Date:         Sat, 9 Apr 2011 07:28:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Luke Bakken <luke.bakken@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Luke Bakken <luke.bakken@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coleman Fuel For You CamperHeads
Comments: To: mcneely4@cox.net
In-Reply-To:  <20110409092949.PH7PX.52395.imail@eastrmwml42>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> Coleman started marketing their camp fuel in the sixties, with the promotional claim that it was much cleaner burning than "white gas."  I had a boat motor back then that called for using white gas.  Motor fuel then contained tetraethyl lead, which would leave a lead deposit in the generator and burner of a stove or lantern, and would foul the mantle of a lantern.  Coleman fuel is from the naptha run from the refinery.  That is a little lighter than the fraction that is labeled gasoline.  Though premium gasoline in those days was generally called "ethyl," regular grade also contained the additive, starting I think in after WWII.  Before then, tetraethyl lead was in premium only.  The tetraethyl lead reduces volatility, thereby reducing burn rate, and so inhibiting preignition, same as other additives now.
>
> BTW, does anyone know why lantern mantles contain thorium?  I remember in junior high school a science instructor using a mantle to demonstrate a geiger counter.
>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_mantle

That sure was a fascinating read, thanks for bringing it up!