Post #471349 by Tom Slick on Thu, Jul 23, 2009 11:06 PM

I know this thread is older, but I just picked one up, and am pretty familiar with the pumps. First thing is only use mineral oil, which can be found at most drug stores including CVS, on the same aisle that carries imodium/pepto, and other laxatives. My rain lamp was in really ROUGH shape, but the motor worked. As soon as I'm finished refurbishing/redesigning it, I'll post up some pics. I took apart the motor, and cleaned it out to help it run a little more quiet, and it currently works like a pistol! My rain lamp took a minimum 32oz(1qt) of mineral oil. Some of the smaller lamps can take as little as 16oz of oil and pump fine, but mine is around 32 inches in height, with double strings.

I found that using toothpicks/larger paper clips help to clean the "pores" of the lamp, and unclog slower running strings. It is tedious, but worth it. Also helps to keep the inside base dust/bug free, as the oil acts as a good trap and pulls the debris back into the lamp base, and recirculates it back to the top, where the strings can clog. Keeping clean mineral oil in it will help avoid clogs. Also running it more frequently helps keep the oil cleaner.

[ Edited by: Tom Slick 2013-07-18 11:17 ]