Just found this great site. Congratulations to the folks who keep it going.

I've just resurrected my parents' old Companion stove (no. 5 I think) and got it going after many years lying dormant in the back of the garage. It doesn't hold pressure for any longer than 30 seconds or so, and the plunger slides back out the tube. I'm figuring it's a pressure valve or similar at the bottom of the tube (you can tell I'm new to this!).

Any clues on an easy fix? Does the valve need renewing? Is renewal possible?

I'd be really glad of any advice.

Thanks
Phil McNabb
Blue Mountains
Australia

The valve has a rubber or cork pad which closes under spring ( and tank ) pressure. The problem is to get the valve out - there is a special spanner for the job and they are still to be had in Melbourne, but alternatively you might be able to cut a 5mm slot in the end of a bolt ( high tensile I think - mild steel just bends ).
Then you can unscrew the valve body with pliers, cut a new pad with a leather puch and you might be in business, or else you can buy a new valve and washer

Hay Phil Has the 3 sisters got a coat on yet. Or is it not cold enough there yet.
(for our over seas readers The 3 Sisters are 3 Large mountains sticking out of a guorge ).
Your Companion
I can get this valve out repair it for you and send the stove back to you if you want I am in QLD
Albert

Hi Murray,

Thanks for that. I'm not so sure about the hi-tensile bolt - I'm sure it would work just fine in expert hands, but I'd probably wind up burring or scratching something important. Any leads on that Melbourne source for the special purpose tool?

Cheers
Phillip

Not a speck, yet! We've had the fire going, though.

Thanks for your info and offer to fix my Companion valve. I'll have a go based on info that Murray sent, and hopefully I can locate the tool he mentioned. If no go, then my wife and I might just plan a northern trip, and bring our camp stove to get it fixed and make cane-toad stew.

Cheers
Phillip

I got mine from T W Sands, 449 Elizabeth St Melbourne 03 9329 7804. I think there is an associated shop in Sydney, not sure of the name

Regards

Murray

Sands Sydney branch is called Brandt Bros, at 141 Devonshire St Surry Hills, just five minute walk from Central Station. Google "Brandt Bros" and you might find a website. There is a link on this site to a supplier at Brooklyn, NSW, but they have now moved down near Canberra. Also the Everlasting Light people from Leichardt have moved to country NSW.The best solution is to buy another stove to get parts for the first, then another to fix the second and soon you will have a collection.
Fr Laurence

Watch out, one minute I was assuring Laurence that I wasn't a collector, and the next I find myself tripping over stoves, Tilley lamps, and even an Aladdin or two lately. Still, provided the collapse of civilisation preserves the kerosene industry, I'll be able to see while I boil my egg...

Thanks to all who responded so quickly!

I also have a 1966 Volvo Amazon (2dr B20/M40 for those who know about such things). If I promise to run it on kero, can I count on such bountiful support? Actually our little egroup for 1800s and 120s is pretty active and well coordinated, and I must confess my surprise that the camp stoves world is atleast as active if not more so. I guess there were a lot more stoves, blow torches and heaters than there were old Volvos in peoples' past.

Anyway, nice to converse with you all, and thanks again. I'll know where to come next time (when I start the collection!!) Got any well-proven strategies for convincing my lovely wife that I should own more than one of these things?

Cheers
Phil McNabb
Blue Mountains
Australia

Yep We don't mind shareing our cane-toads with you mexicans (south of the boarder) Why in a few more years you will have plenty like us.
Phil if you can't find a valve tool send me an email and I will give you a loan of one.
If ever you are up this way call in and I will make a brew while you are catching the toads for a stew.
Albert

Don't de-grunge them in the kitchen sink too often and you should be ok.

Aye, i've a tip fou you lad, try this; buy your next stove then hide it in the 'ouse until your ready to fettle it. When you pull it out from hiding and start your clean up just tell your loverly, when she asks, that you've had it all along and are only now getting around to fettleing it.

That should work for the first two or three stoves after that y'ur on your own. It's worked for me on several of the rifles and pistols i've had. 'coarse it's best she not see the reciepts from when you buy the thing.

Another option is to trade for the next stove from something you already collect. That way she will be agreeable to the swap because your getting rid of something for something else of equal or greater value and usefullness.

Good luck

Lance