Was fortunate to pickup my first XGK last month and have really enjoyed it, and now the rain has started to pour. I picked up another this morning, but I noticed some slight differences that made me question if it is actually an XGK or a very late GK (or some transitional). The one on the right is my first one. It is date stamp 031 185 which puts it firmly in the XGK production timeline. It is fitted with an XG jet. The one on the left is my new acquisition. It is dated 030 482 and is fitted with a G jet, and had the additional K jet.. Also note the space between the pot supports and vaporizer height difference. The supports themselves are the same height but the earlier, left one sits about 1/4" higher. Both came with the later yellow pumps. Do these features make it a GK? Thanks
Actually the pump on the older one is a very pale yellow and the newer is a dark yellow. Otherwise construction is identical.
Also noticed, after removing the G jet, that it did not have the surge damper in it. Despite this, it ran fine. How necessary is this part/feature?
Hello @elcarlstono, thank you for posting these. we can learn a bit from both examples if you wouldn't mind some Q&A on your 2 examples? As for latest question: "Also noticed, after removing the G jet, that it did not have the surge damper in it [ ]. Despite this, it ran fine. How necessary is this part/feature?" [interesting and good to know thx] Sorry i do not know.I would think it is needed for optimal performance, incl kero in cold temps. "surge damper" the surge that comes to mind is fuel not sufficiently vaporized rushing into burner head but, i dunno. One might want to boil 1 liter water in today's ambient temp -and- in temps closer to zero fahrenheit (w/kero... hmmm?) and see same result "ran fine". Maybe it's not "needed" w/white gas?.. i dunno. ------------------------- re Q&A, I think i have jus 1 Q for the 85. re your: "the space between the pot supports and vaporizer height difference. >>> The supports themselves are the same height [interesting] <<< but the earlier, left one [03/82. the vaporizer /coils] sits about 1/4" higher [than the 03/85]." just want to confirm the height of the supports are exact same? I ask because at some point in 85 they began using supports that are 1/4" taller, but your 03/85 is still using the shorter supports, yes? that works and is an update. . [i have Doc appt but should be back within a few hrs]
Yes the pot supports are the same height, and the vaporizer loop lifts higher. At this point everything appears to be the same except the jets and the vaporizer loop height. Oh and the pump color/shade.
thank you. oh +1 "Actually according to the manual that came with it(the older one), it is a GK." Cool. There may be differing views /documentation (confusion) BUT Based on all of the above I am +1 w/you to call yours a GK (or late GK). FYI and it's no biggy. As i recall, my understanding is the very last "GK" and the very 1st "X-GK" are probably /possibly the exact same except for the paper and packaging. I focus on details of the stove itself. What version of yellow pump is relevant. I hope no surprises come of that, i will post pic of the 3 versions of yellow pump in my next comment. ------------- sorry i do have another Q re the 03/85. given your description: 030 482 and 031 185 i presume that both have the same date format, yes? might you add pic of the date stamp on the 85? i ask because along with support height, the date format changed at some point during 85. TYTYTYVM
I'll post more pics when I get home. Since these two stoves are effectively the same except vaporizer height, should the jets be cross compatible? I also plan to try this tonight.
re "...should the jets be cross compatible?" the jets are different in appearance (your early one has wide top i presume) but yes, as far as i know between your 2 models they are swappable, both with US 3/8 - 24 thread.
thx for date stamp pics. ----------------- ooh... aahhh !! Doh! I hadn't noticed the 1st version MSR fuel bottle sitting there. It's rare, esp if in excellent condition. Did that come with the 82 also? (yeah? y lucky bastege lol). If yes pls snap a pic of that (circa 03/82) warning label. ------------- oh MANY years and versions are among the XGK family /series of stoves. your 85 is a model X-GK. i think i got that right.
I actually have 2 of these bottles. Yes, it came with the '82 and has the warning label, but the other one came in with an Optimus Himalaya along with an assortment of other bottles (Sigg, Coleman, red msr), and does not. I didn't think they were particularly rare, but I certainly think they are really cool looking.
