Flushing out a Gas Tank

[Chris Cairns]

Recently obtained a 2nd hand Lumber Jack kit. Suffered a blocked jet on 3 different occasions from 2 different sources of butane, and cleared it out using my lighter refill cannister.

The 3rd time was after fitting a ronson filler valve so I removed the gas tank, tilted it so I would get liquid gas out of the gas valve and blow that into some kitchen towel but no deposits were present.

Took it to our railway group today to run on the indoor 45mm layout. To save time I had filled it up with gas, water and adjusted the lubricator prior to travelling, but on light up I ended with the flame staying in the chimney (a recurring problem with a near full gas tank). So closed the gas valve, waited for the flame to go out, then tried again but no gas came out - another blocked jet and this on a new cannister of gas.

I've read the previous postings on the Forum regarding Lumber Jack's and Regner burners and getting deposits in a Regner gas tank appears to be more common than other makes.

Is there an alternative method to flushing out the gas tank than using liquid butane - something like acetone (nail varnish remover) for example?

Chris Cairns.

[Joe]

I am also wondering this as well as on my merlin, it lights fine but flames are coming out of the chimeny, also the gas filler valve leaks a little so im going to have to get a new one

[Chris Cairns]

In the end I did flush out the gas tank using nail varnish remover, then I fitted some coffee filter paper behind the gas jet (a tip from tag Gorton), and the burner has worked OK ever since.

it lights fine but flames are coming out of the chimney

Try turning the gas valve down to get the flame to pop back to the burner. Could also be a partially blocked gas jet. Not familiar with Merlin locomotives but some of the earlier ronson type filler valves had an 'O' ring that could be replaced.

Chris Cairns

[Joe]

Well despite me clearing the jet it got blocked again so once I sorted that and turned the gas down like you said it lights fine , I will try and unscrew the filler valve but I really need a special srew driver.
Cheers
Joe

[Big Jim]

Roundhouse sell a special tool for fiddling with bits of engines that include a gas valve tool. Along with various other helpful bits such as a tool for adjusting safety valves.

You can make your own by cutting a slice out of a screwdriver bit.

[Chris Cairns]

Impurities in Butane gas seem to be on the increase. That's why I use coffee filter paper behind my gas jets which has stopped any more blocked jets so far.

As to removing the ronson type filler valve, you can usually fashion a tool using the largest screwdriver out of a £1 shop jewellers screwdriver set and cutting/filing a slot in the middle so it fits over the filler valve and into the slots.

Chris Cairns

[Tony Bird]

Hi Chris,

I usually flush gas tanks out with lighter fuel. Fill the tank and leave for a few hours and empty. Then half fill the tank and shake for a bit and empty. Then let the tank dry out for a day or so. Some times some really sticky deposits come out. Don't forget to clean the fuel liens as well, I use a syringe.

Regards Tony.

[tom_tom_go]

Just to add I have used carb cleaner and that works well.