Coleman® Model 228D
Born in 1949

LearnWant to know how it works?



Rebuilding Coleman® Double Mantle Lanterns

If you are not mechanically inclined or are not comfortable working on fueled appliances, I encourage you to send your lantern or stove back to Coleman® for repair. Click here for more information.

Access to and use of this information constitutes your agreement with our Terms and Conditions.  The material presented here is for informational purposes only.

Forward.  These instructions were written specifically for Coleman® lantern models in the 220 and 228 series from “B” to “F” models, but they can also be used for other double mantle lanterns.  The location and function of parts may vary for different models.  You should be able to work through these differences if you understand what you are trying to accomplish. I encourage you to read the instructions in their entirety before starting.  If you would like a better understanding of how lamps and lanterns work, visit the Old Town Learning Center.

Some of the photos you will see here are used in other rebuilding sections of the website. If you see a stove or a single mantle lantern, don't be alarmed. Many of the appliances have parts in common, and I'm just saving on photos and server space.

Scope of repairs.  These instructions were written to assist you with a full rebuild, but not all lanterns will require that level of service. You don’t want to remove the check valve unless you absolutely must, and you may not need to destroy a perfectly good valve stem packing.  You will be cautioned before starting any step that is unusually difficult or may not be necessary.      

Replacement parts.  Most of the parts can be cleaned and reused, but not all of them.  Purchase the necessary replacement parts before starting work whenever possible. 

Click here to view a parts listing for double mantle lanterns. 

Parts you should always replace, or at least have one spare: 
1.  Mantle. 
2.  Fuel filler cap, or the gasket.
3.  Generator

 Parts that may be required:
1.  Pump cup
2.  Valve stem packing
3.  Check valve and air stem

Tools & Supplies.  The following table shows the recommended tools and supplies you will need to follow these instructions. 

Fire extinguisher Denatured alcohol
3/8", 7/16", 1/2" and 9/16" end wrenches Household spray cleaner
Adjustable wrench
Cotton swabs
Small/med flat-tip screwdriver Soft rags
Eye protection Rubbing compound (painted lanterns only)
Slip-joint / needle-nose pliers Polishing wax (painted lanterns only)
Small wire brush Carburetor cleaner
Old toothbrush Penetrating fluid
Rifle bore brush Naval jelly
Bench vise Lime-a-Way® or CLR®
Small flashlight Neatsfoot oil or a light oil
Small hammer Steel wool 0000
Propane torch White vinegar

What happens if you get stuck? You can contact me via the Old Town Coleman Center Facebook page or you can email me at oldtowncoleman@gmail.com. I usually answer emails in the mornings and evenings as I am only semi-retired and still have a real job during the day.

Pictures. Take photos of your lantern before starting. During reassembly, you will be able to refer to the pictures should you have any questions about how something was positioned. “Before & after” photos of the rebuild are always fun to see, and we’d love to display one on our Spit & Whittle Club page. Good luck and keep that fire extinguisher close by!


Part I:  Under PressurePart I: Disassembly

Making Gas from FuelPart II: Cleaning

ReassemblyPart III: Reassembly

 



Old Town Coleman Home

Coleman Country
Yucca Valley, Calif




Never tighten your lantern's ball nut down on the porcelain ventilator. The ventilator needs to flex a little bit during heating / cooling cycles. If it gets over-tightened, it can crack and chip the enamel at the top. Best is to just snug it a little.