Want to know 
Rebuilding Coleman® Single 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.
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Forward. These instructions are written for Coleman® single-mantle gasoline lanterns made from the 1930s to the 1980s, but they can also be used for other single-mantle lanterns to include kerosene models. The location and fit of some 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 "How it Works" in 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 double 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 require that level of service. You don’t want to remove the check valve unless you need to, 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. Purchase the necessary replacement parts before starting work whenever possible.
Click here to view an exploded parts view of a single mantle lantern.
Parts you should always replace, or at least have a spare of:
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 my recommended tools and supplies you will need to follow these instructions.
| Fire extinguisher | Denatured alcohol |
| 5/16”, 7/16", 1/2" and 5/8" end wrenches | General household cleaner |
| Adjustable wrench |
Cotton swabs |
| Small/med flat-tip screwdrivers | Soft rags |
| Slip joint / channel lock pliers | Rubbing compound |
| Needle-nose pliers | Polishing (car) wax |
| Small wire brush | Carburetor cleaner |
| Old toothbrush | Penetrating fluid |
| Rifle bore brush | Naval jelly |
| Bench vise | Lime-a-Way® or CLR® |
| Small flashlight | Neatsfoot or a light oil |
| Eye protection | 0000 Steel wool |
| 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!
