Hi everyone, Once again, I find myself in great need for your advice. As some of you may remember, I have two Phoebus 625 stoves that I like very much and that I use almost on a daily base. While they now work great, I have a recurring problem for which I still have to find a cure. Namely, both stoves start to slightly leak at the washer (gasket?) between the rising tube and the burner. I use washers purchased from Fettlebox, so my guess is that I'm doing something wrong. In short, if I install a brand new washer, it will work great for a couple of days and than it will slowly start to leak. When I remove the washer, it looks completely cooked and brittle. On one occasion, I couldn't even remove it in one piece. At first, I was thought that I didn't tighten the burner enough, so I over tightened the next time, to no avail. Something is damaging these washers fast and I can't figure out if it's the temperature or the fuel that dampens them. Do you have any advice for me, since I'm running out of washers? Perhaps I should use a thread sealant on the burner? If so, what do you recommend? Can Permatex 2A be used as a thread sealant? Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Regards, W.S.
@Winston Smith I doubt there is a problem directly associated with the Fettlebox washers as I’ve used them for many years with no problems. Before I introduce you to copper grease (see below), my method of fitting these washers is to tighten them firmly (but do not force them), and to run the stove for one or two boils of a kettle, then re-tighten the burner firmly (again, being careful not to over-tighten). New fibre washers of any make will shrink somewhat after first use. Now to copper (or nickel) grease. This is extremely useful for these kinds of joins. Put some on the threads, lightly screw together, unscrew to make sure all the threads are covered, and screw to firm tightness. The grease will ensure that loose or damaged threads seal. Sometimes I’ve put a stove together without the fibre gasket using copper grease. Cheers Tony
I've had trouble with new washers also, seems they work best (usually) with being tightened by hand. Not a guarantee. Duane
Hi Tony and Duane and thank you for your help. I hope I didn't leave the impression that I was questioning the quality of the washers, I am absolutely convinced that they are the best to get. Somehow, I knew that there must be something that I did wrong. I shall order some copper paste and install new gaskets without over tightening them. Your advice is very much appreciated. Best, W.S.
The washers should be fine & well within the spec required. I will send you some more in 2 different materials tomorrow to try or hold as spares if the copper paste works for you.
Hi and thank you so much for your extremely kind gesture! That's really unexpected and I don't even know how to react properly. All I can say is that your offer is far too generous. I shall contact you by email tomorrow morning.
