It appears that the US surplus stoves tend to overheat the fuel tank.

It does not have the heat shield like Coleman's 400 series stoves. There is no plate between the burner and the fuel tank, as in Svea 123, Phoebus 725, and 8R. It seems that Coleman's 400 series has evolved from M1950. I compared the fuel tanks, and they are quiet similar in size and construction.

I am wondering, whether there has been some problems with M1950's overheated fuel tank. Or, even mishaps the overheated fuel tank caused.

My M1950s perform pretty well, producing the output similar to 123R or slightly better. I am growing fond of it. The only thing about these stoves is that the fuel tank gets pretty hot after a while.

Hello,
Mine too gets pretty hot. The control knob will get so hot sometimes I feel I might need to use a piece of cloth as an insulator. So far the heat has not caused me any problems.

Chuck

Ditto with the M 1941. Even with the bare stainless to reflect the heat, it also gets hot enough to make me "wonder". Any idea how much heat transfer is by radiation vice conduction down the metal legs? I regularly use it to "brew" hot coaco for the family on chilly camping morns. If I brew up a double dose I usually turn it off and let it cool for awhile before using it again. I am going to try a little aluminum foil, well placed, next time to see if that makes any difference. Gordon

GUYS!!!
this stove--i have one too-- was carefully designed by the U.S. goverment and made i'm sure from only the best materals.
thousands of hours must have gone into testing and re-design
to weed out and any all problems,and of course the army would
never except anything for the use of it troops that was not
safe to use under all conditions..
seriously---try boiling water in the container-pot
and see if it still gets hot,do that to heat cans of beans
and such.. a couple c-rations cans
fit right in and thats what it was made to do..the top boils
your coffee water..
dave--u.s. army 1967-69

Guys that is perfectly normal. The heating of the tank keeps the pressure up. The old Quick lite lanterns get really hot but you hardly ever have to add pressure .I have been told it was engineered that way. Dan

If you folks feel that it is "normal," it makes me feel a little better, for you have actually used it for a while, especially our Army man, Dave.

I tend to think, however, the Army's use of the stove would have required limited duration of time, for heating the food in the battle field should not take long for obvious reasons. Therefore, the overheating may not have presented itself as a problem. Maybe it is indeed designed to augment the pressure within the tank.

Overheating may present itself as a potential problem in the civilian, laid back, extended use of the stove, however. Cooking up a relatively elaborate meal than simply heating up the canned goods do take more time, and it may be pushing the envelope.

I am aware of how hot Svea's fuel tank gets, but I do not worry about it, because there is a relief valve built in. The most damage would be a lost cap and eyebrows, maybe, a little bit of dignity.

M1950 does not have such a built-in safety precaution. Coleman's 400 series stoves have a heat shield that keeps things cooler. What is at stake is worth a lot more and irreplaceable.

I will look forward to hearing about how Gordon's experiment turns out to be.

We in the Navy (1965-1986) solved the problem of the overheating font by building galleys aboard our ships. Sometimes, in the tropics, the cook tended to sweat a bit but with weekly baths he wasn't a major problem. Gordon

My M1950 has been going four hours day in day out, and although it got quiet hot, it still worked allright. It's a great stove, and would kick any SVEA 123's butt any day.

I suppose the only time you have to worry, is when your tank starts looking like a lit mantle. Then it might be wise to turn it off fo a few minuits..

The question must be asked, what does your stove do for four hours per day?
LKL

Sorry. I meant i used for hours, not four hours...

Hey,

I've got a m1950 that I use when camping. I usually have my 8r and the 1950 with us. The 1950 boils a bit quicker so it boils water for drinking (still to cheap to buy a filter)and as a result runs for a long time. I've burnt entire tank fulls in a single go with a 9" ss MSR pot on top. Boil 4 or 5 liters, and the font gets really hot. But only so hot. It's never made for any problems, even when its' 30 C outside.

I do have to be careful with the 8r, tho. It's overpressure valve can be a danger with big pots. Thus it's used for cooking actual meals, where it's simmering capabilities are an asset.

My 530 also gets hot, but I don't use it as much, too slow to preheat.

Don't worry, folks, these stoves were used in the heat of tropical jungles the world over running on vehicular gasoline. Don't think they're just used for c-rations, either. Snow melting, water purifying, styrilizing medicla instruments etc. They cna be run dry without significant overpressure. The tanks are welded stainless steel.

J

Thanks. It is good to hear the account of actual use. It gives a reference of what I am looking at, as far as hot fuel fount is concerned. It appears that M1950 is capable of handling heat and pressure.

I was looking for some one to offer how long the stove was used in different climates and settings. Your input provides just that.

One question: does all M1950 burn with blue orange flame? It burns efficiently, but not as blue as I am familiar with 123, 8R, 400A etc.

When a burner heats up red hot, the flame does go abit orange. You will notice this with a blowtorch as well. When you heat a piece of metal, as soon as it starts glowing, the flame behind it has an orange tint. This is normal

However, it can also be orange because of too much fuel/not engough air. This in not normal and you'll need a new jet.

A good way to test it is putting a pot on it. If it soots up quiet quickly, than it's the jet.