosene instead of Coleman fuel I love using it during the winter but good grief now even the generic brand of Coleman fuel is $14 a gallon
Just a side note playing around with jetting on my 502 Coleman stove to convert it over to kerosene I think it has a 0.009 jet in it and thinking about going to I know they'll be some preheating of the generator involved but if I could convert 1 run on kerosene that would be really cool
What is the best lantern to get with the best fuel for burning right now with the rising fuel prices also the best for long term in your opinion and thanks, new sub here
Frank, are you using ethanol gas or non-ethanol gas? I would expect to see some long-term differences between the two. Sure makes a difference in small engine carbs. Was there a final outcome in this test, video or otherwise?
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel. -- Physicist.
@@OldTownColeman Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel. -- Physicist.
@@TheReal1953 Yeah, except that 'pump gas' Gasoline is regulated to contain less than 2% benzene. Coleman fuel, which is base Naphtha, is not regulated and may contain 1% up to 20% benzene. Spend wisely. -- Physicist.
Hello Frank! Do not leave pump gas in your lantern if you plan not to use it. I left pump gas in my Coleman military lantern for about three to four years without lighting it up due to a bad generator. I had started noticing a dark brown syrupy like liquid coming out of the generator where it seats at the base. The dark brown syrup was the pump gas that had aged and thicken up and began to shellac. It ruined part of the paint on the fount and also stripped part of the yellow milspec decal. I did a complete overhaul along with a brand new generator, decals and put in Coleman fuel and it works very good and very bright. I live in the southwest where temperatures reach 105 in the summer which I think affected the pump gas to gel up. I only use Coleman fuel or white gas now.
go move on a mil-spec.....the gens really arent serviceable like regular gens. reg gens you can pull the pricker and packing and your good2go. those long aluminum milspecs are made desposible
@@crabtrap I live down in the southwest where it reaches 103 to 105 and since I did not empty out all the gasoline from the milspec, it started oooozing out. I had left my lantern out in the shed and the heat is what did it. Works very good now since I replaced the generator and I use only Coleman fuel or white gas now.
@@viipsrvs1 awesome! That dry heat issue i don't have here. Hopefully it doesnt gel the coleman fuel too. I dont think it will becuase of the low additives of coleman fuel. Maybe consider safe but cooler storage?
Tom lower octane is fine, and cheaper. Camping fuel octane is down in the 50s. The lowest I can get is 87 but I hear they have 85 in higher elevations in parts of Colorado.
I have been running pump gas in my stoves for years without much problem, however in my lanterns the pump gas seems to foul the generators more quickly. Do you have a preferred method of servicing/cleaning your lantern generators? Thanks for all your great videos, keep up the good work.
Hello Allan. Well you can clean the metal parts of a generator pretty easily with vinegar or a series of heat/quench. You can duplicate the coil inside, and/or the cardboard packing with bronze wool...a video I will get to someday. But, if you bend the doggone tip cleaner needle, you're done. Are you using quality fuel? I burned that 200A for over 650 hours before failure--I'm surprised you are having any noticeable problems. Thanks again and talk soon, Frank
@@OldTownColeman I think my problems are a combination of using whatever is left in any fuel can around camp and stubbornly running old generators. It pains me to crack open a brand new shiny generator. I look forward to seeing a generator cleaning and repack video. I really enjoy your informative videos. Thanks
gasoline is cheaper and way cleaner I have seen- never buying Coleman fuel again for my stoves. Now could be different for long term storage. But cleaner gas just is.
So wait what??? You are telling me that you can use regular pump gas with 10% ethanol and there won't be any issues???? Wow am I just wasting my money on coleman fuel?
This is phenomenal -- acquiring real data. Even more so in the face of all the pontificating on the internet. THANK YOU !!!
How about a gas dynamic thz laser
I live in the UK, and grew up using paraffìn (kerosene) lamps, heaters and stoves. I now have several Coleman lamps and stoves which I have rebuilt (thanks to your excellent videos!) and are fun to use. Being petrol (gas) they are quicker to light than the kerosene which need to be preheated using methylated spirits (denatured alcohol). Here in the UK we have 5% and 10% ethanol petrol (gas) available at the pumps. Zero % petrol is not available however. I make a point of using Naptha (Aspen 4 or Colemans) for 'cleansing' and storage, to avoid problems when laying up, but am quite happy to use unleaded 5% petrol when it's being used.
I also live in the Uk and have a Coleman Northstar and a Coleman Dual Fuel Lamp. I use Aspen 4 in both of them primarily because of the shelf life of the Aspen. I do this because of my perceived quality of UK unleaded petrol. Several of the 2 stroke or 4 stroke garden machines I have will not start if the UK unleaded fuel is left in them for over 3 months due to fuel deterioration and in my local service centre there is a massive sign giving warnings about this fact because they are constantly cleaning out carburettors. I make a point of properly 'laying up' all of my garden equipment for the winter and use Aspen in the final use but when it comes to the lanterns I didn't want unleaded anywhere near them. Am I wrong? Some people have said you can also burn Break Cleaner Fluid have you tried this? .... and where is the best UK source for Colemans Naphtha?
Dave, for whatever it's worth, you can use regular gas on your camp stove and lanterns. I enlisted in the army in 1984, and this is what we used then. My Sargent asked me to maintain the lanterns, and almost no one there knew anything about the mantles, the pumps and valves used in them. Fortunately, my dad showed me what the basics were, so I was able to do this. Coleman white gas is expensive, and for the most part unnecessary. Everything works just the same, the lamps are not providing brighter light, or the camp stoves are not hotter, they work just as well on either fuel. However, military fuels are typically better than civilian fuels. The additives in pump gas may, over the course of many months, degrade the mantle. On camp stoves, one would be hard pressed to notice much if any difference.
Great stuff, Frank. I keep sending people to your videos when they tell me "pump gas will ruin your lantern!"
I bet you could use a good fuel injector cleaner to clean them up.
I never knew about that tip cleaner procedure.
Thanks to your website, I finally identified my Grandfather's 1947 220D lantern.
Thank you for all that you do!
That lantern will run on gas or Coleman I've got a 1948 I've run for years and never had to clean.....fact!
So pleased to have found you, your web site and your wisdom!! I have just recently come into a bunch of old skool gear found under my parents house. A Coleman 530 "pocket" stove, a old Gold Bond 425 two burner, a 200a ('68) lantern...plus a couple of optimus stoves (8r and #5) and a optimus 930 kero lamp....I'm having fun with all this stuff and look forward to using it when I get out in the bush!! Cheers!!
Good update on the test Frank! Many thanks! Dave, Northern Ireland.
I watch your videos a lot and they are very informative. I acquired a few old coleman lanterns myself and got them up and running thanks to you. good job
Happy they are helping you. Keep 'em Burnin'!🔥
Not all of us can get ethanol free unleaded gas at the pump, and there's a good trick for removing it from pump gas: Add water, just enough to combine with the percentage of ethanol, shake it up and let it settle... Drain it off the bottom. So many ways to set up a tank for this purpose, and well worth the effort, ethanol is the problem. Thanks for the many great videos OTC!
It's a geographical issue....I've had pump access to non-ethanol gas here for over 20yrs. It's a HUGE seller for the couple of stations that sell it. Costs more, but still way under the price of white gas significantly.
@@TheReal1953 Boat Marinas usually have alcohol free fuel.
@@crazysquirrel9425 True, but the nearest one is about 45 miles from here. I think some of the guys here are buying aviation gas at the bulk plant and up at the airport.
@@TheReal1953 Not sure what they put in aviation gas.
You COULD add in 5% to 10% KleanStrip Acetone to help keep things cleaner.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a great cleaner but might be a bit toxic to use.
Still wondering if you could use 2 cycle fuel.
@@crazysquirrel9425 They're doing it for the octane #'s and the fact that it's non-ethanol. The reality is that the octane #'s in things like small engines are wasted unless the engine has been extremely modified to do race/competition work. In fact, running high-octane non-ethanol gas in a standard small 2-cycle engine can actually make it run hotter....not something desirable in air-cooled engines for longevity.
I have a Coleman lantern and a cold and stove.They are both gas and all I have ever used to them is pump gas that I've had no problem with them and this is over many years still use them.I use them about a month ago.If this helps and I have never put anything else in them other than pump gas
I believe the real problem with E10 isn't from regular use, but long term storage. Ethanol free near me is $3.79, still much cheaper than white gas, and will store better than E10.
I just landed a station near me that has what they call Rec 90. 90 octane zero ethanol.
@@wadebrewer7212 I think that's just a Florida thing. I bought that when I lived in the keys.
Thank you, Frank, on your compare/contrast fuel test and updates.
I rebuilt a 220H while following Frank's rebuild video... I am currently doing my own gasoline burn test... I've run it for over 20 hours so far with no performance drop-off... I plan to use gasoline from now on... In California where I live, Coleman fuel is over $16 per gallon and Crown is close to $10... Ouch!
Thanks for the update Frank, I can't wait for your next video. Keep up the good work my friend.
CF @ $15 p/gal at Walmart right now makes cleaning all the fuel supply lines once a year because of pump gas....
VERY OPTIONAL. Just...saying.
Thanks for another good video with information. They're helpful for people.
I was wondering if you made a video about mixing kerosene with diesel fuel for Coleman lanterns.
These fuel comparison videos have been great! I never new you could use pump gas in Coleman products!
Thanks so much for all your terrific videos. I use them and recommend them to other people. I suggest that in certain stoves or lanterns only white camping gas should be used. For example, a Coleman 550B stove has a generator that I cannot clean. When the generator is plugged the stove becomes useless as those generators are no longer made and are nearly unobtainable. Same for the Coleman 400, 400A, and 400B. I use only camp gas in order to extend their life. It’s not just Coleman; I personally cannot clean the burner tubes on a Optimus 111. Coleman always intended generators to be a throw away item. On the other hand, most lanterns and stoves like the 502, 500, and the suitcase stoves all have straight generators that can be cleaned. Burning car gas in them can be done and the generator cleaned after they start misbehaving. Many overlanders use poor quality car gas in their suitcase stoves and clean them regularly with success.
Ever try soaking in carburetor cleaner?
@@crazysquirrel9425 Yes, I have even tried soaking in acetone, which is the solvent in cc, for months. The opening in these generators is tiny.
@@BradinManheim Perhaps an ultrasonic cleaner with gun cleaner in it?
Try using a propane torch?
You might get a orifice cleaner kit (looks like TINY hairs but are drill bits).
@@crazysquirrel9425 I have tried a torch with no luck. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but have not tried that. The curved generators have tiny openings so I don’t think mechanical cleaning is possible. I have been weeding out stoves that I consider throwaways, but I still have a few 550Bs. I might even have one or two new generators for them. I seldom use those stoves now so I should probably sell them if I were not so lazy. It is interesting, in spite of having quite a few camping and backpack stoves, if I am eating out of a pack I usually grab a Trangia! They are just so easy and simple. I don’t live where it is cold so they are perfect.
@@BradinManheim Orifice drill bit may be of value. Mfr had to make the hole somehow. Ever asked them about it?
I too have a Trangia! And a Redcamp.
I use the pot stand from the Redcamp for the Trangia! lol
Only used the Trangia once to cook with but inside a Firebox Nano on my kitchen tabletop!
Cooked breakfast for two. Used a 4" cast iron skillet. Bacon and eggs.
Went out and bought a gallon of Coleman Fuel today. Exactly the same price as Crown.
You would think that Crown would be a little cheaper. Nope.
Bought a couple large cans of butane/propane mix for my MSR pocket rocket deluxe - haven't used that one either.
Just having extra options, just in case.
It looks COLD in your workshop. Great video Frank
Jeff it was! It almost hit 70 two days before, then the snow came back. Typical spring for these parts...
Can’t wait to see the gasoline video for the heater. Could you do a video on repainting a Coleman heater? I have a barn find that’s seen better days
Non-ethanol fuel has become available in my area recently and I wonder if it may work better than the alcohol laced gas?
Thanks for the update. Very useful channel!
I've been working on lanterns that belonged to my father in law. Two of them have had car gasoline in them ,I think as they smell different from the other lanterns. Dirty too.😮
How often do you change the mantels
Trying to find your videos on the 513 or 515 catalytic heaters. There’s a bunch from other videos.
I’m going to keep looking.
Thank you Frank.
Thanks for this! I just found what I hope is a nice lantern from 1963 and hope the internals are in good working order but would like to know if there's a place besides Coleman where I could at least get decent quality.
I bought a new Coleman a few years back and the top rusted right off the cap it was so thin and cheap. Can't seem to find anything that comes close to the old porcelain ones. At least I think that's what they coated them with.
Hello from S. Idaho ! New sub. Will be watching from now on ! Merry Christmas. TAKE CARE..
Have you explored "Rec Gas" (Recreational Gasoline)?
In Michigan, they sell it for your lawnmowers, 4wheelers, off road motorbikes, etc... it Doesn't have the additives/chemicals that Regular Unleaded does. It's about a buck more a gallon, but your lawn mowers/snow blower starts more reliably, especially after sitting or cold. It's what I'm using in my 275, and it seems to work great. Please share your thoughts. Love your channel. God Bless you and yours.
Side note: "Rec Gas" is Ethanol Free.
In my experience they run better on pump gas if you use a smaller mantle. I actually cut mine down and use a single strand of thin copper wire as a tie-off. Worked amazing. Still threw lots of light but you didnt have so much flame and smoke when lighting. Cool video, ive yet to have to clean the generator or do your little needle twirl thing tho.
Let's say you ran 40 tanks of pump gas though a lantern and it started to foul. Would switching to Coleman fuel for a gallon clean it out?
P.S. I purchased the generator for my Coleman military milspec lantern from Mike at old Coleman parts. Thanks! Also, you did not say " keep em' burnin!"
I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on storage procedures with ethanol blended fuels.
Another year has passed now. Do you have further experience on running the lantern on regular fuel? Would love to see a disassembly of both generators.
It is coming. Still allowing the fuel tanks to marinate to inspect for varnish, and running lanterns to failure...stay tunned it's a work in progress.
I use crown on most lanterns. 50/50 crown and pump for my dual fuels. Straight pump gas always leaves this sticky residue, and it stains the brass parts bad too.
Great. Just found your channel and subscribed.
I am trying a preheat cup to stop the lighting flare up, works great, especially if you must light one in the house…..I made the pre heat cup from a 1/2” copper pipe cap, I drilled a 5/16” hole in the center and soldered a thin wall 5/16” brass tube using plumbing silver solder. I used Naphtha as fuel. It’s like turning on a light switch, no flare ups at all….I got the tubing from Amazon, K&S precision metals, brass telescopic tubing #3400….
I looked up Naptha but cannot seem to find just pure naptha, or in 1 gallon containers either.
I'd love to hear in detail how you utilize this preheat cup.
Mr Frank, are you still planning on doing a tear down comparison on these lanterns? I’m really looking forward to it if you are. I know it’s hard to get to everything!
Yes sir!
Frank, any thoughts on using pump gas in a Coleman catalytic heater? I’m using one in my garage this winter and based on your tests I’m just curious if in a pinch I could use pump gas? Does ethanol v ethanol free make a difference? Thanks!
I wish someone would make some good matches again. Ive been using the bigger long stick matches but certainly not as cost effective.
You can find some excellent 3.75 in long burn matches on Amazon under the brand name UCO. They burn about 1 minute. UCO makes a lot of other matches for camping so be sure to look for the 3.75 in long burn matches.
Use a grill lighter!
I used RUG in my Coleman 6/89 285 a couple of times. It trashed the generator, so I only use Coleman fuel now.
I’m curious when you say that RUG trashed your generator. Is this because the newer generators cannot be cleaned due to Coleman crimping the lower end of the generator so as to prevent you from taking it apart and cleaning it? I usually try to clean my generators at the end of every season (200A, 220/228,335,201, generators etc) they come apart easily.
As some Coleman lanterns have been around for a long time….this experiment might take a while 😀
That type of lantern safe to run indoors
I love your videos. Thank you for the great content.
It is my pleasure.
Interesting to know. Some sources would have you believe you'd be replacing a generator every 8-10 tanks of pump gas. Given the mix of Crown and Coleman fuel, have you noticed a difference between the 2? Crown being half the price of Coleman.
Have you concluded this experiment yet or is still ongoing?
Keep in mind that where pure gasoline and Coleman fuel can be stored sealed up for years, the pump gas with ethanol starts seriously degrading into corrosive compounds after 4 to 6 months. If I had to use pump gas, I would flush and fill with Coleman fuel for long term storage. You can use Sta-bil to extend gasoline/ethanol mix storage life for engine use, but not for use in lanterns and stoves.
Where's the source on this info
You can get gas that's ethanol free and still much cheaper than Coleman fuel that is now between 7-11 dollars per quart whereas ethanol free at a boat dock is 4-5 bucks a gal.
Thanks for the update! My 200a starts more like the second one, although not as bad. I've taken it completely apart and cleaned everything and replaced the generator as per your video instructions, and it's better than before, but still makes flames and soot for a bit on startup :(
Have you tried cleaning the fuel/air tube. If you're pulling to much raw fuel instead of vapors it will cause some decent sized orange flame and soot during start up.
Try starting it with fewer pumps. The 2nd lantern I lit would not have coughed and smoked so bad had I given it 20 pumps instead of 25. Too much pressure can cause a flooding situation, or too much fuel too fast.
@@frankbebb8966 thanks Frank I will try that
@@jdj5952 I cleaned every single part of the lantern
@@jdj5952 and when I cleaned the fuel/air tube I stretched the spring slightly as Frank suggested to make the start circuit work a bit better. I'm wondering if I didn't quite get all the gunk out of the fount (peeling interior coating) and maybe it clogged something up part way.
Where at in North Idaho are you? Im in Rathdrum. Really enjoy your videos 👍🏻
Hi and thanks for your Coleman production. Can I use pump kerosene in my Coleman lantern single fuel? Thank you!
I’ve seen a Coleman lantern converted to kerosene. It’s more troublesome to operate. The generator tube would need to be preheated by burning IPA alcohol. Once the tube is heated enough the lamp can be ignited. In my opinion it is simpler to not convert your lamp.
Is this just regular unleaded or ethanol free fuel ?
Just regular unleaded Leo, 87 octane. The sign on the pump says it is up to 10% ethanol.
Just subbed! Thanks for putting in the time for these great vids.
Thank you!!
E85 - have you tried E85? What are the results? Odor? Smoke?
What type of pump gas? Non-Ethanol Premium?
Very interesting. Following. I should try this. I certainly have enough 200As.
I've actually used pump gas on a Coleman stove and it works fine but not as good as the Coleman fuel.
I wonder if the pump gas is ethanol free. I've ruined a few carbonators with the ethanol. One completely blocked the fuel line. Gas couldn't even reach the carb. Nasty stuff ethanol for small motors etc
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
-- Physicist.
@@eby6114 it's no good for engines in vehicles either. Read owners manual for a 2022 jeep V6 engine and they say no more than 15% ethanol gasoline. Better if it's zero %
You look a lot like george Harrison of the. Beatles any one ever tell you that?? I learned a lot from your videos put out more please and thank.you Frank from montana
Thank you Frank. Yes sir, I've been accused of looking like George Harrison many times. I wonder if anyone has ever told him that he looks like me?
Coleman fuel is costing close to $30.00cdn for a large 4liter (1 gal approx) can where I am in Manitoba, Canada. There has never really been an alternate white gas option to buy. Just Coleman. My brother, a lifetime fan of white gas gear is sadly burning propane now bc of cost. Both of us have lived by the ‘don’t burn regular pump gasoline’ creed and sadly now that I see this, I almost feel like a dumbass for not having even questioned the notion. Gasoline is 1/5 less cost here. Thanks for letting me know. I am very eager for your follow up. Thanks eh!
Seeing your table answered a question I've had lately. Can I have st buy crown at half the price. Judging by your gallons I would say yes lol.
Wally world has it for $7 and Coleman fuel for $15
Hardly mattered years ago. Coleman fuel wasn't all that expensive. Now its $20 a gallon if you buy it in the wrong place and not much cheaper otherwise.
Thought the videos on pump gas were interesting. How long did it go? Also, makes me wonder if a guy ran a tank or two of Coleman fuel through every few gallons of pump gas, if the extra additives would clean things out a bit and keep it going longer.
As I understand it, the only additive to the naptha in coleman fuel is a rust inhibitor, auto gasoline would have more additives, like octane boosters. I've heard of folks putting a cupful of injector cleaner in stoves/lanterns while burning auto fuel, having great results long term.
Good information thanks
Hey Frank, how many mantles have you gone through if I may ask(400hrs), and the brand of mantle. I've been watching since you started this test on Instagram and here. Great job my friend. Keep em going👍👍👍🔥🔥
I have broken one mantle, and I'm not sure how it happened...
I've run mantles with tears in them, is it that big a deal? They just kept working
@@BFD378 using a torn mantle can cause 'hot spots' and potentially damage the lantern. Not recommended.
@@BFD378 I had a mantle with a small hole that I failed to notice and the hole sent out a hot jet that hot spotted and cracked the tempered glass globe when I was pumping the lantern up to full run pressure on my single mantle 200a.
If pump gas works in a lantern, it should also work in a stove. Correct?
@@swmngrvideos Yes that's right, I'm running my both coleman 285 lantern and 533 stove (dual fuel model) on E10 fuel and they work right.
Works just fine.
What type of pump gas we have three types in wisc. E80. Reg. 87 and prem lead added 91. I know with small engines you need prem lead added like lawn mowers chain saw leaf blowers. Let me hear what type of pump gas
Hello there thanks for your video realy helpfull. 200A T66 whats the size of the mantle i need?
WHICH pump gas? Top Tier? Cheap grocery store gas?
10% ethanol? 15% Ethanol? Higher?
How about zero Ethanol?
Any thoughts on using 2 cycle gas?
How about mixing gas with Coleman fuel to stretch the supply?
I assume you made no mods to the generator?
cheap gas works just fine to me.
@@showaltermicro Thinking about alternative fuels in case the cheap stuff is unavailable is all.
Always have a backup plan!
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent.
-- Physicist.
@@Verfolnir Thank you!
Is there a gas tank additive that removes the Ethanol?
And does your method work with diesel?
Great video, Frank.....have you had a chance to compare the generators in the 2 lanterns? Major differences between the two?.....Thanks for all you do.....
That video is coming.
I wonder about the shelf life of the fuel. I don't use my lantern very often. If I left pump gas in it for a year would it still work? I know white gas keeps fairly well.
I would not leave pump gas in mine for a year, especially if it contains ethanol. It’s not as bad in a Coleman appliance because the tank is sealed. I have used 45 gal drums of regular fuel, (in the far north Canadian wilderness)that were 2 years old, & they were fine.
The issue is with vented tanks, think, boat, lawnmower etc. The ethanol absorbs moisture, along with evaporation some of the more volatile compounds.
If you don’t use your lantern often, stick with Coleman or generic naphtha. I’ve left Coleman fuel in kne lantern for 3 years & it lit up fine.
Or, burn the tank dry at the end of camping season, then, as Frank suggests in “Storing”, leave the cap off for a day to evaporate the tiny bit remaining.
I ran 100 LL aviation fuel in my Peak One backpack lantern and MSR stove (to pre-heat my Super Cub engine) almost ruined them both......too much lead.
I ruined a zippo hand warmer with it...
Those metal cans are handy to keep around for long term storage of fuel vs a plastic can. Especially if they have a metal cap under the white safety cap. Some do, some don’t. The ones that do pry off easily leaving the metal cap attached to the can. Way easier to unscrew as well since the plastic strips out.
Brilliant idea.
@@OldTownColeman thanks! To pry off, first check to make sure it has a metal insert. But if so, leave it screwed onto the can when prying off with a flat screw driver. Way easier Vs trying to pry it out with the cap removed from the can.
Any updates on this test?
Still in progress. I am looking at finishing the test I'm doing now by August, then I'll be ready to film.
New to your channel, are you saying that regular pump gas will work in any coleman lantern? Are there any modifications needed ? I know they make models that are dual fuel but is that just an advertising tool?
Exactly, that's just an advertising tool. There's no actual difference for the dual fuel models. You can use ordinary gas in any Coleman white gas lantern with no modifications. The obvious downside is degradation in storage. Most people don't use them every day.
@@SalisburySnake guessing you would want to avoid ethanol?
@@todamnbad Yes, it's definitely better if you can avoid it.
@@SalisburySnake @todamnbad - Expanding on Salisbury's comment: Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
-- Physicist.
- Expanding on Salisbury's comment: Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
Update?
Very soon will film an update, then continue burning the CF lantern until it dies. They've been sitting idle for 2 years now...
I wish like everything in the world could find a way to convert my number 5 Coleman heater to kerosene instead of Coleman fuel I love using it during the winter but good grief now even the generic brand of Coleman fuel is $14 a gallon
Just a side note playing around with jetting on my 502 Coleman stove to convert it over to kerosene I think it has a 0.009 jet in it and thinking about going to I know they'll be some preheating of the generator involved but if I could convert 1 run on kerosene that would be really cool
Cheap at that…..it’s €14 a litre in Ireland………buy it while you can !@@12345678989814
What is the best lantern to get with the best fuel for burning right now with the rising fuel prices also the best for long term in your opinion and thanks, new sub here
Did Coleman slap a gag order on you? You've not posted a conclusion to this experiment.
Frank, are you using ethanol gas or non-ethanol gas? I would expect to see some long-term differences between the two. Sure makes a difference in small engine carbs. Was there a final outcome in this test, video or otherwise?
Plans are to end the test sometime in August with a results video to follow.
Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
-- Physicist.
@@OldTownColeman Re Ethanol- In order to remove the Ethanol from my pump gas (I'm in California :-/ I pour 1 gallon of pump gas (unleaded + 10% ethanol) into a clean 1 gal HDPE milk-jug ('cause I've got them handy). I add 1~2 cups of water. Yes, really. Shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refresh my coffee. (Actually, I let this set for a few hours). When you return, the Ethanol will bind with the water and come out of solution from the gasoline. Two very distinct layers will form. Carefully decant the liquids into your preferred storage containers. One is De-Ethanolled gasoline: For lanterns or lawnmowers. The other is watered-down Ethanol. Use as shop/cleaning solvent? This works like a charm. I've been running coleman lanterns and stoves since the 1960's -- I've never, ever bought a can of coleman fuel.
-- Physicist.
@@Verfolnir Yeah, except that 'pump gas' has some really nasty characters in it....not the least of which is benzene.
@@TheReal1953 Yeah, except that 'pump gas' Gasoline is regulated to contain less than 2% benzene. Coleman fuel, which is base Naphtha, is not regulated and may contain 1% up to 20% benzene. Spend wisely. -- Physicist.
Hello Frank! Do not leave pump gas in your lantern if you plan not to use it. I left pump gas in my Coleman military lantern for about three to four years without lighting it up due to a bad generator. I had started noticing a dark brown syrupy like liquid coming out of the generator where it seats at the base. The dark brown syrup was the pump gas that had aged and thicken up and began to shellac. It ruined part of the paint on the fount and also stripped part of the yellow milspec decal. I did a complete overhaul along with a brand new generator, decals and put in Coleman fuel and it works very good and very bright. I live in the southwest where temperatures reach 105 in the summer which I think affected the pump gas to gel up. I only use Coleman fuel or white gas now.
go move on a mil-spec.....the gens really arent serviceable like regular gens. reg gens you can pull the pricker and packing and your good2go. those long aluminum milspecs are made desposible
@@crabtrap I live down in the southwest where it reaches 103 to 105 and since I did not empty out all the gasoline from the milspec, it started oooozing out. I had left my lantern out in the shed and the heat is what did it. Works very good now since I replaced the generator and I use only Coleman fuel or white gas now.
@@viipsrvs1 awesome! That dry heat issue i don't have here. Hopefully it doesnt gel the coleman fuel too. I dont think it will becuase of the low additives of coleman fuel. Maybe consider safe but cooler storage?
@@crabtrap Definitely "cooler" is the way to go...
@@viipsrvs1 PS, u can burn kerosene in the milspecs too.
Saludos desde argentina 🇦🇷, aguardó los resultados ya que por estos lugares no se consigue fácilmente el Combustible coleman.
this is great thank you
What about using gasoline in a coleman stove? Will it work OK?
Yes it will work just fine.
Ok have to ask this, does Dual Fuel lantern do any better with pump gas?
No better, just cheaper to run.
I’m kind of a newby, does it matter what octane pump gas you use. Is one more desirable than another? Thanks!
Tom lower octane is fine, and cheaper. Camping fuel octane is down in the 50s. The lowest I can get is 87 but I hear they have 85 in higher elevations in parts of Colorado.
I have been running pump gas in my stoves for years without much problem, however in my lanterns the pump gas seems to foul the generators more quickly. Do you have a preferred method of servicing/cleaning your lantern generators? Thanks for all your great videos, keep up the good work.
Hello Allan. Well you can clean the metal parts of a generator pretty easily with vinegar or a series of heat/quench. You can duplicate the coil inside, and/or the cardboard packing with bronze wool...a video I will get to someday. But, if you bend the doggone tip cleaner needle, you're done. Are you using quality fuel? I burned that 200A for over 650 hours before failure--I'm surprised you are having any noticeable problems. Thanks again and talk soon, Frank
@@OldTownColeman I think my problems are a combination of using whatever is left in any fuel can around camp and stubbornly running old generators. It pains me to crack open a brand new shiny generator. I look forward to seeing a generator cleaning and repack video. I really enjoy your informative videos. Thanks
Pump gas works but a little carbon build up and an oily film....but it works!
might be buying a almost new coleman dual mantle lantern from 1957! ad says it has all original pamphlets and original box and materials for $139!
Travis please email me at info@oldtowncoleman.com to discuss?
I think that today's pump gas is cleaner than the white gas was back in the 50's
That proves another problem With ethanol gas.
i would hold my farts in while near so much fuel let alone play with fire and lanterns
He's got all that long hair too.
gasoline is cheaper and way cleaner I have seen- never buying Coleman fuel again for my stoves. Now could be different for long term storage. But cleaner gas just is.
Have you ever caught your hair on fire
So wait what??? You are telling me that you can use regular pump gas with 10% ethanol and there won't be any issues???? Wow am I just wasting my money on coleman fuel?
She?
Old school, I love 💕 it.
TOM PIPPS FOAM- BATON ROUGE LOUISIANA USA HI HELLo 7