Carbide Lamp Tune-Up I like to do this after every use. It seems to keep my
lamp in good running shape for the next trip!!!
Here's what I start with - A butterfly carbide lamp -
Here is a top view. It show the water adjustment and the filler door.
You need to make sure that tiny hole in the top stays clear of debris.
I sometimes get a mouth full of water and blow it thought the two holes in
the back to free anything stuck in there. It is a must in very muddy
caves. I've even had to do it in the cave before. Next I focus my efforts on the bottom that holds the
carbide. I usually scrape it clean with a pocket knife or something.
Then I check the gasket for cracks and the surface on the top to make sure
its clean enough to seal next time I want to use it. After that take a look at the felt. I separate
the felt from the lamp and rinse it with water. I also make sure the
felt plate and clip are clean too. During this step I also remove the
tip and pour water down the hole underneath the water container to get rid
of anything that might have made it past the felt to the acetylene chamber.
