After searching around for an Optimus 8R, I found one in my local Facebook Marketplace listings. He lives about 8 miles from me so I went to meet him. The guy said it was his father’s and they both used it often when hiking on the Appalachian Trail when he was a kid. However, he said it’s been on the shelf for 25 years and it was time for a new home. I enjoy knowing the history of this stove and that I bought it from the original owner. The guy said his grandfather also had an 8R as well back in his day. He asked $100 for it, but after some conversation, he settled on $45. Fair enough deal. When I got home, I minimally inspected it and decided to attempt to fire it. I’ve never used a pump for a Swedish pressure stove, and I noticed it wasn’t holding pressure. The gasket on the inside of the fuel cap is cracked and needs replacing. So, I replaced it temporarily with a regular cap from a Primus 71 (the Optimus pump cap does have an extended tube for the air I presume). Anyway, after priming the generator using lit alcohol in the spirit cup, the burner started and eventually roared like a champ. After letting it run for about 20 minutes, I decided to turn it off using the key. I immediately noticed the valve would not completely close, as fuel was still squirting up. After the fire was extinguished, I cracked the fuel cap to relieve the pressure and stop the fuel flow from the tip. Do I need to disassemble the generator and clean the needle? Also, could there be anything else wrong with the original cap besides the gasket/washer? I’ve not used a “pump cap” before. Here are some pics.
it's amazing isn't it how willing these old beasties are to perform their duties will regards the shut off the height of the needle rack thingy may need adjusting, 4 (?) clicks seems the advice Primus No.41: Full disassembly and fettle. a video here which helped me visualise: I've only recently obtained a few of these case stoves, they're pretty neat
If your major problem is the fuel not shutting off you will need to take the nipple, pricker and rack, and fuel control spindle off the burner and clean out the inside of the burner. 1. Take the burner bell off. 2. Unscrew the nipple. 3. Turn the control so the needle is fully up, and empty the rack and needle from the burner. 4. Unscrew the gland nut. 5. Unscrew and remove the control spindle. Then clean the inside of the burner with carburettor cleaner. 6. Check to sealing cone on the end of the end of the control spindle for burrs and wear, and if needed, smooth with 1000 grit wet and dry paper. 7. Check the ability to shut off fuel with the spindle and tank under pressure before putting it all back together. Other help here: Optimus No:8R First Steps: Filler Cap & Wick here: SVEA 123R Disassembly and here: 8R needle/valve adjustment Cheers Tony
Nice find. I absolutely adore that stove. It’s the first one I bought getting into this hobby and remains my favorite. Definitely worth fixing. I assume your needle may need adjusted as mentioned, but it’s not a bad idea to go through it all and give it a once over as @Tony Press recommends.
I want to give an update to my refurbishment of the 8R. I was able to order the parts and replaced the gaskets/washers inside the pumpable filler cap. There was actually no washer present inside the SRV. I also reset the cleaning needle (3 clicks). Now, the stove is running just as it should. Now, I will set about the task of polishing the tank and heat shield. Thank you for all of your suggestions and help!
@Andrew Johanson Better lock up your savings - These things are HIGHLY addictive - and they will multiply when left unattended ;-) (Congrats on your 8R a robust and trustworthy little gem - I’ll bet if you asked around in here - many has or have had an Optimus 8/8R).
@Harder D. Soerensen Thank you. My enjoyment of this Optimus 8R has already spawned a Primus 8R purchase (still in the original box with a $12.95 price sticker from REI and no bar code on the box).
@Andrew Johanson I warned you ;-)) (congrats on that Primus, nice catch!) - now in that line of small stoves you only need the 8, the 99, the 199 and the ranger 10
