Coleman Catalytic Heater?

[dennilane]

Interesting find for me....





Just found it at a consignment store for only $3.00. Yes, I knew about the rust on top, but I didn't bother taking it completely apart like my husband did & he found this



Does anyone else have one of these?

Can the 'burned' looking area be fixed?

Can I/should I clean the rust and fix the top? ie; make "pretty" (touch up or re-paint)

If someone does have one of these, do you know how it works?

If it cannot be used, I figured before I even knew about the 'burned' insides that it would be good decoration for my trailer, but it would be nice to use if I could!

Any other thoughts, feelings, suggestions?

[High Desert]

I've got a couple variations of those. Thats a model 513A. They work good but should only be used in a well ventilated area. One of mine was blackened like that but after lighting it the black burned away after a while. Yours still has the snuffer cap (the silver lid) that is needed to extinguish it, thats good!

It looks like the directions are still intact on yours. The dome gets fuel introduced to it by opening the valve and inverting it until a small round spot appears on the top. Then set it down and light the damp fuel spot. Beware, it will flame up a bit at first. Then the flame will disappear and it will start getting hot as the catalytic action takes hold. As mentioned, light it in a well ventilated area.

If you want to re-paint, try to find the highest temp rated paint you can, those tops get hot when they're running. Most used ones look like yours lol. I think they often got burned by being put in place before the heater has fully ignited.

Of course you could also just clean and paint it for display with your other vintage items. The date should be stamped on the bottom of the tank btw.

Neat find

[Zollinger]

I also have a couple of these in different sizes. They do kinda stink while they are running. Make real sure that the area is WELL ventilated. Like Shaun said the black should burn off, and they do get real hot while burning. One of mine did not come with a snuffer so I bought a cheap stainless steel bowl at Wally World and it seems to work fine.

[hotrod]

would probably only use them for display only, they harmed folks in the day using them in tents and other small areas...

[mikeschn]

Yep, what Paul said!

Mike...

[dennilane]

Yep, what Paul said!

Mike...

OK, I've been convinced. I'll get matching paint & use it for decoration only.

[dennilane]

I've got a couple variations of those. Thats a model 513A. They work good but should only be used in a well ventilated area. One of mine was blackened like that but after lighting it the black burned away after a while. Yours still has the snuffer cap (the silver lid) that is needed to extinguish it, thats good!

It looks like the directions are still intact on yours. The dome gets fuel introduced to it by opening the valve and inverting it until a small round spot appears on the top. Then set it down and light the damp fuel spot. Beware, it will flame up a bit at first. Then the flame will disappear and it will start getting hot as the catalytic action takes hold. As mentioned, light it in a well ventilated area.

If you want to re-paint, try to find the highest temp rated paint you can, those tops get hot when they're running. Most used ones look like yours lol. I think they often got burned by being put in place before the heater has fully ignited.

Of course you could also just clean and paint it for display with your other vintage items. The date should be stamped on the bottom of the tank btw.

Neat find

Thanks for all the great info! Looks like mine was made in '78

[High Desert]

here's a pic of the 515 I found, the big brother to yours. Rated at 5000/8000BTU. Technology has improved in 30 years over these for sure!



it adorns the rafters of my garage as a bookend for other stuff lol. The one below is what I actually use sometimes in garage, I feel it works better and is safer. And yes, you could say my garage is well ventilated..



and if it's really cold, the beast gets fired up. Kerosene burner rated at 23K BTUs

[dennilane]

here's a pic of the 515 I found, the big brother to yours. Rated at 5000/8000BTU. Technology has improved in 30 years over these for sure!

Wow

it adorns the rafters of my garage as a bookend for other stuff lol. The one below is what I actually use sometimes in garage, I feel it works better and is safer. And yes, you could say my garage is well ventilated..

That one looks nice!

and if it's really cold, the beast gets fired up. Kerosene burner rated at 23K BTUs

We have this beast too! use it when the power goes out in the dead of winter
[quote]

[hotrod]

here's a pic of the 515 I found, the big brother to yours. Rated at 5000/8000BTU. Technology has improved in 30 years over these for sure!



it adorns the rafters of my garage as a bookend for other stuff lol. The one below is what I actually use sometimes in garage, I feel it works better and is safer. And yes, you could say my garage is well ventilated..



and if it's really cold, the beast gets fired up. Kerosene burner rated at 23K BTUs

I have one of those kerosun heaters I occasionally use. mostly in the shop occasionally in the house. I can heat my entire house with it.
I cant wait to get the woodburning cookstove home.