Difference between regular and dual fuel lanterns.

[TomW]

I a curious about the differences between the older lanterns which run on the pure "coleman" fuel and the new "dual fuel" models.

I have a 1949 220C which I purchased. When I received the lantern in the mail I found it had some fuel in it. I was able to light the lantern and it ran but eventually the generator had to be replaced. The old "fuel" smelled like old regular gas.

The 1951, 200A that I have had some fuel in it but it smelled like pure "coleman" fuel.

Any one know the differences between the two fuels, Coleman vs Regular Unleaded? Also, what about the new unleaded with "10% alcohol blended in the newer unleaded fuels.

I am using only the "coleman type" fuels in all of my lanterns and stoves but am curious about the "dual fuels".

[HossHoffer]

There is a slight difference in the generators between the white gas and dual fuel. I have used regular unleaded in my white gas lantern and it has run perfectly. I'm sure that there will be those who tell you to never, never do that but using now and again won't hurt. Coleman fuel (white gas) is a more refined version of gasoline without the additives. Using regular gas in a non-dual fuel appliance will gum up the generator which can be cleaned out. BTW, there are those that suggest that Coleman fuel is naptha.

Good luck, Hoss

[caseydog]

What he said.

A dual fuel stove/lantern CAN run on regular unleaded gasoline. BUT, that is a feature that one would use if they can not find white gas. It is best to use white gas in a dual fuel stove, but it is nice to know that you CAN use gas station pump gas if you run out of fuel and can't find white gas out in the boonies.

CD

[starleen2]

from coleman. com link

Coleman® Fuel is basically petroleum naphtha with a bit of rust inhibitor. It has an octane rating of 50 to 55 and none of the additives found in gasoline. It has a lighter molecular weight than gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel and cannot be used as a substitute for any of those fuels.

The flammability of Coleman® Fuel is comparable to gasoline but it cannot be used in gasoline engines. It will burn out the valves.

[TomW]

Thanks for the information. I always plan to have enough fuel with me for a weekend but at times I have wondered if the lanterns would run on something else in an emergency.

Anyone know what the early military style lanterns were run on?

[Shadow Catcher]

Yep it is Naptha
MSDS sheet Light Hydrotreated Distillate CAS NUMBER: 68410-97-9 Petroleum Distillate (Naphtha) 100.0%
http://zenstoves.net/MSDS/Coleman.htm
read the health hazards

[rainjer]

Thanks for the information. I always plan to have enough fuel with me for a weekend but at times I have wondered if the lanterns would run on something else in an emergency.

Anyone know what the early military style lanterns were run on?

Mil-spec lanterns were designed to run on unleaded gas.

Jeremy