I got this from a chummy of mine for a 2 quid I think it's an Optimus 8R, can anyone tell me for sure? The photo makes it look worse than it is. I'll get rid of that horrible black paint. I was thinking of Ford Cosmos blue. What colour should it be? I put some of the 'devil's spirit' in it, primed it with a little meths and it lit up OK but wouldn't burn with any sort of roar. Gave it some pumps with the little pumpy thing and it started to come to life a little but soon died down. So I think it must be leaking back from the filler cap. Discuss
You'll not like this at all - the priming ritual is as nothing to the purification rites. Before approaching an 8R (or a 99) one MUST first make your peace with the world, hone the spirit, and put your afairs in order. The stove may then be conveyed to the place of the eternal flame and opened with the chant (It looks like a good day to fry). Then and oly then may the match be struck - I had a friend who once (and only once) attempted to use a french butane lighter - fortunately he was pinioned quickly enough to prevent the (usually fatal) consequences...
Grey Hammertone properly baked will do the trick. Best sand blast the whole thing before painting. That 8R sure knew harsh times. Good luck David
Nice one Henry, It looks like it will tidy up well, and they go quite nicely with 3-4 shots from that mini pump, bit pricey though.
What the heck, easy come easy go Tried a dunk test and the pressure is coming out of the pressure relief. I pulled the cap apart (for I have a home made petagonal key) made up a new little diddly with some nitrile 'o' ring but no luck it still leaks. Looks like I'll have to invest in a new cap. that'll put the initial price up a bit BRIYYYAAANNN have you got one kicking about Or anyone else for that matter. Spose I could have a look at Base Camp DavidB It ain't actually that bad, it's mostly shitty black paint. I'd like to know what the proper colour is. I have a very modern one, brand new, never been lit and that's a sort of bluey hammerite.
Hi Henry, I think there are two rubber seals in the cap, at least there are on my Optimus #10 which also has this minipump. One "o"-ring shaped for the pressure relese, and one for the nonreturn valve. This last one is the same type that you find in the bottom of a normal pump assembly, a tiny piece of rubber. It can also be the nonreturn valve that is leaking. When the cap is in place, the nonreturn valve is inside the tank. Service on the nonreturn valve is done the usual way.
My complaints with the 8R are that they must be very carefully placed and constantly attended to avoild spilling the cookpot. And there is a very small "sweet spot" in the position of the valve wher the flame is hottest. These apply to the 123R as well. neither detracts in any substantial way from the otherwise wonderful design of these little wonders. The 123 only has the instability issue, easily and permanently cured by pairing the 123 with a Sigg Tourist. And as for the "Devil's Spirit," we here in the USA are a people who love to camp and always have. Uncountable millions of Americans grew up using white gas to hold the darkness at bay and fry our bacon and spuds. A very few unfortunates, distingushible by their missing eyebrows, learned hard the sacramental rituals of not having one's head over the Coleman stove when lighting it, or striking the match after opening the valve. We faithful are moved to tears of joy at the sight of Coleman Green, Coleman Red, and the divine aroma of White Gas which completes the Holy Trinity of American Camping. There's also the sacramental dance of the flat rock and tent peg, but that's a tale for another time. Gerry
The cap in the picture looks like the midi pump adapter whoojit rather that the traditional 8R filler cap. Try to source the vanilla job first. They run just fine without the pump - no the worlds hottest stove but perfectly useable. The "Small Conflagration" method actually works - but remember to secure your line of retreat first.
Henry, I know the mini pump does not fit the russian or korean clone and you have a brass tank so I reakon its an 8r None of my trio of 8r's are new, but I think cosmos blue is a dam close match
The Midi pump and adapter do fit on the Korean clone - but the tank seam is central and the filler cap off-set to the left.
Doug the mini pump did not fit my korean clone? matters not, don't use the pump on the 8's or 123's, no need to.
Totally agree the "No Need To" - works fine without it. But that is interesting - my Korean clone is the Shinabro 170-GR and the midi pump adapter from my 99 screws straight on to it. Similarly my Shinabro 340 is running the burner from an Optimus 00. The story gets richer.
Hi Henry Even if you do fork out ?12 for the tank cap, with a modicum of fettling you will have a very nice 8R for a max of say ?20 ! What are you complaining about - if still not happy I'll send ?2 plus postage to put you out of your misery Keith
Just dropping by and having a quick read throuzgh 465 postings ... The pump did not fit my Korean Clone either. Nor the Russian one. So I had to get an original Swedish 8R. Not the worst decision in my life Greetings motorang
