Hi all, Good to find a site like this!! I have a problem with my 502A stove. It will flame up real good but if I turn it down, like to perk some coffee, the flame will go out. It's either full, midway, or off with the flame. It pumps up good and does hold pressure. Bought this stove used and I think this is why the fella sold it. The folks at Coleman aren't much help with the older stuff. Any ideas??? Thanks, Capgun
Have to admit, even though I have a lot of Colemans, I did not know what the 502A was. So its workings are more like the 533, et al. stoves than the 502. These can be tricky and touchy to regulate. I had a 533 that worked like that until I finally changed the generator. (Generators on these can be hard to clean) Otherwise I'd suggest running it a while on clean fuel and just see if you find a sweet spot. Oh and welcome to the site. If you want a good stove to make coffee on, see if you can find an original 502 -- there are a lot of them out there and most will simmer really well.
I've messed around with several 502 stoves. I suggest you make sure you have good fuel, follow the lighting instuctions on the tank.rotate the cleaner handle several times. A picture of the flame for reference would be good. The 502A uses a 533 generator, seems to be the big difference between the 502 and 502A Another reason why I like the 502, plenty of spares and plenty of stoves out there. buzz
It's funny, but a 502A has absolutely nothing in common with a 502 including the ability to simmer well. The 502A copied the look but not the function of the 502. But yes, if it's acting up, change the generator first. BTW-A 502A is not exactly "older stuff". Most Coleman folks would consider it "newer stuff." A real 502 is about the best running small stove of all time. It lights easily, runs well and simmers well. They are easy to service too. Last one was made around 1983.
Thanks for all info guys. I guess I'll be lookin for a used 502. Doesn't sound like the 502A was as good a stove as the 502. Anybody got an extra 502 they would be willin to part with?? Thanks again..........capgun
If it's all or nothing with that stove, I'd suggest that it's the pricker inside the generator. Had a 500 do the same thing. Once I got a new pricker, it worked just fine.
