Disassembly problem Optimus 111

Discussion in 'Stove Forum' started by sidewinder, Dec 16, 2024.

  1. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    Hello Stove enthusiasts,
    I have 4 111's and a 111B. I wish to restore initially one paraffin model and the petrol.
    I have a problem removing the tank / burner assembly, the screw on the pump side securing the tank to the case is turning. The other side is out. I have tried exerting pressure outwards on the heat shield whilst unscrewing, alas it turns but does not come out. Anything known about this or tips in extracting ?

    Is the gland nut on the tank to burner connection a conventional thread ie anticlockwise to remove ?

    Do the 111B model run on standard 95 octane fuel (5%) ethanol ?

    Do the paraffin models run on, forgive me here I am in Germany, LAMPENÖL ? no esso blue here !

    Regards,
    Andrew
     
  2. The Warrior

    The Warrior United States Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2019
    Messages:
    3,043
    Location:
    Illinois, USA
    The 111B runs on white gas, aka Coleman fuel, naptha, etc.
     
  3. kerophile

    kerophile United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2004
    Messages:
    14,337
    Location:
    Far North of Scotland
  4. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    The reason I ask about the B model is because when i used it many years ago it was only with petrol from the petrol station. This was pre-internet times and although I never had any real problem since then I have read through some of the manuals / forum entries where it is explained that Benzin (Petrol in german) does not mean automotive fuel we know in the UK as "petrol".
     
  5. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    what is the difference between the K and B models ? is it only the jet or is the burner assembly also different ?
     
  6. Blackdog

    Blackdog United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2009
    Messages:
    3,471
    Location:
    Dreaming of snow
    @sidewinder Although originally designed to burn petrol, the composition has changed over the years to the point it is no longer suitable as stove fuel.

    You'll need to find a source for what is essentially further refined petrol- 'naptha'. In the US Coleman fuel fits the bill, in the UK Aspen 4T, some solvent based panel wipes and Holts brake and clutch cleaner are suitable. Further searches on this site will provide more details. None of them are particularly cheap, and a 111B is a thirsty and expensive stove to run nowadays.
     
  7. Sellig33

    Sellig33 France SotM Winner Subscriber

    Online
    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2018
    Messages:
    471
    Location:
    Gujan-Mestras - Gironde - France
    @sidewinder
    Try E5 or E5/98
    It's what i use in my stoves or lamps who run on Coleman fuel
     
  8. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2013
    Messages:
    10,788
    Location:
    Stinkpot Bay, Howden, Tasmania, Australia
    The Optimus 111B burner will have two, not 4, upright tubes to the top plate of the burner.

    IMG_5242.jpeg
    [Source: Optimus 111B]

    And this diagram of a 111B burner:
    IMG_5243.jpeg

    Tony
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2024
  9. burny pyromaniac Netherlands

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2014
    Messages:
    75
    Location:
    Arnhem
    Hi Andrew,
    Do not use Lampenöl, it won’t do well. Use pure Petroleum. In the Netherlands you can buy it in do-it-yourself shops. This is for the normal 111. For the 111b it is better not to use car-fuel or Bensin. It contains a lot of stuff that is added to the pure petrol that is not well for the stove. In the Netherlands one can buy Aspen4 at garden shops as fuel for garden apparatus. Or coleman fuel at camp shops. Greetings, Tonio
     
  10. Sellig33

    Sellig33 France SotM Winner Subscriber

    Online
    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2018
    Messages:
    471
    Location:
    Gujan-Mestras - Gironde - France
    I agree with @burny pyromaniac, i've use the aspen4, but it's more expensive than E5
    With my Coleman lamps, no problem with E5, only a little smell if a leak.

    I also use E5 in Tito Landi stoves and in my Milspec lamps

    Gilles
     
  11. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2011
    Messages:
    21,904
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Please add photos to better explain your issue.
     
  12. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    10,770
    Location:
    Plumas County, CA
    Sounds like the insert that is soldered in the tank side broke loose, may need to tack it a bit if it can be reached, so the screw can be unscrewed.
    Duane
     
  13. theyellowdog

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2008
    Messages:
    2,102
    I would work a flat head screwdriver between the windshield and stove bracket. Putting some pressure her might lock up the spinning insert and help push the screw out as you turn it. It has normal thread.

    Failing that Dwayne is right, you would need to resolder the insert. I have had to do that before. It would be hard with the stove assembled though.
     
  14. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    Perfect !
     
  15. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    Thanks all for your tips.
     
  16. JP2

    JP2 Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2018
    Messages:
    1,524
    Location:
    Canada
    Not sure what you mean, can we see it?
     
  17. sidewinder Germany

    Offline
    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2024
    Messages:
    10
    Location:
    Germany
    well there is not really much to see, the other commenters seem to have understood what I mean and its also pretty obvious what the issue is, I was just wondering before i set-to in earnest if anybody had a "whatever you do, do NOT do this..." type of advice !
     
  18. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    10,770
    Location:
    Plumas County, CA
    Something to think about, may need to fill tank with water or use some form of a heat sink if soldering to prevent parts becoming undone and losing the insert for the screw.
    Duane
     
  19. JP2

    JP2 Subscriber

    Offline
    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2018
    Messages:
    1,524
    Location:
    Canada
    It is probably because they are not visual like me , Ken and many others on this side. I hope you get the help you need.
    Good luck
     
  20. theyellowdog

    Offline
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2008
    Messages:
    2,102
    Don't try and solder it before you try every else to get it apart. Including cutting the screw head off.