Hello all, I'm new to vintage stoves, and recently picked up a decent condition Primus 51. I replaced the burner gaskets (put one on each side of the cup), pump leather and tank cap gasket. Removed and cleaned out the nipple, but was careful not to damage or enlarge the hole. I tried to light it today for the first time, and after the spirits burned off, I closed the vent and gave it a couple pumps, and the kerosene sprayed straight up out of the nipple in a steady stream. Not knowing whether this was right or wrong, I lit it to see what would happen (outside in a safe area). Needless to say, something wasn't right. Lots of sooty orange flame as the kerosene that had sprayed out and down the burner cooked off. Do I need to replace the nipple? Is it something else?
Sounds like you did everything right except maybe not lighting it quick enough. Even a little wind could cool things off enough to cause the trouble you describe. Once you get raw fuel coating things it'll always burn sooty and yellow until it burns off. It's best to just start over with another prime. With the roarer style burner these have you can close the vent and start pumping before the priming charge is completely out. Try again and let us know how you made out.
Thanks--I'll try it again. I just realized (as I was emptying the stove) that I filled it all the way up with kero (not on purpose). Could that be part of my trouble too?
Welcome to CCS. That isn't the correct filling, but that doesn't cause the problem you had. The burner didn't get hot enough to vaporize the kerosene. Fill the spirit cup and when you pressurize the tank, a vapor should come out. But like Ray said, you can open it before the spirit flame goes out, and there won't be a visible vapor. If it sprays liquid, release the air and prime again. Have fun, Ken in NC
Hello Morglan, Some hints that may be helpful for a good preheat: -Make sure the preheater cup is fully filled with spirit. This may burn for a few minutes. -Make sure the stove is positioned out of the wind or have a good wind screen or shelter. -Give it a double preheat. Be a bit careful the second time: Parts will be hot already which may boil and evaporate the first drips of spirit. But not a big deal to be honest. Good luck 8) Peter
you've clearly got pressure, so that's a good thing. apologies if it's a silly question, but it's got a preheat windshield? without it you'll have very little luck getting your stove lit. you can easily make one if you haven't... https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/25516
Thanks for all the advice. After reading everything, im 100% sure it was due to the wind. I'll try again once it dies down (and gets darker so I can try taking some pics.)
Success! Thanks again for all the advice. Primed it twice in a row and it lit right up. Flame was about one third blue and two thirds orange, so I guess I will need to use the heat and quench cleaning method for the burner, but otherwise it worked perfectly. I was REALLY amazed at how long it burned and how little kerosene it actually used--seemed very efficient. Now I just need to find one of those caps that go where the riser screws in so I can work up a packable setup. (BTW, I tried to attach a pic, but I guess my cell phone takes pics that are too large.)
Hi Morgan, Glad it's running properly. Sometimes the yellow will dissipate if you let the stove run for 5 minutes or so - also try cleaning the jet again with a pricker. WHen these old ladies start up for the first time it's easy for the jet to get semi or fully clogged from debris working itself through the stove. It's likely not a blocked burner tube, if it remains yellow after running for some time + you've cleaned the nipple it may just need a new jet (the hole in your existing one too large so she's running rich - kero/o2). New center fount caps can be had from Basecamp I believe (if they have in stock). Jets can be removed with the jet removal tool, available from Basecamp and on the net (and from other members!). Edit: Images must be < = 640 pixels, so you'll need to resize them with Image Optimiser , then post them.
Glad to hear you had success. I'd run it a few more times before I did anything. I picked up an Opti 1S last summer that fired up all orange the first lighting. After a couple lightings it was perfect blue without me doing anything. Light it up and put a pot of water on and let it cook to make sure it's holding pressure and giving it a chance to reach full temp and burn off carbon. Your choice of fuel can add a little orange to the flame too. It's no big deal but the premium kero blends from the hardware stores give the best blue. The site image optimiser can reduce your picture file size without losing any quality. Cheers Ray Looks like Stephen beat me to a response by a few minutes. I need to type faster! Sorry for any duplicity.
It looks like a nice 51. These have date codes on the bottom. There will be one or two letters in a circle. Dating started with A in 1911. Here's the chart: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/11464 Looks like you're missing the flame ring. It fits on that gallery ring near the burner top to concentrate the flame upwards. BaseCamp will have a brass flame ring much like the original that's stamped Sweden. St Paul Mercantile has an inexpensive brass colored steel ring that'll work fine too. The flame looks a little yellow. I still think it's best to run it several times before changing anything but it may be a good idea to pick up a new jet. It's always good to have spares handy.
Thanks. It's a 1947 (knew that, just forgot to post it.) I will definitely grab a flame ring and try to fing a cap for that center hole as well as some spare jets (already have the removal tool.) These things are addicting--I've already found myself searching ebay for others...
"I just need to find one of those caps that go where the riser screws in " i know it's another daft question, and no doubt you've already checked. but the travel cap isn't on the end of the pump rod, is it? if the end of the pump is threaded, like below, then you're sadly out of luck if it isn't threaded like below, try unscrewing it mr molson's pic, hope that's OK? 8)
Hi Tim (Tetley) I too have an old Primus 51 which needs to be dug out of storage, that one has a male threaded rising tube fitting into a female thread in the tank, obviously the travel cap is different to yours & is missing on mine (car boot purchase). It's been a while since I used it although it does work well with a strong flame, this post now has me fired up, I'm looking for a travel cap, anyone? . Best wishes=John. --------------------- If in doubt, brew up.
