I have doubts, I am being fascinated with stoves, while that wasn't my hobby for long time, I discovered for the last 10 days my only concern was acquiring knowledge and reading about stoves. What triggered the enthusiasm was a PT-1(Not a pity One at all ) which I found last year. After that, A Standard 296, a Primus no.1 and recently an Optimus 5r. Then today a 111B, yes found this treasure today and liked to share some pictures, I've spotted it on a local website, it is not at best condition and I am pretty sure it needs plenty of work, the burner looks tired (The seller claims it works), I didn't however resist to pay for it as is (few photos as received from the source below) and supposedly it will be dispatched towards the end of this week. If there are different types, models, or manufacturing dates for such 111B, and any other advices, please don't hesitate . All the best. Migwar
condition is "typical" ----------- if it will be Yours "first time" with 111b read here 111b not staying lit. what is "windshield" in 111b
Does it fold out? It's been modified to run without tilting the tank forward, somewhat like a 99. But generally the 111 series are hard to stop. Read up on the 111b and don't be tempted to test it until you have ensured safety.
Hi @Migwar . Have a look at this thread: Optimus 111B with "111B Stamp" and Round Optimus Decal I think your Op.111b likely dates from late 1950s/ early 1960s..... Best Regards, Kerophile.
Well thank you all, @gieorgijewski @hikerduane @Scrambler @kerophile the thread contains important and satisfactory information indeed, will go further once I put my hands on that stove which is not delivered yet. Below 2 more pictures, one of them barely showing the 111 B engraved on the box.
Hi @Migwar the Op.111B is a Coleman fuel/ gasoline-fuelled only stove. It will not run satisfactorily with kerosene as the burner cannot support vaporisation of that fuel. From 1957/8 Optimus catalogue Best Regards, Kerophile.
Well @kerophile . Many thanks first. Getting back then to the dilema we are facing in our country. We are not sure which one is what . Coleman fuel/naphtha is off-topic here, and I'm not sure what an equivalent would be (speaking of 50-55 Octane rating only). Gasoline not clearly identified and not sure it is available (I doubt it is benzene here because car petrol here is benzene / which is extremely dangerous I guess) the same apply for Kerosene (they also call it "Kaz" here with a "K"), the latter is what I am using for the Primus 1 and Optimus 5r currently (burns well but not the cleanest ever). Anyway, I'll only burn the stove if I can find the relative correct fuel without causing any problems. Thank you once more for the additional and supplementary information.
When they mention in that catalogue "consequently ordinary car petrol containing lead too" do they mean the regular 95 octane? Not sure what was defined as ordinary at the source during 1957/8. Thanks
Hi @Migwar Once the stove is fully fettled, with all new washers and seals it should be OK to try your Op.111B with modern automobile gasoline..... you should be sure to do this outdoors with a fire extinguisher and empty bucket available for any problems. Best Regards, Kerophile.
First thing to check for is that the pump rod doesn't rise up after pumping. That would indicate a leaking NRV valve, letting fuel enter the pump and possibly igniting a fire. Best wishes with your new stove. Tom
Asking kindly if anyone knows if different versions of 111B had different types of fuel caps. I just like to be sure the one is original in terms of how the stove was produced. Below are pictures for the one that came with the stove. On another hand I see that the small rod inside the cap is very stiff and stuck. Trying now some penetrating oil in order to release it and make sure the cap is in good condition.
Okay found the answer under the below address from the forum, many thanks for all. My first firing of a 111B
I've decided to test the stove today. After closing the system and pressurizing it, I've run a soap test on the SRV, pump cap, and point of connection between the burner and the tank, there was no leak. So I've put some fuel in the tank ( like 15 to 20% as maximum for the start, to have better control on any fire in case of a surprising leak). Primed the stove with alcohol, gave the stove some 20 pumps and started it. I had a blue flame, but the power was considerably very low. The SRV seal is okay, I've already cleaned the copper net in the burner tube to the tank. I didn't open the burner at all neither the jet (Only put some graphite tape around the spindle and closed the nut), and I have doubts the cause could be hiding there.
