Hello,
I recently aquired an optimus 8r. I coudn't get a good flame so I replaced the cap from another 8r. The pressure increased. When I put the old cap back on and held my thumb over the pressure relief valve the flame burned high.
My question is:
How do I replace that gasket? Do I use a hex key to remove the center from the filler cap? If so what size is the hex key? Or am I looking to replace the wrong part. Any thoughts and ideas will of course be appreciated.

Chuck

Hey Chuck,

You aughta get a new cap from your favorite Optimus parts supplier. While you may be able to fab your own replacement cap, the ability of these stoves to shoot flames from the pressure relief is well documented. Don't mess with the cap. (this coming from someone who has made his own pressure stoves should ring an alarm bell....)

Or, solder the hole solid. Wouldn't say it's safe, but hey, I'd do it, if mine were faulty....

Or get a midi pump, comes with a new cap, and enjoy increased ease of use for the 8r.

J

Hello All,
Would anyone like to sell me an 8r cap. I don't have any stores here in NJ that carry replacement parts. I have to hit up a mail order place and pay high shipping charges etc. Either that or drive hours North to a camping center.
So before I do that I will ask any of you if you have a spare you would like to sell or trade.

Chuck

I haven't made a stove hot enough nor have I have had a relief valve go poopy, so does anyone have a picture of one going?!

I'd love to see!

Georgi

Hey Georgi,

I've been using my 8r for 20 years. I've only popped the relief once. Here's how I did it.

Fry up 10 strips bacon, 12" alum pan.
refil stove while hot.
put 4 ltrs water in 5 ltr stainless pot. Attempt to bring to a boil. The stainless reflects so much heat to the stove, just before it boiled, a candle flame issued forth from the cap. I snuffed the stove, being in a cooking shelter at the time....

My cap, at least, begins to blow slowly, then accelerates.

I've seen a photo online somewhere of one with a 3-4' flame. Most ppl are busier running for cover at this point and don't have the presence of mind to photo the event (which only lasts a couple of seconds anyway)

J

Chuck that hex piece will screw out. But it is not a hex going from memery , so the hex keys (allan keys) will not fit. It has 5 flats on it not six. If you insist on repairing it your self at your risk. You can get o rings from your bearing place that will fit. Because of the small size and the thickness of the rings you will have to order them.
Then you will have to adjust the hex (that is not) to the correct tention. If this is too loose it will not have enough heet. Too tight and it will not reliese when building up too much pressure.
There will be a problem here to get the correct adjustment
Albert

Handi Albert

For safety reasons the valve in the cap is not repairable. The blow off point is factory set for the stove with that strange key.
The only servicable ones I have come across have been in military stoves, (stove longevity over user safety..!)

Check the links on this site and phone A&H. They have them and postage for a cap won't break the bank.