Hello. I have noticed that some owners of Coleman gasoline stoves wrap the generator tube with copper wire. As I understand it, in theory, this manipulation should speed up the process of heating the generator. Does it make practical sense? Thank you.
I have done that as one of the methods of using kerosene in a Coleman 425. I also preheated the generator with a torch. MSR used to wrap their generators with wire.
Thanks for reply, snwcmpr. So, after this manipulation, you can use kerosene instead of gasoline and not change the generator tube itself? In this way the stove becomes universal and it will be possible to use both types of fuel? As far as I know, Coleman makes special tubes for kerosene? (I apologize for the stupid questions. I have used my 400b stove not more than ten times since 2003. Exclusively on picnics by the river outside of town. But now, because of russia's terrorist attacks on power plants in Ukraine, we have very frequent power outages. And there is absolutely no possibility to cook on electric stoves.)
Wrapping with wire will increase the thermal inertia, which will slow down the rate of heat buildup initially. On the other hand, it will increase the diameter of the generator, meaning more surface area in the flame, increasing the rate of heat buildup. Will it be enough to use a heavier fuel in your stove? Like @snwcmpr I don’t know personally. But both the increase in inertia and the increase in surface area should move things in that direction.
Kerosene/paraffin stoves, lanterns, lamps have a smaller orifice in their jet/nipple. Also, may not simmer or run lower due to inadequate heat on the generator to vaporize fuel. Duane
@takumar , from personal experience, you'd be better served burning a blend of kerosene/paraffin and motor fuel in the stoves. Here in the US, it's referred to as Amish blend. I'd look at a blend of 1/4 - 1/3 petrol in the kerosene, should help considerably. Murph
Thank you all for your advices. I use "kalosha" or "naphtha" gasoline. As far as I know it's corresponds to Coleman's gasoline for stoves (If I'm not mistaken, some people also use it to fill Zippo lighters too (I don't smoke, so I can't say for sure ).
You can wrap if you want, but Coleman was a pretty well designed from factory, I wouldn't bother to wrap one of mine.
I have never heard of Amish blend, I use about one third Coleman fuel and two thirds kerosene in my Optimus Nova. The flame is less yellow on low settings and it lights much easier.
@mickeg , Google "Amish blend" AKA Amish mix or Amish kerosene - they get more heat from their appliances and lanterns, and when it gets bleeping cold here, it's a damn sight easier to light! Anything with a preheat cup works well with it, my Coleman 520, 530, M1950 and M1942 all run with it without a hitch! Murph
