Flow Issues did i ruin the globe ?

[Stiv]

Hello, 

I recently purchased an old Starlight Lava Lamp dated 1977 for $10.00 at this random junkshop. I expected it not to work as the lava seemed clumpy and stale but low and behold after day to it was psychedelic and flowing great. The other day i seemed to notice that the liquid was a bit low leaving about 2 inches from the bottom of the head cap. Unknowingly I decided to top it off with a little water.  

Today is my second attempt at running it and it seems to be condensed to a large single glob. The lava appears like it is rising and then sinks back down.  I added a drop of dish soap and some salt as i was told this could resolve the issue.  If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations please share.  

 

[Stiv]

[Claude J]

SURF should solve the problem

I never use salt, I prefer Propelyene glycol to adjust the specific gravity.

The effects of salt just go away over time and it can harm the vintage goo.

Try a 60-watt appliance bulb if you can find one

[Stiv]

Claude J said:

SURF should solve the problem

I never use salt, I prefer Propelyene glycol to adjust the specific gravity.

The effects of salt just go away over time and it can harm the vintage goo.

Try a 60-watt appliance bulb if you can find one

[Laurent]

Hi

Can you explain how did you change the fluid ?

Clear water with Propelyene glycol ? How much did you used ?

Thanks for the answer

[Claude J]

Dump the fluid, heat the goo on the base and save it in a Pyrex measuring cup

Wash the globe in boiling hot water with DAWN.

Use a bottle brush if you have one

Rinse with hot tap water until all Dawn suds are gone

Use SURF or clear hand soap

Add  2 tablespoon-sized globs to the globe

Add 2" of distilled water

Shake vigorously

Dump liquid but leave @1/2" of fluid

Add goo

let cool

Add distilled water and propylene glycol mix @60/40

heat lamp

add SURF or PG as needed

[Laurent]

Thanks Claude

But i'm newbie with it   ;-)

What is DAWN, SURF ? 

I don't understand this : Add 2 tablespoon-sized globs to the globe

When you said add Goo you mean the old Wax if i want to keep it ?

Thanks

[BamaMatt]

Dawn is an American brand of dish soap.

Laurent said:

Thanks Claude

But i'm newbie with it   ;-)

What is DAWN, SURF ? 

I don't understand this : Add 2 tablespoon-sized globs to the globe

When you said add Goo you mean the old Wax if i want to keep it ?

Thanks

[Claude J]

Dawn cuts grease

[Stiv]

Thanks Claude ! 

Laurent said:

Thanks Claude

But i'm newbie with it   ;-)

What is DAWN, SURF ? 

I don't understand this : Add 2 tablespoon-sized globs to the globe

When you said add Goo you mean the old Wax if i want to keep it ?

Thanks