I have an Optimus model 1. I am trying to put a new burner on the tank. I have a lead washer between the burner head and the tube that comes up from the tank. I have kerosene leaking under the lead washer and above the tube that comes up from a tank. I need something to complete the seal? Any ideas? Thanks, Andrew Large
The leak is between the lead washer and the tube that comes up from the tank. I just put a new lead washer on the tube as usually that is what completes the seal. Anybody with an idea? Thanks, Andrew
Is he Optimus Number 1 like the Primus Number 1 - two pint, roarer, fixed-leg - does not dismantle for transport? If so, then there is not usually a lead washer, between the brass riser tube, the Priming-cup and the and the actual burner there is just the Calmonite packing (2221). Back in the dim and distant past this was asbestos. Have a look at the Base-camp diagram HERE
I agree with all suggestions. I have a new lead washer between the burner head and the tube that comes up from the tank. I agree with the diagram at Basecamp. I had Mike at Basecamp send me two new washers made of lead. I had tried the "fire proof material" washers first but they did not work either. It seems the lead does not move enough to fill in the space and seal the gap. I have just tried RTV High Temp Copper liquid gasket maker. It is a liquid gasket that hardens after about 24 hours. It is used between metal parts on engines. I have tightened with a spanner the burner head but I'm afraid to tighten too much as it will strip the threads. Any other suggestions? Thanks, Andrew Large
Did you try RTV on the thread, just a little on the male thread - - and nowhere near the bottom end, you don't need it to get into the burner and block something.
RTV bead on the top of the tube. I made the bead very small and no RTV on the threads. I'm sure I got a little on the threads as I screwed it in and I feel very sure none was near the bottom of the burner on the inside. I've tried everything and when I saw the high temp RTV in the hardware store it made sense to give it a try. I use BLUE RTV all the time on ATVs and ATCs. It makes an excellent gasket. I don't have any idea if this will work or not but so far nothing has worked for me on the project. I considered a rubber gasket and found an appropriate size but did not go that route due to heat and fuel concerns. I'll let you know how it works out tomorrow. Thnaks, Andrew
I have used Permatex copper high tempurature RTV on the riser joins of several stoves and had good success. I let one run for over two hours to test for durability. No problems. I suggest that you don't overtighten as this will express too much of the RTV from the joint. Good luck. Gerry
Put some on the threads, if fuel can't get past the threads it isn't going to make any difference if your seals are good or not. Just be sure the threads are clean 'n' dry I've got 8 'fixed' burner stoves - - not a leak to be seen using this method.
Locktite 577 shold do it. This paste makes a seal, just degrease the surfaces (wipe of with toilet paper) add a thin film of the locktite, tighten the threads by hand, let it dry (at least 3 min): ready for use. Other brands has equal products, e.g. Holdtite (s77) This "glue" makes it not to difficult to disassemble the parts. dsk
Hi You could try making your own washers. I found that the commercially made ones did not fit so started to make my own. Some of the commercially made ones have too big a hole and the washer cams out when you tighten the burner. As they cost over ?1 each this used to really annoy me. At that price I at least expected them to work https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/2023 You should be able to find heat resistant gasket material in your own country. I find 1/16" thick adequate and seldom get a washer that fails. Regards Bryan
Problem solved. JC is right. Just coat the male threads with the Copper High Temp RTV and 24 hours later you have an excellent seal. I ran the stove for two hours......NO PROBLEMS. JC is a genious!!!! All I wanted was for the burner to work correctly without leaking. I'm still not sure why the lead washer would not dig in enough and seal correctly but the RTV did the job!!! Thanks to all for the help, Andrew Large
Not me Andrew. Necessity, it is said, is the mother of invention - - OR, in my case, being in a rut helps bodgery to flourish, I'm likely not the first to independently think of this particular cure, and I'm sure I wont be the last, that means we're A L L geniusususezzz
Is the opper High Temp RTV bether than exhaust paste? Used that stuff on the British No 2 burner threads. Worked for w while, but cracked. Whitegas on fire is not funny!!!
I've never tried exhaust paste. The Copper High Temp RTV seems to be doing the job. I just needed something to make a good seal. My guess is RTV is more plastic in nature than other types of sealers and therefore can tolerate expansion and contraction. I know it works that way on ATV engines. The pressure for Kerosene is not too high. In fact, I noticed less is more. I mean that a lower flame boils water faster than really pumping up the stove. My guess is the heat goes up to the pot on low pressure. On high pressure the stove heats the burner plate and therefore you don't get the direct heat. Thanks, Andrew Large
