Old petrol blowtorch repair question?

[Mike13]

I have a large old petrol blowtorch that needs a new leather washer to replace the old one, what type and thickness of leather would I need? The pumping plunger is about 1" diameter.

Last time I had to fix the blow by issue when pumping it up, I accidentally put the large washer in backwards, and the punched out sharp edge then cut the leather. I have tried a few times with leather from old shoes, but still cannot get it to pump up properly.

Anyone used to repairing these old things?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I have a large old petrol blowtorch that needs a new leather washer to replace the old one, what type and thickness of leather would I need? The pumping plunger is about 1" diameter.

Last time I had to fix the blow by issue when pumping it up, I accidentally put the large washer in backwards, and the punched out sharp edge then cut the leather. I have tried a few times with leather from old shoes, but still cannot get it to pump up properly.

Anyone used to repairing these old things?

You need a soft, cup shaped washer for the pump and it needs to be well greased.

 

[Mike13]

The original washer was Leather held in place by two washers. I goofed by putting the bottom washer in backwards. Not sure I would find a cup shaped washer of the correct diameter.

 

[Stivino]

Is it definitely petrol?

 

[Mike13]

I was sold it as a petrol blowtorch, and I have run it on petrol a while ago. The blue cone is about 2" across and about 8-10" long on full flame! Good to get a damp bonfire burning well.

 

[JohnD]

can you show us a pic? They are most often paraffin fuelled.

I think you can still get leather washers for Primus and Optimus stoves, and Tilley lamps, which may fit.

 

[Mike13]

The pump section will need a washer just under 25mm across. I will try and take a picture later. The fuel tank is 160 mm diameter and 170mm tall.

 

[JohnD]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...m570.l1313&_nkw=leather+pump+washers&_sacat=0

 

[Mike13]

Thanks, I last looked for them a few years ago and did not find anything at that time. I have one on order to see how it works.

 

[lostinthelight]

Petrol blowtorches I've seen are self pressurising and paraffin ones have pumps and wouldn't put petrol in the latter.
I grew up with paraffin lamps and stoves and alway made our own washers out of strong glove leather, forming the cup shape by folding back around the metal washer

 

[Mike13]

It is quite old, so possibly dates back to 60 octane petrol, which is not much higher octane than paraffin.