Q&A for How to Use and Maintain Kerosene Lamps

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Question

How can I remove the wick from an oil lamp?

Doekna

Community Answer

Use a pair of needle nose pliers and gently pull as you move the knob up. It will easily pull out from the top. You might want to take it out of the fuel and let it dry before trying to replace it.

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Question

Why do my wicks slip down?

Doekna

Community Answer

It could be because the area that holds the wick and enables it to be turned higher and lower is not tight enough.

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Question

Is it safe to use petroleum jelly on the threads of a lamp that are coated with old oil?

Community Answer

Yes, it should be safe to use the petroleum jelly on this type of lamp. However, make sure you are keeping an eye on it.

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Question

What is different between paraffin and kerosene?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

They are basically the same. Kerosene is often called paraffin outside the U.S., so be wary of the terminology difference in your area. Technically, paraffin is a refined, distilled version of kerosene. Kerosene gives off nasty, toxic odors, so it can't be used inside. Paraffin can. Paraffin also produces less soot.

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Question

The burner is fastened to the glass well. It does not lift nor screw off. How can I remove the old wick and replace kerosene?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

Don't force it out, since it might break. Try putting it in a pot of boiling water mixed with baking soda or a cup of liquid laundry detergent. Let the water simmer for about 2 hours.

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Question

I have a large lamp with a huge well and a new two inch wick. It won't stay lit. What can I do?

Doekna

Community Answer

The wick bottom must be submerged in the lamp fuel at all times, or it will burn out.

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Question

Does a kerosene lamp leave a residue on the walls and ceilings when used?

Community Answer

No. Kerosene is usually a clean burning fuel.

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Question

If the lamp has been unused, and the wick has been sitting in the fuel for about 5 years, should the fuel and wick be cast away?

Community Answer

Yes. Fuel that old starts to take on a odd odor when burned and may clog the wick, preventing it from working properly.

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Question

My railroad lamp fuel pot has a fiber like material inside of packed along the outer wall, with the old wick in the center opening. What is that material, and should it be replaced?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

The fiber should be safe to remove, since you shouldn't need it to light the lamp. It could be old wicks or some other fabric left inside the lamp.

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Question

What happens if I put the wick down too low on a kerosene lamp? If the wick drops back into the oil, can it combust?

Arrogance

Top Answerer

Most likely, the wick would be extinguished. If the kerosene did burn, it would not be very aggressive, and would run out of oxygen or could be easily blown out.

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