I got this Optimus 111B fairly cheap from looking at a few unsharp pictures. But when I opened the lid, I quickly realized, that the burner was battered beyond my fettling capabilities. Actually I haven’t seen anyone worse. Anything but the burner I should be able to restore. So now I humble seek guidance in our fellowship what to do? Are tempted to just discard the battered burner and then hope to find one sometime which is affordable. But where?? They sadly don’t come neather cheap or in bundles. Or maybe just sell the box and tank, since it is the older version with embossed logo and old SRV? (The old box was what caught my eye originally). The 111B actually arrived here by mail with the tank almost filled by meth/alcohol. Should that work on a 111B? When I separated tank and burner there was no wick - just this tiny mesh in the tube - shouldn’t there be a wick? Best regards
@Harder D. Soerensen The roll of wire mesh is correct and no wick as is the case with the smaller self-pressurising stoves such as your Svea 123 or Radius 46. The burner’s a sad example sure enough. The shallow gallery that the flame spreader (absent) sits in has evidently disintegrated, but one could be fabricated and silbrazed in place. The burner windshield is missing too, but reproduction ones can be obtained quite cheaply. I can’t see whether the pricker pinion teeth are simply full of deposits or are damaged or missing. The pricker rack/needle is absent? Again, those parts are available. I see you’ve advertised in the ‘wanted’ column for a replacement burner. Someone may have one and will respond, but I’ll keep an eye out too. Since you’re looking for a replacement burner, do you really want to keep the stove gasoline (white gas) fuelled, or maybe install a kerosene burner (a straight fit) and fuel the stove with kerosene? Alcohol would probably burn, but I couldn’t say how well, It’s not a fuel I’ve tried in a 111-series stove. John
Since there is 111”b” embossed in the case I suggest you keep it white gas if you can find the parts. I can be of no help with parts though. Ivan
Thank you both. I would like to keep it a 111B -especially because of the case as you mention it Ivan. I appreciate you keeping a look-out John. The pricker and jet has been removed- although with a certain amount of force...
One.for the 'round tuit' pile. Something to wait for the bits that you may stumble on in an obscure place. Always kicked myself for jumping the gun for parts, and fall on what I need a few months later at giveaway prices. Yes a shame to not keep in 111b condition, just a matter of a bit of patience. Just don't lose it under all the others you're going to buy and find it in 5 years time.
Turns out I didn’t have to look further than my shed, Harder. We’ll do a direct swap, paying our own postage merely. I’ll get around to fixing the burner you send - one day. I haven’t located the flame spreader, so you’ll need one of those but I see you’ve got the windshield and can transfer the priming cup from your burner to this. The pricker rack and pinion are sound, all ok. John
Thank you very much John - I guess your shed holds a bit more spares than mine... yet ;-) Let me use the opportunity to thank you all at this great forum. I have merely been a member for three months now, and I have met nothing but true interest and curiosity to help one-another. For example by all you answering my questions and helping me out. When @Doc Mark kindly and whole-heartly helped get me my first 8R from the States to Denmark. Or you helping me out here John. I have never experienced this great spirit in any other forum at all. Best of wishes to you all
@Harder D. Soerensen , @presscall , Harder, Hearty congrats you receiving help from my dear friend, John! He is, indeed, one of our most prolific fettlers, and his skills are outstanding, and growing all the time. Like you, I have received help from John, and he is, truly, a Gentleman of the first order!!! His kind and generous offer to you is what I would expect from him! John, thank you for, once again, stepping up to the plate and slamming a home-run of helpfulness of the Center Field wall!!!! Man, all this makes me proud to be a member here at CCS!!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Mark
This is the final result right now of the burner shown above. (I have another idea coming later) Thanks to the comradeship and willingness to help oneanother in this great forum - and in this case especially you John @presscall - I now have a perfectly roaring 111B in my shed right now, which also simmers nice and easy. Can’t wait to take it outside!
@Harder D. Soerensen Thanks for posting the photos Harder. Very satisfying, seeing that outcome! John
Hi @Harder D. Soerensen . Great to see your stove operating so well, thanks to co-operation with John. The stove looks to be a near contemporary of this one: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/early-optimus-111b-mid-1950s.37244/ Best Regards, Kerophile.
@kerophile Thank you. I noticed the simularity when you posted yours. That was also one of the reasons I bought mine - that it seemed to be one of the first generations. I have the feeling, that my trustworthy HIKER +/Nova now will be put up for sale. It has always worked 100 % for me as one of the easiest stoves to handle. Only modification was to put a neodym magnet underneath for the automatic jet pricker to work better.
And now - testing time. First: Boil test. Check (very fast actually). Second: Nürnberger Bratwürste - sinmering without incinerating the sausages: Check (easily). Verdict: PASSED! @presscall thank you for sponsoring a fine burner. My HIKER+ is herafter up for sale.
@Harder D. Soerensen Excellent testing Harder! It’s a tough job at times, putting a stove through its paces! Cheers! John
