Pulled out a Petromax kero burner today to fire it up for the first time. Assembled all the bits and parts, added fuel, primed it, and got it burning just like I've heard and seen described (videos). Pumped it up and she came to life nicely, only I noticed a kero leak at the base of the burner, so I used the spanner to tighten that down and the leak became worse. Shut down the stove and took it apart only to find the rubbery gasket had simply disintegrated down in there. So, I need a gasket. I believe I've heard around these parts that a lead gasket is what I should have been there instead of a rubber one. Or will nitrile work? If so, I guess I need to find a nitrile source. What should I do to replace the gasket? Thanks a bunch.
Alright, I went and did a search and found to make a lead washer, I'll need a piece of lead sheet about 1.5 to 2mm thick. Now to find a source for sheet lead.
Using a fishing weight or lead from a jacketed bullet, and a hammer. Pound the lead to a reasonable thickness and roundness then punch a hole and you have your gasket. No need to soften it as it is already softer than necessary. lance
Hey, Sketch, Lance is absolutely right about how to make a nice lead gasket , out of a fishing sinker, or a lead bullet. Or, if you don't want to mess with it, I'll send you a little piece of sheet lead, as I have a little left, and you can punch out a gasket for yourself, with no hammering needed. Or, I will make you one, and send it along, your choice. Just let me know. One other possibility, is that I can send you a nice, soft, lead roundball, from my musket. They make fantastic gaskets, after pounded flat, as Lance has described! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc Mark
Hey Lance and Doc. Thanks for the tip, and you Doc, for the offer. I'll give it a go and try my hand at making one. Lord knows I have enough sinkers around to tap out one of these.
Most fishing sinkers sold in the us (at least in my neck of the woods) are steel. when i needed to make a lead washer for my 96 i melted down some airgun pellets. Bullets would work too if you had them lying around. the glob was semi-flat when melted, and i hammered it until it was even. I then cut it with shop shears into a circle of the right size, punched a hole with a nal and worked it bigger by wiggling some needlenose pliers around to stretch it. Be sure to wash your hands well!
lead flashing for roofs is still available. You might have to go to a real lumber yard to get it. sheet lead is also used to make gutters. Dan
Hi Andy I have em here. I did make them myself from sheet lead, the roofing one. However, buying was much more easy.. Cheers Bart
