Anybody know how to change a beehive wick?

[Richard T]

I've been dusting down the old paraffin greenhouse heater to find that it is out of wick - that is that the top of the wick is just visible in the burner and it won't wind any higher. It will wind lower, but the wheel becomes unturnable when trying to wind it higher.

I just can't see any way to get it out. The burner seems to have no more moveable let alone removable parts and I am stumped.

I've just Googled the model (Valor S37) Nothing.

I've just Googled the phrase "changing a beehive wick". Nothing.

So it may be that I couldn't get a wick for it even if I knew how to fit it if the model is not even remembered.

It couldn't be just a disposable heater could it? One wick and you're done?

 

[CHJ]

Does the wick carrier not fit on to the tank with a simple bayonet fitting? (or just a push on fit)
New wicks are normally fed in from below on bigger units. Something akin to the attached sketch.

But smaller ones you access by pulling off a sleeve as in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7heeJdNOZIo

 

[Harbo]

From what I can remember they only come out by winding down as they generally have 2 long tails which hang into the paraffin.
Doesn't the burning head twist off?

Rod

 

[Richard T]

Thanks folks

It certainly looks like the burner should come off. Mine is going nowhere at the moment. I think I will try to get some paraffin to penetrate it before I try more force.

I dread to think how long it's been since it was last put in. 60 years easy. :shock:

Many thanks both for looking in to it.

 

[Benchwayze]

Richard.

The wick in my old Valor is a 'sleeve' which merely slides over the central part of the burner, and hangs in the paraffin.
Presumably the wicks, if you can get them, come in various diameters.

If you can't get a wick, remove the paraffin reservoir and burner. Put a batten lamp-holder under the chimney and fit a bulb that gets hot (Some of the low energy ones do). You'll have a good heat for the price of leaving on a light.

HTH

 

[Richard T]

Thanks for that John - the PM too.

I had a go at it yesterday having brushed paraffin down and around where I think the outer bit must unscrew but it was still solid and I was scared I'd buckle it ( perforated brass) so I gave it more of the penetrating treatment and will try again when I get around to it.

I'll try to get a photo of it as it may be a different type to that you imagine. Google can't find one like it.

We are using a hurricain lamp in its stead for now which works fine but does not quite last the night.