Could anyone direct me to a place where I can find the type of seal I need for my stove? My stove type is a russian knock off of the optimus 8R. The seal I need is the one that goes in the fuel valve assembly and sits in the rear of that needle valve. I wonder if a seal that would fit an optimus 8R"S fuel valve would be the same size as the seal that is in my russian clone? If anyone can let me know where to find such supplies I would appriciat it.I have checked auto parts stores, hardware stores, camping stores and online no luck! Seal is about 3/8 inch in diameter by about 3/16 th of an inch. These things are harder to find than an honest politican!!! Thank You Eric Shipley.
Well, there are many other alternative methods, if you do not mind. Since the graphite packing is hard to find (some have found them in coils, however) I went to the plumbing dept, and secured a pack of grphite impregnated cotton ropes. I cut an inch and a half of the strand, and wrapped it around the spindle, and installed the stuffing nut. It works. There spaghetti shaped teflon and graphite material, but they all melt at high heat and tend to ooze out.
Thanks for info will try your tips . Tomarow I will check local hardware store for this item. Eric Shipley.
Hello, I'm new here. Nice website! I love all that brass and flames I have the Russian 8r clone, it has a brown rubber(ish) packing in the valve assembly wich is pressed between two brass rings causing it to expand to make a close fit. If you mean that one I don't think graphite will work. If you find a place on the web where you can get spares for this stove I really would like to know about it (but I'm not the only one here, I think)
graphite is exacty what it is, and if not?(tho I suspect that's exactly what it is) You should promtly replace it W/ graphite. it does conform to the ID of the stuffer nut and regulator chamber. Cheap as all get out too. Some say to use the cotton cord that's imbedded w/ graphite. I don't subscribe, I feel safer w/ a solid graphite washer keeping the fuel where it belongs.
I went to hardware store and bought what you guys said and it came out a real mess. I bought Graphite packing kit self forming 3/32' x 24' and installed it and stove had very litle pressure I put about 1and a half inches on valve spinde and placed spindle back in valve housing valve key would only turn about 3 turns with stuff nut in tact. before I repacked the valve I had alot moore pressure. What did I do wrong And it looked like packing compound did not hold up to fuel it looked like it was melting. Eric Shipley.
Most of the packing you get at a plumbers store is meant for ..... Plumbing, no hotter than ~ 150 degrees. I've had some luck with teflon cord, good for 450 or so. Graphite string works ok. The black cord will melt at a low temp...
Bajabum I seen what you are talking about in the teflon cord I will try it . By the way after the graphite packing sat for a while I tried the stove again and it fired right up all I can guess is that the graphite needed time to set up? I dont know I am new to this.One thing I know is that these litle stoves are addictive and fun as all hell!!!!! Eric Shipley.
the stuff I been using is the ...I dunno, Grey cord? solid graphite. Liker he said, sometimes (depends on where you buy it from) it'll kinda slag into place, and then the stove runs like a raped ape. Glad to hear your haveing fun, this is the "hard part" of stove collecting, watch it, divorces have started this way. well, come close anyway.
