Optimus No:8R - leaking from jet & flame from control spindle

I recently acquired an original 8R and wasn't sure as to which way to turn the key to close off the fuel. I'm getting fuel out of the jet with the key fully clockwise but that was on a hot day, 33 centigrade.
Another thing is when priming a small flame appears around the gland nut at the on/off spindle but dissappears when fully lit

 

@Wayne Jenkins

Your packing nut needs tightening, but you had better fix the leak on your 8R first.

So:

When you move your control spindle fully to the left, do you see the pricker needle emerge through the jet? If not you will have to take the nipple off and replace/reset the cleaning needle.

The shut-off position is fully turned to the right (clockwise). It should not leak at all, but it may need a check of the spindle to see if it is seating properly in the vapouriser.

Send me a PM if you need clarification.

Cheers

Tony

 

The needle was protruding about 1.8mm and the gland nut on the spindle wouldn't tighten any further.
I've disassembled the gland nut, jet and needle but haven't budged the spindle yet. It's a real shame to fiddle with it because this is the first time it's been apart

 

@Wayne Jenkins

I've sent you a message.

Cheers

Tony

 

From my observations, some small spindle flames go away after a stove has run a little. Thinking expansion of the metal. I have a couple 8/8Rs that dont shut off all the way, no manor of cleaning or flushing resolves it. I just release the fuel cap after shut down. Adding graphite packing may resolve the issue of a leak around the spindle.
Duane

 

The small flame on start up around the spindle I thought wasn't an issue. After pressure built there was no flame.
The leak after shut down is an issue because I don't want a fuel leak in my kit while traveling

 

@Wayne Jenkins

You need fresh graphite packing:

Cheers

Enrique

 

@Wayne Jenkins

Here is what your spindle and packing should look like.



Cheers

Tony

 

I'd hate a tiny leak too in my pack, smells up everything. Hope this works out.
Duane

 

@Wayne Jenkins

Take out the jet.

Take out the cleaning needle

Turn the spindle to the right so to be sure it is in the close position. No fuel is to be allowed to get out, no matter the temperature.

Replace the cleaning needle, (with the spindle complete closed, insert the needle and open the spindle measuring four clicks)

Check by lightning the stove if she can be turned off. No candle flame must remain when spindle is all the way to the right (close position).

If the stove is new or little worn, there won't be other problem as the point of the spindle not seating correctly.

Regards

Enrique

 

^^^

Sometimes 5 clicks sets it right.

 

Thanks to all concerned. I'll take some pics and fiddle with it as soon as I can.

 

to cure the spindle flame, unscrew the spindle nut (gland) add a thin strip of graphite ribbon to the packing, replace the spindle nut, this little bit of graphite will seal the spindle. don't over tighten the nut. doesn't take much of the graphite to do the trick.

 

I puffed a little graphite powder to the spindle and around the washers (there's 3 of them) and raised the needle to 5 clicks and" hey presto" no more flame or leaking fluid

 

there is a good vid on youtube of an old Brit fettler using busted up pencil lead graphite to seal the spindle on a Russian 8R clone.