My Coleman suitcase seems to have a bad habit. For some unknown reason, when it's running and I put a pan on it, a small yellow flame appears from the hole where the generator enters the burner assembly. This remains right up until I turn the stove off and it's always the last to extinguish. Tonight whilst cooking it caused a considerable amount of soot to form on the bottom of my pan. Does anyone know why this would happen and how I could fix it? I thought the jet might have been loose but it's not. Perhaps a new generator is in order?
You are correct about a loose jet causing that symptom, but there might be other causes. Getting the jet tight can require some effort, you might even try taking it off and cleaning the threads. I had to tighten mine while it was hot -- that got some "heated" criticism here but it worked for me. A new generator may fix it but those generators are nearly indestructible (except for the cleaning wire) and can be cleaned and used a long time. It might be time to take off the burner rings and clean the manifold well.
Ok, thanks for the advice. I haven't actually stripped the burners down at all so I really don't know how clean they are inside, it can't hurt to have a look. I'll have another go at the jet as well, as you say remove clean and refit.
You may also have a spider web inside the expansion tube. For some odd reason, spiders LOVE putting webs in there. Note-You MUST stick a pipe cleaner, or a piece of wire or something in there and physically remove the web, as compressed air won't budge a web...
I have resolved a similar issue with some Loctite, not the type that you can never undo, repeat not the type that locks bolts permanently, but the one that can still be undone with hand tools. The stuff fills any gaps in the thread. Not sure if it's known by other names outside of Australia.
I have the same problem on a 413. A small leak on the generator going into the mixer. Sedgman, are you talking about the blue Loctite or High Temp Loctite? The permanent stuff is the red Loctite.
While the generator experts are in the room! I'm having an issue with a 425 generator continuing to spray file after the valve is completely shut off. Was going to completely replace the generator but I'm wondering if there is a quick fix?
Thanks for all the extra advice, I think I may have sorted the issue now. I've done all suggested and stripped the burners right down, cleaned the inside of the burners and the manifold or whatever it's called and fully striped the generator. The jet wasn't easy to remove, but with some WD40 and a bit of persuasion it came. I've coated the threads with copper slip (no loctite to hand) and this seems to have sealed any leaks in the same way. Just need to test it out properly now.
The suitcase Coleman's have some fuel left in the generator after shutting the valve, and will burn on for a bit.
The genny needs to be a tad further in to the burner. Make sure the suitcase handle is UP and not keeping the font from moving closer to the suitcase itself. Also if you loosen up the burner attachments, it can often be shifted slightly so the genny sticks in deeper.
Sm..., I am not an expert but I don't think yours is a generator problem. If you are getting fuel leaking after it cools the short term work-around is to release the pressure (when it is off and cool). But to fix it you may need to remove the valve and clean it up. Be careful with the graphite packing and it might still be good enough to use longer. Otherwise you may need to look into replacing it.
Hi Ray, The type I used was Loctite 423 which is called 'removable'. As you indicated they also have High strength 263 and High Temp 272. Anyway so far no problems. I note they have different temperature ratings and just hope the temp at the threads is not too bad. Regards
If threads are stuck on anything, soak it in Kano Kroil Oil. Overnight or even longer. It's called "The Oil That Creeps", and it does seep its way to loosen things up. You may have to order it form Midway or Brownells', both USA firearm product dealers, as I've never seen it anywhere else. The can has a phone number: 615-833-4101, or www.kanolabs.com
