Petrol Torch

A Petrol (gasoline) Torch is used anywhere a large amount of heat is required in a short time. Today we get out the butane or propane blow torch and go for it, but in times gone by the petrol torch was they way to go.

Fill

Close all valves and fill the cold torch about 70% full of petrol through the filler plug on the tank. Make sure the filler plug is tight and does not leak.

Pressurise

Pump up the pressure in the tank by opening the air intake valve, then pumping with the hand pump. Close the air intake valve.

Pre-Heating

Many torches require pre-heating before they will work properly. Do this by slightly opening the petrol valve and allowing some fuel to dribble into the pre-heater tray. Close the petrol valve tight. Light the fuel in the pre-heater tray. Once it has burned the torch should be hot enough.

Operation

Open the petrol valve until a mist emits from the nozzle. Light the mist with a match and adjust for desired flame size. If the flame is yellow and your torch is the kind with a pre-heater, shut off the flame and repeat the pre-heating step. The flame should be hot blue.

Uses of the Torch

Heating the hot-bulb of a hot-bulb engine

Soldering sheet or pipe

Burning off paint

Heating metal to make it malleable

Melting babbitt for bearings

Tempering metal

Softening copper gaskets

Bending copper tubing