Optimus 111B Fettle

Not sure why I waited so long to fix this one, but was bored tonight, and went to work.



Removing the screws to take the tank off.





Removing the pump rod:





Don't know why I even try, it never focuses correctly:



Use a different NRV tool this time:





Have had this oiled for weeks, and it popped loose with no problems. As you can see, the lead washer didn't come out with it:



Finally got it out:



I didn't have any tools to reach it, besides for my brass picks. I used this end, stuck it down the fuel port, and was able to push the lead washer inside the pump tube. Took a little patience, but it worked out okay:



NRV tool and screwdriver from my SAK to open up the NRV:









New pip in:



And installed:



New lead washer:



Anti-seize grease:



Used the Juliand tool to replace it. I feel that I get a better feel for it, when installing:



Back in:



Time to change the fuel cap seal:



It was still a bit pliable, and came out without issue:



New seal in:



Time to clean it up a bit. Wasn't aiming for perfection, just to clean it up some:



A little better. Good enough:



The case is in pretty decent shape:



Polished the shield lightly. It wasn't that bad to begin with:



Same with the tank, then reinstalled it:



Priming:



Flame on:





A bit higher on the tank side:





About as low as it goes, without going out:







Took a shot as soon as I turned the flame off. A bit shaky, but okay:





Another project complete. One of these days I may repaint and clean it better, but really have no inclination to do it now. Looks good enough, and functions fine. Also, no leaky pump tube as before.

 

@The Warrior

Nice work.

Now a word of warning... Using a screwdriver to take the end off the NRV can end in tears - if it is tight, it can break at the slot (I can vouch for that statement!). Someone here advised early on to use a drill chuck, so I use that as a matter of course now.

NRV repair using a drill chuck

Cheers

Tony

 

@Tony Press

You guys are awesome. Thanks for the heads up Tony, appreciate it very much. In this case, it came open easily, but will do it differently in the future.

 

That case is pretty nice, I'd leave it. I've had many 111's, 8's, 8R's, 22's where the case was so rusty, it was pitted.
Duane

 

Thanks man, it really is. See no need for redoing it for quite some time. Happy I can actually use this stove now.

 

Whhhhaaaaaaat? I............can't.............hear................youuuuuuuuuu!
Duane

 

I said, I CAN USE IT NOOOOOWWWWW!!!

 

Love these stoves a real workhorse, well done

 

Congratulations @The Warrior , it's cleaned up nicely.

One of my first stoves was an Optimus 111B. I still love to get it out and let it run.

 

These are some great photos, Mr Warrior.

I have an Optimus 111B, and two Optimus 111 stoves, from different eras.

Cheers
Simon Foxxx

 

These beer-can case liners are useful:

111 & 8R Case Tray (and beer)


Best Regards,
Kerophile.

 

Thanks CW, appreciate it.

Thank you sir. I really like the 111B, though I have yet to use it. I always want to wait until I get to my cabin, but in reality, I guess I can just use them outside in my yard.

Thanks Simon. I have yet to get the kero version, but hoping it will be mine one of these days.

@kerophile

Thanks for the link, appreciate it.

 

I bought some sheeting from the hardware store to line some of my stoves, 22, 111 and a 8. Adds some extra shine.
Duane

 

@hikerduane

What kind of sheeting, aluminum? Would love to see some photos.

 

Brass finish I guess.
Duane

 

Perhaps I'll look for some the next time I'm at the hardware store.

 

Here ya go. Nickel finish sheet on the 8. Just a runway on the 22B.
Duane

 

Looks good man, thanks for the heads up, and photos, appreciate it.

 

Nice job.

In the meantime look for a penta tool to check and replace the SRV pip.
I replace SRV pips every time I change the filler cap gasket.

 

@snwcmpr

Thank you sir.

I had a multi SRV tool ordered, but they cancelled it due to mailing restrictions because of the coronavirus. Been having a hard time finding one. As far as I know, the Fettlebox only has the square one. Do you know of a place that sells them?