Hello again forum,
I have replaced the pump leather with the o-ring device and the pump action is much more consistent. I used Dow Corning silicone vacuum grease, that I found under my workbench, to lubricate the o-rings. I don't know if this is better than motor oil, but it seemed more "high-tech". However, it still takes over 200 strokes to get the guage to the redline from a cold start (tank about half full). Is this normal? My fingers hurt before I get the thing lit. Also, I notice that the guage shows a gradual loss of pressure even when the lantern is not lit and the valve is closed (up). Should I look for a leak?