Problems with a modern China LL, not sure what to do

[Rich C]

This is the first time I've had a real problem with a lamp.  I couldn't help myself and bought a new rainbow, I think they call them ColorMax.  Anyway, fired it up about 4-5 hours ago and then left it alone.  I was out of the house most of the day.  No idea if it ever really flowed, but a small blob is stuck at the top so it must have done earlier.  Now it is just doming.  That means it is too hot, right?  I've got it on a different base with a dimmer to see if it can improve.  If not, am I better off just returning it or is there any easy fix?  Being a cheap lamp and a China one to boot, I'm guessing I should just return it.

[Rich C]

I've run it about 5 times with similar results.  I contacted LL and they asked a few questions and provided a few suggestions.  I'll try running it a few more times for even longer periods of time (they suggest 8 hours) but I don't expect any changes.  If nothing improves, maybe LL will help me out further.  We'll see!

[Keith]

Yeah, I would think that you should see flowing wax by now.  You might try like Erin said and run it over night, or all day on a day off if you want to observe it.  This sounds like one that LL should replace though.

Rich C said:

I've run it about 5 times with similar results.  I contacted LL and they asked a few questions and provided a few suggestions.  I'll try running it a few more times for even longer periods of time (they suggest 8 hours) but I don't expect any changes.  If nothing improves, maybe LL will help me out further.  We'll see!

[Rich C]

The last few times I ran it it didn't even send up streamers, just melted the wax and domed.  That HAS to be a bad sign.

[Jeff]

You might want to try a hotter bulb such as a 60 watt A15 or a 40 watt R20,  but keep a very close eye on it when you do this so if it overheats you can cut it back.  The most recent goo kit formula seems to pull this doming stunt and needed a 40 watt r-20 bulb to get moving. 

[Rich C]

I already tried it on my Midnight base which has a 40w bulb in it.  No change.

Here's how it looks after over four hours of run time.

[Jeff]

40 watt is the same though as what's in the rainbow base.  An R20 40 watt is a reflector bulb...makes a difference.  My rainbow actually gets a bit too hot on the 40 watt, but does this on a 25 watt.  I have to run it with a dimmed 40 watt to get good flow.  I'd try the 40 watt r20 or a 60 watt ceiling fan bulb or appliance bulb if you can find one in 60 watt.  Might be just enough boost to get it going.  If that doesn't then I'd agree wit the others...its gonna have to be opened up or replaced. 

[Rich C]

This is the smaller 20oz version that is supposed to use a 25 watt bulb.  In current LL lingo it is a "Classic" or "Deco" or 14.5" size.  I've tried two different 25w bulbs too with no change.  Couldn't get a 40w bulb in there, the bulbs use different size screw bases.

[TomK]

They make or should I say "made" 40W applications in both base thread sizes. But finding them now? Don't know.

Rich C said:

This is the smaller 20oz version that is supposed to use a 25 watt bulb.  In current LL lingo it is a "Classic" or "Deco" or 14.5" size.  I've tried two different 25w bulbs too with no change.  Couldn't get a 40w bulb in there, the bulbs use different size screw bases.

[Rich C]

Yeah, more heat I don't think will help.  LL responded once but not on my follow up responses.  I'm thinking I'll just return it and never buy another new LL product.  My batting average so far is about 67% and one was a plasma lamp (kind of a gimmie compared to a lava version) so I'm not very impressed.  It really is pretty but I also don't feel like working this hard to make a product work that should just work out of the box.

[Jeff]

Ohhhhh..  I forgot they made these in 2 sizes!  My bad.  Yea 40 watt prob would be a bit much and should have definitely been enough for a 20oz globe.  Mine is a 32oz. 

[Keith]

LL has a worse track record with the smaller globes.  I think most have found the 32 oz rainbow to be good quality

[Rich C]

LL just contacted me which is good timing as I was going to return it after work.  They said they would replace it directly since my local store didn't have any like it left.  I don't know if they are going to replace the whole thing or just the globe, but either is fine with me.

I'm happy they are helping me out.  If the replacement doesn't work out, I'll consider picking up the larger version, I know the local Spencers has them.

My first new lamp in ages was a 20oz version and it is one of the best flowing lamps I own.