Kerosene Lantern

[Southern_Gent]

I'm not too familiar with using the old lanterns, so this question will likely sound idiotic to the experienced. I bought a kerosene lamp some time ago, it's the type that has a glass enclosure that slides down over the flame and a handle that allows for carry. Reminds me of the type you see hanging on a post in the barn in the western movies.

When I bought it, I also bought a jug of lamp oil, as these were sitting on display right next to the lanterns. I was getting ready to fill the lantern recently (for the first time), when I noticed the top says "Kerosene only". Can I actually use the lamp oil in this lantern? It's an ultra-pure parrafin type of fuel.

[annabella1]

I did a google search on kerosene substitutes and came across this in a big red warning box:


99% or 100% Paraffin Oil (Wax Oil, Nowell's, Ultra-Pure, Tropical Lights, etc.) is not designed for use in tubular lanterns and burns only 1/2 as bright of any of the approved fuels listed above. Paraffin oil has a much higher viscosity and a flash point over 100 degrees higher than kerosene. This inhibits the capillary action of the wick, and will cause lanterns with 7/8" or larger wick to burner improperly and erratic. Once a wick is contaminated with paraffin oil, it must be replaced in order for the lantern to burner properly.

[1stmate]

SG-
You can use any commercial lamp oil in your lamp with no observable detriment. Besides that, it won't stink like kero. I use the stuff in my Aladdin lamps w/no problems w/regard to viscosity. True "paraffin oil" is waxy, which may be a problem, but the stuff you buy here in the US is fine. I use the cheapest I can find, usually from Wally World, & all has been well for 14 years now. It will surely work in a regular wick type lamp.
Stock up! & take care...

[1stmate]

Oh, & BTW SG-
I use the same fuel in an old English lamp I bought at @ a yard sale. Ayuh, works good.

[Southern_Gent]

Thanks for the info.