Optimus 8R nipple keeps leaking

I have an Optimus 8R. When I fire it up it runs fine but when its cooling down, fuel starts coming out of the hole where pressurized gas escapes. Why is it leaking and what do I do to fix it?

 

Loosen the fill cap to release the internal pressure.

 

Try adjusting the cleaning needle.

Link

 

I've been trying to loosen the jet cap, but I can undo it for some reason (Using the key) Also, now my stove will not even pressurize! The fuel tank cap is tightly secure, jet cap is secure/stuck, everything is tightened yet I can't find a leak.

 

Take the stove out of it's case, empty the fuel out, fit the tank cap and close the regulator valve. Then immerse the stove in a bowl of hot water. The air in the tank will heat up and pressurise the tank. Any air bubbles will show you if you have a leak.

Terry

 

Thanks TrojanDog, but this has also happened to my 99 before. Could it be caused by a mis-position of the cleaning needle? What is the 100% proper way to put in the cleaning needle?

 

If the cleaning needle is mis-positioned, it could stop the spindle from sealing the fuel flow when closed. The image below (courtesy of member lanevit) shows a cutaway burner - the jet/nipple is not show for clarity. You will see that if the cleaning needle is not set right, it could hit the bottom of the chamber before the point of the spindle has sealed the fuel flow, leading to fuel escaping through the jet after shut off:



The number of 'clicks' required to set the cleaning needle correctly seems to vary between stoves and needles, and even bewteen identical stoves - even the Optimus instructions say 4-5 clicks. This video by member BernieDawg ( Link) shows how to set the cleaning needle (needle setting is from 16.40). Different stove but the principle is the same.

One way to check if the cleaning needle is the source of the problem is to simply remove it. It's just a cleaning needle and is not necessary to operate the stove. If removing it solves the problem then you'll know the cause.

Terry

 

Ive taken apart my optimus 99 and 8r before and i dont remember hearing any clicks while taking them apart or putting them back together.

 

If you remove the cleaning needle, there is a procedure to re-install it correctly.

 

You won't probably won't 'hear' any clicks, but you will see the needle take a little jump. That's what people refer to as a 'click'. Just follow the procedure shown in Bernie Dawg's video that I linked to.

Terry