heating up.

after using the optimus 45 for about 10 mins, the top of the fount around the centre got really hot. Is this normal, or is there an insulating washer missing do you think?

 

Greetings, Bigyin,

All self-pressurizing stoves tend to get fairly hot in operation. It's part of what helps the fuel to vaporize more efficiently. I'd say you have nothing to worry about, but if that hot font bothers you, you can fashion an aluminum reflector which would shield the fuel tank from the burner a bit more. Easiest way to make one is to cut a circle, the size you want, then slice out a thin, U-shaped channel half way through it, from edge to the center of one side, leaving the other side intact. Once your Optimus 45 is up and running, simply slide this shield in place, just above your priming cup, and when it's centered, just let it rest on top of the priming/spirit cup. Works perfectly, and should help keep your stove a tiny bit cooler. But, realize that your 45 is still going to get warm, to hot, in operation. The smaller self-pressurizing stoves, like the SVEA 123, are even hotter, when they get going! For what it's worth..... Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

Try an aluminum pie pan and cut to size.

Ron

 

A lot of it depends on the size of pan you are using. With a big frying pan and a good blast under it, lots of heat gets re-radiated downwards. My Primus 210 / Radius 21 can get ouchy hot during a good cookout. Its nothing to worry about.

Doc, this is the Optimus 45: [media=youtube]t92YgbhEGJQ[/media]

 

thanks for the replies. I used pressure stoves when younger a lot, but cant remember the fount getting hot on any of them.

 

Hi bigyin as all the lads say these stoves do get hot in operation and as the fuel level drops you will find it gets hotter it is part of its design to maintain the pressure as the fuel level drops as the stove will need to be pumped more often to maintain the working pressure.
And as David said a large pan can radiate to much heat on the tank it is best not to have a pan that exceeds beyond the pan suport if so a heat shield should be used to prevent over heating of the tank