Good afternoon, On my XGK, no matter how much I tighten the jet, it always comes loose after its used. It is affecting my flame negatively. What would I add to the threads to keep the jet tight while also allowing me to exchange it as well? Thank you, W
I would examine closely the shape of the threads. Any burrs? Do the threads feel snug going in? Are the threads crossed? Is the jet level when seated?
The jet goes in tight, but the thread connection breaks easily, and seems to occur when the stove is hot while on. No burrs, threads feel snug going in, threads are not crossed and jet is level when seated. Is there a brass thread lock that I can use, or maybe I have to really crank on the jet to tighten it where it doesn't come loose. I am using the MSR multi-tool to tighten it. Thanks.
Not yet. Was thinking that you amazing people would have better knowledge than them. I will contact them as well.
A tiny bit of stuff like Never Seeze in the threads (tiny!) or similar silver/copper paste might help you here? Have you tried other jets?
@WilliamH Puzzling because the jet design incorporates a chamfer on its base circumference that mates up with a corresponding chamfer at the base of the threaded hole the jet screws into. Harder’s posed a question I was about to ask, whether you’ve a spare jet you can try. I’d supplement his suggestion of a sparing smear of an anti-seize compound on the threads with the alternative of graphite grease. The volatile part burns off but a useful deposit of graphite remains.
Thanks Guys, I have tightened up the jet with more torque using the multi-tool. Will use the stove again to make coffee tomorrow and let you know if the jet threads have unlocked again. If this issue happens again, I will use the backup jet and see if it fixes the issue.
Never had an issue with any jet on a MSR stove and I currently have 14 of them. My only issue is I only have jets that came in the stoves and lots of spare maintenance kit parts. MSR I have asked does not have jets for older stoves. I tried to get a spare jet for a 9A but they are out of stock at the moment. I spoke to Cascade Designs in March.
I've had the same issue on an XGK EX (never on any other MSR stove). Mine is from 2010. Curious if yours is from the same era and perhaps manufactured with the same oddity. With mine, it liked to loosen and announce the loosening by roaring a little flame off the edge of the jet. Unpleasant, to say the least. Cranking helped. Replacing it would probably restore confidence entirely. @WilliamH Did the looseness return?
Very strange, hope to hear how it comes after you get the reason why. By the way, MSR didn't reply me about the Blank jet... I contacted twice times last July but no response. Meh...
Good Evening, All, I have three MSR W-GK EX stoves, and plenty of other versions of the X-GK, and I've never had a single problem as it is being described in this thread. Your stove came with two jets, "X", and "G". Replace whatever jet you have been using, with the second jet, and change fuels, if necessary. You should see fairly quickly if it is a jet problem, or a burner problem. Good luck, and let us know how it all turns out. Go Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
@Doc Mark Mine needed cranking down (by hand), which is what I assume the OP did and then went on his merry way. But I just found it interesting that it did loosen enough to show a little side-flame a couple of times before I cranked it more than I even have for any other MSR jet. I carry a spare jet when in the field, but if it even manifests again, I'll snap a pic just for the curiosity of it all. Has anyone ever OVER tightened a jet by hand? What happens?
Having to overtighten suggests a defective dimension of some feature. It can happen with any mass produced product. I still think some kind of burr or possibly a gap that shows when the burner is hot. Like some stress cracks. If a replacement jet does the same I would examine closely the area that the jet fits into and clear away any burrs or debris.
So thinking it'd be best to not have a possibly faulty jet, I opened it up and checked for burrs. Everything seemed quite clean even under a magnifying glass, but now the leak is back and not going away. It replicates in roughly the same spot, and then reaching for the spare jet, I realised all the ones I have are XGK II and not using the same jet/thread (the X jet is long gone). I didn't know they changed that up! So now I have to wait for a jet from MSR if they ever read my emails. It's going in the closet because this isn't a problem that deserves the expense of an XGK EX kit. Here is a photo of the gremlin winking at me:
Howdy, @pault, Thanks for your comments. Sounds to me like you have been using the wrong jet, as there are huge differences between the X-Gk EX jetrs, and the X-GK II jets! I hope MSR will send you the jets you need, to correct this problem. If you need photos of the two types of jets, side-by-side, let me know, and I'll snap a quick pic, and post it here. Right now, it's bedtime. Talk later, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Oh, this leak is on the proper jet (marked GK with the narrow gauge thread). The XGK II was one I thought could be used to swap in, but the thread is dramatically wider. It wouldn’t even pair, I imagine. Oddly I fired the stove with the possibly wonky jet without the shaker needle and no leak—likely just a lucky firing. A fresh GK jet from MSR will hopefully put this to rest, but I’ll follow up in a couple of weeks if it comes through. Thank you, as always, for your sage MSR tips—you should be on their payroll!
I'm back with more on this curiosity. Tried a brand-spanking new GK jet and it works on the first firing, but still loosens. On a whim I put a small strip of graphite tape in with the old jet, tightened and it's now hot-cool cycled a couple of times without loosening or showing a flame off the edge of the jet head (where it meets the bell). I'm content to leave this as is. I went in there with a magnifier and couldn't spot any kind of burrs or cracks, but maybe that's beyond what's visible. Do you think a graphite strip works longish-term? Ive no major plans to remove the jet as it covers kero/coleman. Would copper anti-seize be a better option?
I've used several times for some threads of stoves, like Spindle nuts, with Anti seize Copper based and all ok, but a Spindle nut took not too hottest temp, but the jet/burner thread would have higher temp. Anyway, the paste declares the paste is okay up to 950-1000'Celcius. And the first term of use after pasting the anti-seize, the paste may be burned and makes a little smoke during 5-10min. IDK it affects something or not. In any case, IMO Your XGK is not the 100years old one, so need to replace the Burner part that might be the best solution if MSR offers Free of charge or with very good price. (of course IF she does...) The Jet thread and burner base part - it is having great hottest point, so the best condition is - without any paste. My personal opinion - I don't know well about Chemistry...