Optimus 8R

Discussion in 'Optimus No:8R' started by Simon Turton, Mar 23, 2020.

  1. Simon Turton United Kingdom

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    Hi. Just joined your group as I'm looking for some info if possible please.
    This is my dad's old primus that he used to use for camping trips, I salvaged it when we cleared his place out and I'd forgotten all about it until this coronavirus thing happened and I was having a sort out at home.
    It looked in a bit of a sorry state but I've just given it a clean up and it's not come up too badly. It's a bit wonky (but so would I be if i'd been stuffed in a rucksack and dragged up Ben Nevis), but the mechanisms all seem to work etc.
    Can anyone tell me a bit about it please?
    Are there any giveaways of how old it is? I think it was last used early 80s but dad was camping and climbing from the late 50s so I've no idea!!
    Is it considered a collectable?
    What is the best fuel to use in it so I can try it out (if that is wise?!?!?)
    The fuel control handle looks a little different to alot of the other pictures I've seen as they seem to show one that fits in the lid, however the one in the picture is an Optimus one but don't know if it was supplied with this model or this is an addition!!
    Anything you could tell me about it would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks
    Simon

    IMG_20200323_163547854.jpg IMG_20200323_163555259.jpg IMG_20200323_163605115.jpg IMG_20200323_163629875.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 24, 2020
  2. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

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    Keep that, collectible, has a older style fuel cap, has been repainted to his favorite color :). May only need the fuel cap washer replaced and maybe the pip in the cap. Panel wipe I believe is what you use in your country. Preheat with same fuel or denatured alcohol to build pressure in the tank and heat the burner up. The valve knob switched back and forth a few times to a key or what you show.
    Duane
     
  3. OMC

    OMC United States Subscriber

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    Yes, the case with "8" (vs 8R), that should make that the 1st version of the Optimus 8R which 1st came out in '58 and it would have that control knob.
    Nice !
    Thanks for sharing that and that it was your Dad's it's all the better.
    Welcome
     
  4. presscall

    presscall United Kingdom SotM Winner SotY Winner Subscriber

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    Welcome to CCS!
    Naptha-based rather than water-based type. Avoid pump petrol - additives quickly clog up a burner and the burning fumes are nasty.

    Coleman fuel or Aspen alkylate petrol are ideal.
     
  5. Simes

    Simes R.I.P.

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    I'm on the way....
  6. Metropolitantrout

    Metropolitantrout SotM Winner Subscriber

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  7. Simon Turton United Kingdom

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    Thanks everyone. Appreciate the feedback, very helpful!
     
  8. Ed Winskill

    Ed Winskill United States Subscriber

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    Welcome to CCS. A fine stove there. Many decades of heavy use left in it yet.
     
  9. ROBBO55

    ROBBO55 Subscriber

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  10. Simon Turton United Kingdom

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    Brilliant. Thank you!!