Hello CCS, What a great site and forum- you are all so helpful! My Dad was a Park Ranger in the early '60's and bought a second-hand Optimus 8R for his summers in the backwoods. He recently found it in a box of stuff in the garage and has given it to me. He remembers it being a great little stove. From other posts on the subject, I've gathered that it is a pre-1962 model, but not a really old one. I'd love to be able to use it in my own travels, but it hasn't been used in 40 years and I'm unsure of how to bring it back to good condition. Some moisture got in over the years and there is some rusty film covering the inside of the case, the jet prickers(?), key chain and part of the burner. The rust appears to be a surface rust, and hasn't corrupted the metal with the exception of maybe the chain. It seems to want to come off fairly easily, but what should I use? I opened up the tank, and was relieved to find it still a little damp with fuel, so everything has stayed in good condition on the inside, apart from some sediment. Another problem is the nut(?) connecting the tank with the burner assembly is badly stripped so removing the wick for cleaning could be very difficult. I could probably do it with my vise-grip pliers, but I wanted to get some opinions first, and make sure it is necessary. I've read a few "how to's" and other articles on line, but nothing compares with advice and personal knowledge, so I hope someone will know what I should do. This is my first 'classic stove' and I can already see this turning into a passion! Thank-you so much, and I look forward to participating in this forum. -HollyMayB BC, Canada
Ooops, my bad. I probably should have posted this in the other Forum. Sorry; I'll pay more attention next time. -HMB
Hi there, As there is some fuel residue in the tank, the wick may be ok, and not need stripping. I would rinse out the tank with clean Coleman fuel a few times; then check the seal on the tank cap which may need replacing if worn (I would replace it anyway after all this time). Check and make sure the nut on the control valve is closed well. All this done, you could try and light the stove. Follow the instruction on this site, and ONLY light the stove outdoors. You could be well suprised at how hardy these stoves are. Cleaning the tin and chain is easy enough, washing up liquid and a scourer will be a good start. Your Dad's right, the 8 is a great little stove and one of my favourites.
The 8R doesn't need prickers as it has one built in-turn the knob all the way anti-clockwise and you'll see it rise up through the jet(if it's not broken off). It should work without too much trouble,they are hardy.
