I just burned my Svea 123r for the first time since October. I have been using it with Aspen 4, which performs very well. I noticed the brass had a lot of white corrosion, or deposits on the surface of the tank,compared to when I used just Coleman fuel. It cleaned up easily, and left no damage that I can see. Do I need to be concerned about using Aspen 4? Does it cause any corrosion problems?
I mostly used the Aspen4 for preheating, only rarely using alcohol. I can’t remember which I used the last time, so alcohol is the possible culprit. In the interest of science, and because it is fun, I will let some of each evaporate on the brass tank, and report what I discover.
When I use alcohol it is pure methyl hydrate. No water in it. That is the only stuff I have used for preheating recently. I have used different grades of rubbing type alcohol when I couldn’t get anything else. That stuff is terrible fuel smelly and sooty. Usually a large per cent water content. Here in Canada methyl hydrate is available in 1 and 4 litre containers anywhere that sells paint, for about 11 or 12 dollars per 4 litres. Other types of alcohol are not nearly as easy to find.
Methyl hydrate (methanol) is very hygroscopic and will absorb water from the air unless tightly sealed.
I have put 10 drops of Aspen 4 in the upturned base of the Svea, and let it evaporate. It left a slight white deposit. No corrosion. Wipes off easily. It was a short term experiment, and there was no dark tarnish as noticed when I first brought it out of 5 months storage. I think I will give this stove a good water rinse and polish before I put it away next time. I don’t think this is anything to worry about. I am new to using Aspen 4 and will keep paying attention.
As @Firestarter said, alcohol (methanol, ethanol) will absorb moisture from the air. We had some 99.9% pure ethanol at work quite a few years ago: it was in glass ampoules. We were told that the purity would decrease from the moment it was cracked open, from water absorbed from room air.
Thank you everyone. Aspen 4 leaves a thin white deposit after several evaporation cycles. Methyl hydrate causes a a dark tarnish, but no corrosion or pitting. My primer bottle which I keep full of methyl hydrate has a brass tube, which I noticed is very dark brown after more than a year of alcohol exposure. The Hygroscopic property is enabled as the bottle is not fully sealed, which no doubt contributes. I am not worried about any corrosion problems with methyl hydrate or Aspen4.
@xgk281 Please tell me what is the advantage of using a four-stroke engine fuel over "Coleman" or white gasoline in Seva 123r? Thanks!
@foreman I talk about Aspen gasoline. Aspen 4 is pure. Aspen 2 has a % of oil in it. So a 4 strokes engine fuel like Aspen 4 is cleaner and so the wick will last longer and the burner will maintain cleaner. Aspen 4 is a close equivalent of Coleman fuel. Additionally in this thread we are talking about the residuals left on tank by these fuel used for preheating. Different are their performances when using their vapors for the stove combustion. Nicola
Hi Foreman, It burns very clean. Here in BC, and elsewhere it is mandated by work safety rules for use in many types of small engines to protect workers health. Small engine operation ( think chainsaws, generators,mowers, snowblowers) leave the worker constantly in a cloud of exhaust, a significant health risk. Operating a camp stove leads to exhaust exposure too. Anything that reduces that risk is a good thing. It performs very well. Heat output is at least as good as Coleman fuel. It burns very clean and does not leave deposits in the stove, as white gas can do. I also use it in my single burner Coleman stoves, the ones with the unobtainable generators. And in Whisperlites and xgk’s, my main stoves in the bush. It costs about the same as Coleman fuel around here. Coleman fuel is becoming harder to find over time. Aspen4 can be bought in 15 litre lots of 3 5 litre jugs, and is increasing in availability as the health mandates expand. Probably the future trend. It is smellier than Coleman fuel. I have many positive associations with the smell of Coleman fguel,which Aspen 4 doesn’t yet have, but I happily trade that for an extremely clean burn and no exhaust smell. I have used it through only 1 summer and 1 winter season so far. I have the strong impression it is easier to ignite in the cold, and is less cranky, along with the other advantages I have already described. I think people on this site have more experience with it than I do, and use it as their main fuel because of stricter regulations and availability. They can provide more detail. I am a long time stove user, not a chemist!
I forgot to mention I am now using it in my fleet of Coleman lanterns. It is an excellent lantern fuel for the same reasons, and keeps generators cleaner than Coleman fuel. The cleaner safer burn makes lanterns safer when used indoors, or in tents, when used sensibly.
My reason is availibility. I have no idea where to get coleman fuel. I get Aspen where I shop my food.
@Nicola Francesco Elia ,@xgk281 and @afoton Thank you very much to all of you guys for the schoolings! Coleman fuel is easier to get in this side of the pond than in ConUS or Canada! But open fire is allowed in here and now I only needed hot water for food and drinks. I carry a Tinny's remote feed with me only. But I will going back to my 123r in one day.
