Rough guide to dating an Optimus 8R

@Ivanhoe67

I note, too, the post by @MartyJ earlier in this thread.

 

@Ivanhoe67

I note, too, the post by @MartyJ earlier in this thread.

Cheers

Tony

 

Thanks for the links. I saw those when I was searching last night. Very helpful!

 

I note, too, earlier discussion of early 8Rs here:

Optimus No.8R Embossed from 1958/59

Tony

 

Another helpful link! thanks -
Rod

 

Great information, thanks.
I just picked up a stove today, 8R embossed, poker chip, handle, rounded box, fuel pipe from left of centre, no jet spike built in, burner is not threading on to jet, looks like someone tried solder or something, any idea on age? And how I can fix it? Thanks

 

Yes. My 8R was bought in the late seventies…used a lot. I have the two way valve and pump included with mine.

Now the fuel cap two way valve leaks. I suppose after nearly 50 years one could expect some maintenance is needed.

I bought a new two way valve cap and a pump from Taiwan a few weeks back via ebay. The 8R now goes like a rocket, as it always did. Amazing. I ordered another cap and pump for the Svea 123R…my brand new one.

 

Did you check the condition of the pips and gasket?

 

They were just old as was the pump and the owner…

Time to replace…

In another 48 years I will be 115 years old..)

 

If you find a vintage pump and cap combo that isn’t blown out, buy a lottery ticket. The 8R was inherently or especially prone to overheating due to the design layout, and those pumps did the rest. Users thought they had a Coleman. 25 to 35 pumps should be enough, no?

 

The 8R is fine and the pump is necessary in cold weather to prime it. We used it in freezing weather at altitude in the mountains.

Great stove.

 

They always need priming regardless of the temperature, but by design no pump is required or “necessary” to prime these stoves in any way. It is a convenience, albeit perhaps really more suited to warmer temps, in practice.