So I decided to start off my stove collection with a Primus No96 I won off eBay. It's a neat little stove and I can't wait to get her cleaned and up and running. I had a few questions that someone could assist a newcomer with. 1) The first thing I tested was the pressure. Unfortunately I am unable to pump any pressure into the tank. Checking the leather washer, I can tell it has significant wear. When inserted into the tank, I can wiggle the rod to the left and the right. I already have a new set of leathers washers coming, but fear maybe it can be something else? There really isn't any 'force' when I attempt to pump the unit so hopefully its the just the washer not creating a adequate seal. Also just as a note: I installed the generator tube and tightened everything up. Then I blew into the tank from the top, it did seems like its holding pressure as I didnt hear any hisses, and the kerosene spewed out when I released my finger. I also hear the hiss when I released the bleeder knob 2) What the heck is a pricker? Mine didnt come with one, but I am guessing it is used to open up the little hole on the generator tube? Do I really need it? The hole is clear and I can see some light out the end. 3) Looking into the generator tube, I see some metal mesh. It looks somewhat mangled. Although the mesh is applied to the walls of the tube, there is some mesh directly down the center line starting about half way into the tube. I don't know if this has been 'pulled' into the center, or is it normal for the mesh to be there? I have attached a photo that may help in getting a better understanding of what I mean. Can't wait to get her going and look forward to posting on here often. Thanks!
Hi Allen Welocme to CCS, and now you've made the plunge your 96 won't be the only stove you get believe me ! Some thoughts : 1 The pump leather needs lubricating ! Just put the pump end in a pot of mineral oil, or olive oil, in fact most oils, but not grease Leave it for a hour or two to really absorb it. You can then gently spread it out so it fits the pump tube better. 2 A pricker is used to clear the jet. The problem is using them too much whch makes the hole oversize and gives an over-rich fuel : air mixture. I suggest forgetting prickers at this stage. If the stove is clean inside, and you filter your fuel you shouldn't have a problem. 3 The mesh should be there; and should occupy almost all of the tube. It is designed to transmit heat into the fuel in the lipstick vapouriser to aid vapourisation. It does need to be clean. I would remove it by gently screwing in a wood screw and then pulling it out, hopefully in one piece ! You can then clean it with a brush and soap, roll it up tightly and re-insert after giving the vapo a good clean as well whilst it's out. As it was made by Primus, you should be able to date your stove using the Primus Dating Chart at the bottom of this topic. Good luck ! Cheers
Stove brother Ian has an excellent lighting video [media=youtube]2fYj0f0Lu04[/media] It was my inspiration to get my first kero stove... an Optimus 96!
Welocme to CCS! i'd slosh the tank out with alcohol to get get any loose crud out. check the date out, looks old!
Thank you! I soaked it in oil for about and hour and a half and then widened it out. Luck be have it it worked!! A few flame ups later (its my first time) and I got her running. She runs like a champ, and everything seems to be running smoothly. I had a few other questions as well if you could please answer. I noticed while running the stove, some liquid would form right below the vaporizer tube where it screws into the tank. I checked the tightness and it was pretty snug. I then dipped it in a tank of water to check for leaks and no bubbles came up. What would cause that to happen? I also was wondering, is it normal to add a bit of pressure every few minutes or so or should the stove build pressure once its running automatically? I think I may have resolved the slight pressure loss and fuel gathering around the vaporizer tube by tightening everything up just a bit more but wanted to get your idea. Oh and its stamped AA so 1936 I believe. Thanks again for all the help!
Believe it or not I was browsing lanterns on youtube, stumbled on that that video a few weeks ago and now I am a owner of a No 96 thanks to him!
Guys after reinspection of the vaporizer tube area that threads onto the base, I hear a very faint hiss. Also I can see some fuel bubbling around there. Is this a simple fix with a new cap or could it be something else?
Hi, there is a lead seal, or washer, between the tank and lipstick vaporiser. This seal becomes thinned and displaced over the years due to over enthusiastic tightening. You can buy a new washer from Base Camp, or you can make one from lead sheet if you can borrow a suitable set of punches. Best Regards, Kerophile.
I made one by melting down airgun pellets with a torch, then hammering it with an ordinary hammer, then cutting it with a pair of tinsnips to the proper size. Be sure to wash your hands completely when done.
