Hello, Many people have warned against over pressurizing old GPAs. However, there is scant information on how to determine when an appliance is over pressurized. Also, why do Coleman appliances have no over pressurization concerns?
Pretty much all Coleman stoves have a solid steel font. I hate to think what the burst pressure would be but it would be far more than you could pump. In most cases the design of the pump is enough to prevent overpressure
Because you can't over pressurize a Coleman stove with the pump built into them. IIRC, Coleman tests their founts to 10 times atmospheric pressure, 140 PSI! They didn't screw around when they made them! Murph
Where are you getting the information on older GPAs? It might be better to address the specific issues, than this generic statement.
Brass blowlamps, primus stove. I've been told by many people to "do not over pressurize" primus stoves, blowlamps, etc.
I would suggest looking up entries about stress cracking in brass pressure vessels. There are a number of entries about this on CCS. ....Arch
It appears that most stress cracks occurred due to improper manufacturing and improper cleaning techniques. However, I see why over pressurization may cause stress cracks. Could someone please explain how I can tell if I have over pressurized a GPA?
Once you hit full noise on the burner pumping more doesnt achieve anything. That is max pressure. The exception of course is self pressurizing stoves. They have safety releases for a reason but even then a tank too hot to touch ie 50C will still be well under burst point so well under burst point. In a pumped appliance the pump should be made so the volume in the bottom of the pump cannot be pressurized
I'd suggest going to a sporting goods store and have an associate demonstrate how to operate a stove as it seems you have many concerns over a stoves safety. Also should buy a new, tried and true brand. Vintage stoves should be left to experienced users or Collectors who only have shelf queens. Duane
Stress cracked brass is pretty safe, will first notice kerosene wetting the fount sides has been my experience. I have only had one Swedish/Euro stove with stress cracks. Most issues reported on forums have been AGM lanterns or lamps. A good idea to not leave any appliance unattended. Kero is much safer than a gas or petroleum stove if it leaks, whether from a leak or defect. Stress cracks usually are vertical, looking like a straight scratch. Duane
With silent burner you start to have too much pressure when 'flamelets' start to have distance from the burner cap holes. (flamelet = those small flames that are coming out from the burner cap's holes)
