I pulled out an old Optimus 111 kerosene stove I purchased about 1980. I have not used it in about 20 years and decided to see what shape it is in. I expected the leather washer was in bad shape when I tried pumping it because the stove did not develop any pressure. I replaced the washer and still no pressure. Must I have some kerosene in the stove to develop pressure or is there another problem? PaulF
Hello Paul and Welcome. Check the rubber washer on the tank cap and see if its still soft. If its hard, then it may be leaking air. Oil the pump cup also so it will help in pumping air. It will create pressure without kero but only slightly as the liquid compresses to allow more pressure to build up. See also if the pump rod goes up on its own then the PIP on the non return valve needs servicing. Hope these helps. Ron
A new leather pump washer will need soaking in oil for a few hours so that it will create a seal. A dry pump leather will not create any pressure. Once the pump is creating pressure you will feel a slight resistance as it forces the non-return valve open and pushes air into the tank. Close the burner regulator! From there, pressure might escape past a hardened or cracked filler cap seal. You can undo the two screws that hold in the tank and heatshield and then dunk the tank and burner in a basin of water, the bubbles will show where you are leaking from. If the pressure is leaking back out of the non-return valve at the bottom of the pump tube then you will need a special tool to remove the valve and fix that with a new seal. After 20 years I would recommend doing that anyway. If this is a multi-fuel stove and you might run it on gasoline, replacing the NRV seal is a 100% requirement for safety. There is a US supplier for spares but I cant remember their name... can anyone help?
A & H, they are sponsor of CCS. Although I have no experience with them they seem to be a little slow with handling orders, but all should be well according to those in the know. I guess they will be comming along shortly...
Thanks for the suggestions. I found the pump shaft is being pushed to the top by pressure, indicating I must service the NRV. I did not see a NRV removal tool on the A&H site. I will see if I can make one. PaulF
I have made a NRV tool by making a slot in a 10mm diameter length of cold rolled steel. I wrapped the shaft in duct tape till it was an exact fit and perfectly centered in the pump tube, this helps a lot. It has flats ground on the other end for gripping with an adjustable wrench.
This is my NRV tool. The slot is a whisker over 3/16" wide, I ground it out undersize with an angle grinder and finished it off to fit with a file. The duct tape centers it exactly in the pump tube. You can just about see the gripping flats on the other end.
I find using one of these more stable if you use a T-bar, and you can get some good downward pressure. And I've found that the metal upright rods from stacking document trays make the ideal T-bars: Risers For anyone who works in a large office these risers are plentiful from broken trays! Cheers, Graham.
Thanks for the advice. I bought a 1/2 bolt and a friend with a milling machine put a slot in the end. It worked well. A photo is attached. I stretched the NRV spring and sanded the little black cylinder that does the sealing (don't know what it is called.) It seals OK now. In taking off the lead washer, I tore it. I am temporarily using a rubber washer trimmed to fit. Attached is a photo of the stove burning. You can see it needs a lot of cleaning and painting. I have seen different recommendations on how to best start the Optimus 111 kerosene stove. What is the consensus on the best method? I looked for a video showing the procedure but did not find a good one. Thanks for all the help.
Paul Excellent job Just make sure that it's a really good fit in the pump tube and the nrv will fall out. Make any discrepancy up with tape. A lead washer is best, if you don't know exactly what the rubber is, it may break down with the kero after a while. Can you not get hold of a small quantity of lead flashing, about 1 to 1.5mm thick. No church roofs near you Or be honest and bum a bit from a local builder, a 6" square will last you some time. It'll cut easy enough with the wife's best embroidery scissors. I know you live in the States but PM me your address and I'll pop some washers in the post. Unless a stovie that side of the pond will step up and send you some.
