Hello, I want to get an Optimus 96 working. I am new to these beautiful stoves. I bought it because I need to cook on it. This one came into my possession today but I can’t get it to light. I have used meths and good quality paraffin. I assume it is either a blockage or a missing or worn washer or the leather on the pump. Is there an instruction leaflet or diagram which shows where washers should go? It came with some spares. The spring isn’t on the pump but is in the box. If anyone has a diagram or a photo which shows where everything should be I’d be very grateful. Any tips at all. Thank you.
http://www.base-camp.co.uk/exploded views/Optimus/96 Mini Camper. How pumps work: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/typical-pump-assembly.14026/ Non-return valves (NRVs) https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/non-return-valves.6860/#post-64230 Best Regards, Kerophile.
@La Chapelle Welcome to CCS. Kerophile stepped in with that exploded view. All I’d add is that not all the washers and parts laid out on that table relate to the Optimus. I see a metal disc from a Coleman pump or something similar, three larger diameter washers that don’t belong and two other washers that don’t either. The pricker is a Campingaz one and could only be used with difficulty on the ‘96’ because the pricker wire is in line with the ‘handle’ and the proper device has the wire at right-angles to the handle, which is longer to put some distance between the user and the flame - the most effective pricking being done with the stove fired up, re-lighting the burner if pricking extinguishes the flame. The spring I can’t place and there’s a washer on the base threads of the burner vapouriser that shouldn’t be there - the seal is made by a lead washer insert in the tank boss into which the vapouriser screws. John
Thank you very much. i’m So chuffed that you’ve sent such useful links. I’m looking forward to properly sitting down and sorting it all out. : )
Thank you Presscall for your observations. I thought as much about the wrong washers. Can I ask you both another question? I found a tubular shaped piece of metal gauze inside the pipe that runs up from the tank to the burner. Is that supposed to be there? And if so would you clean that? And do you have any recommendations for how? I’m going to look at it all at the weekend. I bought. A Primus 201 in a junk shop last week, which also doesn’t work yet, and then found myself buying this Optimus 96 on eBay. I didn’t even know they existed last week but I seem to be imedeately under the spell.
The brass gauze cylinder is a critical item for these “lipstick” style burners: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/yellow-flames-on-optimus-96.40268/#post-423101 https://classiccampstoves.com/threa...or-no-96-and-no-100-stoves.28557/#post-291322 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Ooh, that’s very good. The whole middle section seems to not want to come apart. I think I am going to have to clear everything, desk, time, tool box to get to the bottom of this. Thanks for this, I might have to sellotape it up in front of me with the other pics and diagrams.
Separating the bell and the lipstick can be very hard and it is easy to end up damaging both in the process - but since you have a tall tin and if it will fit in without separating the assembly its probably best to leave well alone. Ian
Complete brand new washer kit for your Optimus No.96: https://fettlebox.co.uk/optimus-primus-etc-stove-service-kit-a.html The Fettle Box advert link is on the RHS of the screen. Best Regards, Kerophile.
You have answered my first question of the day which was ‘Where am I going to get that lead washer from?’ It actually was. That’s perfect. Thank you.
