Not sure if this silent cap has been discussed before, I just received it the other day and I must say I am pleasantly surprised by the results. I have tried the other “popular “ caps that have been around for years. Although the quality is excellent I found that they overheat, glow very bright (not a bad thing) and the flame seems to diminish. This one works perfect. Got it on eBay from a seller in Ukraine. only issue is that the stove cannot close properly due to the head being to large.
This is a good cap. They are made by re-threading Shmel cap and burners to the correct thread. Can be a home project with the right taps. They also do these for the PT-1 and PT-2 soviet stoves as well. I did a similar thing with a Chinese cap for a Svea 123 clone. Works also and does not overheat. Cheap chinese silent cap for svea/Optimus 8r stoves | Classic Camp Stoves
I was going to post that link @Remus1956 but it felt a bit mean given how cheap it is compared to the one above, which would work out at £83 delivered to the UK from Ukraine. The iWalker cap removed from the supplied bell will fit straight into the 8R burner bell so you can easily swap between silent and roarer, it doesn't run hot and kicks out plenty of heat, and you can close the lid. I could order one for £23 delivered at the moment.
I think I’ll pick up one of those cheap Chinese caps too. I find myself enjoying silent stoves more now with my old age. Haha. I did a simple test to see the output, not a typical boil test but placing a stove heater apparatus type thing I picked up on Ali express years ago. Placed it on top and cracked open a cold one and waited. I noticed a significant difference, the silent cap had that heater glowing red in a few minutes. The stock 8R on full tilt had it red only on the bottom. I should mention that I use a mini pump with this new setup and only pump it ONCE. As I mentioned the cap is too big to close the stove without removing it, could be a deal breaker for some but for me I leave it on and put the whole kit in a soft case that measures 6”x6”x4”. Works well.
@alnl1996 you can always pop the caps off or unscrew it...not a deal breaker for me. @Blackdog you remember that post...cool! Yeah I ended up making a silbrazed version to attach the burner to the bell so it does not come off. Works well actually but thought of putting legs on it. I have a habit of fiddling with a hot stove and dont want to burn myself haha
That was a good find on your part @Remus1956, thanks for sharing! What I like about it- and this version shown by @alnl1996- is that they look like they could be period optional extras, they're in the style of burner caps of the time. The same can't be said for the 3D printed caps available, which are more akin to those on a more recent domestic gas cooker.