Burner head for Optimus 8R

Hey All,
Picked up an Optimus 8R in decent using condition for a fair price over the weekend. Replaced the cap seal and ran a tank of fuel with a bit of carbureter cleaner through it and everything works great, except....

....the burner head, or bell, or whatever it's called (looks like a brass tulip). The threaded hole on the bottom of this thing is way off center, causing the flame pattern to be pretty much concentrated on one side of the flame spreader.

Does anyone know where I can find one here in the states? I see them in the UK, but I'm really not wanting to spring for the international shipping on just one little item. May have to though.

Thanks for the help!
Ridge

 

So it is a manufacturing defect and it is not just bent or dented?
That is odd.

 

I don't know of anyone having these except for Base Camp. Shipping from the UK is really not too bad for small items.
If you're patient they do show up on eBay from time to time.

 

Yep, it's off-center. Visibly so. Goes on straight on the vertical axis, but as you screw it down you can really see how eccentric it is.

I know it's nitpicking, and I'm sure it didn't bother the previous owner one whit. But think about my flame shots! I must have perfect flame shots!

Regards,
Ridge

 

if that's the case it won't bother me one whit either, good lord.
send me a PT w/address i'll send you a 123R burner head no charge (I got that right? it fits, I can chk here) and after you get it and are content w/it promptly send your eccentric back to this eccentric omc, thx.

 

Thanks for the offer OleManColeman! Exceedingly generous of you and much appreciated!

Turns out the feller I got this from has got another trashed 8R he's letting me have for parts. The metal case is severely dented and the tank leaks, but the burner head miraculously survived and I get a spare cap, cleaning needles, etc...out of the deal.

All's well that ends well.

Thanks Again, and Merry Christmas!

Ridge

 

Funny, i have the same kind of thing with mine. Only it's not eccentric, and it's actually a pretty tight fit. But the hole seems to be at an angle. So i only have flames on one Side of the bell. I put a straight needle in the jet and took a picture, it's actually even worse than it looks on there.

 

I wonder if one can get a hold of the burner Bell with a thick glove and bend it straight.

 

I actually tried that because the flames were all on one side and the bell appeared to be bent. So i threaded it on a big bolt and tried to bend it. But the brass at the bottom of the bell is pretty thick and there are not many threads in there. In fear of stripping the brass threads against the steel ones i quit trying very quickly. Maybe if you put it upside down on the end of some kind of rod one could hammer it back in to shape?(gently)

 

@Ridge
If you want, you can send it to me and I will try to straighten it.
PM if so I'll send you address.

Ken in NC

 

You can straighten it by removing the bell and flame spreader and by using a wooden dowel to bend it straight.