Help finding stuff for my lamp

[Dave Daughtrey]

I have a 1975 model Lava lamp that no longer works. It lights up but the goo doesn't blob and rise like it should. It is a 1975 model 300 Carlisle. the only thing different is the spring in the bottom is broken.

[Tim Gill]

sounds like the wax is dead :( this can happen with old lamps / ones used a lot. You could use the pg or salt and DI water method but personally I don't think this would do much.

[Dave Daughtrey]

Ok Thanks

[Keith]

If that's what it takes it will be "okay", but the wax is probably already compromised and higher wattage may only work for a while.

That being said, I have a 52 oz lamp that I have ran on a 60 watt bulb for years.  You have to watch for overheating, but if you use a dimmer to adjust it shouldn't be a problem.

[Dave Daughtrey]

Can I put a higher wattage bulb in my lamp to make it hotter so it will flow more? It takes a 40 watt lamp originally

[Dave Daughtrey]

I took out the spring and repaired it and reinstalled it and it is now working a little

[Keith]

Run it so the wax is melted then use a wire clothes hanger to hook the coil out.

[Dave Daughtrey]

I have had it for about 30 years and it worked great. I have taken the top off and it has a rubber plug. I don't know if I can get the coil out without dumping it all out.

[Keith]

Or it could just be the coil.

Check this http://oozinggoo.ning.com/profiles/blogs/lamp-repair for a way to clean the coil,

If globe is original it will have a screw-on cap.  Do NOT use tools to unscrew it!!!  It can break and it's nearly impossible to find a replacement.

[Keith]

Is this lamp one you've had for a while and it ran good?

If so the high intensity bulb may have fried the wax.

[Erin]

Hmm. Weird. I've never come across one that just flat-out won't flow. Can you post a pic? Does the wax liquify at all after several hours?