I have just picked up a biscuit tin Optimus 45 and a chrome veritas picnic stove and I want to know the best way of cleaning the very black burner heads and also do the insides need cleaning out? If so how? I have read some threads that involve the use of citric acid is this ok? as another I have read, talks of it doing damage? What about carburetter cleaner or similar ie redex post. TIA Nick
Hi Nick To clean the burner heads i heat them up with a propane torch ( they need to be a dull red in colour, turn down the light to make sure you don't over do it ) & quench/place them quickly but gently in a citric acid solution ( desert spn of acid crystals per pint of hot water dissolved ) deep enough to submerge the burner in, the burner will spit,bubble & blow steam out of each end be carefull . This cleans the crap off inside & out Do this as many times as you need to to clear out the inside burner tubes then i leave the burner in the hot acid for an hour or two this will make the burner bright again , wash in clean water & blow out the tubes to clear out any residue & clean the outside with a brass bristle brush, should come up a treat.
I usually immerse the burner into some (cheapo) vinegar for half an hour first, then do the heat&quench (in water) a couple of times (depends on how dirty the burner is) followed by another vinegar bath. Don't forget to remove the jet first! When all the carbon is gone, the outside can be polished to your own liking. Best regards, Wim
Hi Nick, First, you must observe the golden rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Test fire your stoves, and if the flame is right, don't bother with the burner insides. Still, a flush with carb cleaner cannot hurt. Do make sure to remove and clean the jets. For the burner head outside, I soak it in citric acid for 10 minutes or so. Then I clean the head with a toothbrush soaked in detergent. Don't soak for much longer time, as the acid slowly eats away the metal. yonadav
I meant to say take the jet out first though .I have tried carb cleaner & this works on soot & gum but carbon is another kettle of fish this takes a bit more of a clean. Stu
Thanks gents that gives me a few avenues of attack. Where do I get the citric acid? are we talking of anhydrous? if so how is it marketed? Tests firing will be first, how do I know if they need an internal clean? Sorry about all of the basic questions!! Nick
Hi Nick Go to your local independent chemists & they sell it in 100 250 or 500grm packs, just tell them its for cleaning a kettle or coffee machine out of scale . Use the same crystals to make cleaning gel with wallpaper paste & warm water to clean up your brass tanks too, works a treat . Best regards Stu .
Tried Boots this afternoon they do not stock it any more because you can make bombs out of it so I will try the local independent one later. Had a go with lemon juice and vinegar and got a fairly good result.The acid should be impressive. Thanks
Talking about cleaning the inside is an orange red and green flame a sign that a de coke is in order?
Boots is a waste of time nowadays unless you want shower gel or cough drops. If everywhere stopped selling stuff that you can make bombs out of there would be little left to buy. No more BBQ charcoal, no more fertiliser for the garden, no more sugar. If your local chemist doesn't have any then any homebrew shop will.
Thanks everyone I managed to get 150g in Wilcos brewing section which will tide me over until I get an internet order together. What strength of solution should I use ?I may have had the first lot too strong some bits went a bit pink!!! I used a hot solution and it cleaned up very quickly! I hope I have not ruined it!! will post pre clean up flame photo tomorrow Yonadav
I use 1/4 teaspoon in a cup of warm water. You should adjust the strength and time by trial and error - this is not exact science. A bit pink is normal. It will get the regular brass color after some cleaning with detergent and, if you like, polishing with Brasso.
Yes by the sounds of it I was a bit heavy handed with the crystals! It did fizz a bit !!!!! Next time I will take it easy and cut down to 1 spoon full to a baked bean can of hot water from 3!! Mind you it was quick.
Here is a picture of the flame pre clean up Yonadav what do you reckon? I have not fired her up since the clean up but will do so tonight and let you Know if its better.
