I found this Optimus 99 at a garage sale for $5. I used to have a Svea 123 in the mid-70's that's long lost, so bought this for nostalgia. Didn't know people wanted or still used these old stoves until I searched for how to use the priming pump! I cleaned the soot off then fired it up, works great. From reading other posts, it looks like it's missing the pot-handle, and not sure if the strap (made in Ireland) is original or not. For the priming pump, does the cap have a check valve? If so, it's stuck and doesn't let air in. Can I fix that? Thanks!
wow a great find for $5. there are rebuild kits for the pump and cap on ebay also new ones. the Fettle Box (our sponsor) sells the needed gaskets.
Hi, I believe that the stove strap is original equipment. Welcome to CCS. Optimus 99 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Welcome to CCS @okcjohn Details of the pump cap here Hidden secrets of the Optimus 8R mini-pump cap revealed!
The strap is original. The original handle is tiny, both easily lost and not that great to use. Buy an aftermarket version and (if you want) cut it down to fit inside. As has been said, correct cap for the pump. New seals and you are away. Just remember to let stove fuel sit in it overnight before first lighting it.
Remember, the pump is not really necessary! Just prime with Coleman fuel (actually alcohol makes a cleaner primer) and you’re good!
Ah yes, the 99. I have been using mine for years. Although I added a silent cap for it, makes it a bit less noisy. Have all the fun with yours!
I had one I had to push harder than I wanted to make the valve release. Then it was fine and I could pump it up. As you may be aware., it only takes a couple pumps. And the stove still needs to be primed and hot, or when you open valve, it will spit flaming drops of liquid fuel around. I found this out the hard way. Nice old stove, bulletproof. Get to cooking something.
