Optimus mini-pump question

Discussion in 'Stove Forum' started by BenniHanna, Nov 19, 2022.

  1. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    Does anybody have specifications on the Optimus mini pump? I'm looking to keep a set of spare O-rings with my new-to-me, though clearly very old mini pump. I'd like to have the back up set handy in case the O-rings of undetermined age decide to fail, I just don't know what sizes they are. I don't want to damage the existing ones by trying to find out, so I thought I'd ask and see if somebody could lend a helping hand.

    I really do like the mini pump. I know many find it to be unnecessary, but it's a handy little tool for my 8r. As it levels the playing field between it and the 123r with regarding power output and speed of pressurization. Plus it's nifty!
     
  2. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2011
    Messages:
    22,115
    Location:
    North Carolina
    They unscrew pretty easily.

    Take the oring to an auto parts store and get some fuel safe orings. (The pump dies not require that though)
    Use graphite, lock lubrication, for the lube, so it does not get sticky.
     
  3. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    Thanks I have plenty of graphite lubricant and I'll hit the auto parts store today.

    There looks to be a silicone sealant on the threads, is that important? I replaced it with some nickel-graf brand anti-seize and it seems to pressurize well
     
  4. Fettler United States

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2019
    Messages:
    1,294
    Location:
    Ioway
    That famous auction site has several vendors selling divided boxes containing hundreds of O-rings in various sizes for little money, probably under $10 delivered. Maybe you only need one or two, but they are handy to have.
     
  5. Etherman

    Etherman United States Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2015
    Messages:
    491
    Location:
    USA
    I have had good luck with this kit sold here.

    9A964D8D-2F3D-49CE-B6C2-F64D7DE0C784.jpeg
     
  6. Larry_R United States

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2021
    Messages:
    46
    Location:
    seattle
  7. bbsteinle

    bbsteinle United States Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2014
    Messages:
    251
    Location:
    Spokane, WA USA
    I have two SOTO mini-torches from REI; one takes a disposable lighter and the other is refillable with lighter fluid. I found with my 8R and 99 that holding the torch to the tank for a few seconds once the stove is going is as effective as using the pump.
    Basil
     
  8. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2011
    Messages:
    22,115
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Be careful with the refillable one. I returned one, and the other quit working at all. I suspect using it for more than the few seconds that the instructions say. ](*,)

    H
    The other one is great.
     
  9. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    Yeah I've noticed that when I've accidentally spilled too much alcohol into the priming cup. Any alcohol that pools up by the tank and ignites seems to do a great job pressurizing the tank. But for some reason I'd rather use the cool little pump
     
  10. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    @Etherman I've actually purchased one of those kits, good to hear that they're quality
     
  11. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    I've yet to find a reliable, quality butane torch. They seem to only work for a certain period of time then just spontaneously fail...
     
  12. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2011
    Messages:
    22,115
    Location:
    North Carolina
  13. BenniHanna

    BenniHanna Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Messages:
    137
    Location:
    United States
    Berzomatic makes good products, I'll check them out