I discovered something interesting about MSR pumps today. Some of the newer pumps have a fuel filter at the end of the dip tube. At first I thought this was a good idea, but soon realized it was causing problems with stove operation. The fuel filter actually starves the stove of fuel at low bottle pressures and prevents the stove from getting a good simmer. I removed the fuel filter and now my stove simmers once again. I'm starting to wonder if MSR tests anything before it goes to market?
Hey, SB, It's my considered opinion that MSR have jumped onto more than one bandwagon, without having first thought things completely through. I believe this has to do with MSR having had more than several changes in ownership, since it's founder, Larry Penberthy, first sold the company. I also believe that, had he lived longer, and retained control of MSR, you would never have seen some of the products that later owners tried to palm off on us! And, I believe there would never have been any of the many quality control issues we've seen, either. Penberthy would never have allowed quality to suffer, just for a few more bucks of profit!!! Just my opinion, but food for thought, eh? I only have one MSR that used the brass fuel filters, but your thoughts may make me do some further testing, to see if my stoves react the same was as did yours. Thanks, very much, for the information! Which MSR stove were you using? X-GK? Please check out my note about the X-GK I just finished rebuilding today. I'll post a short note about it, in just a few minutes, and the report soon. VERY satisfied with the outcome, to say the very least!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hey Doc, The fuel filter is the white plastic looking thing at the end of the fuel pick-up tube and was only used on the red/grey pumps (newer model). The stoves were an X-GK and Simmerlite.
Evening, SB, OK, I know which one you mean. Actually, they used to have what I considered a better one, made of sintered brass, just like the old surge damers they used to use under their jets in the G, GK, and early X-GK. You slid the plastic hose into it, and it was a friction fit, and looked like a tiny brass cone hanging from the dip tube. I'll try to post a pic of one. Back when I was using it, I never noticed it being a problem with my stoves. I'll have to try it again, and see. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
I agree, MSR has went down hill during the different states of owneship by different companies. They have a mediocre inconsistant product. Doc, Im sure you could make any stove better somehow. You should build your own and market it..
Hell, Shampine, if I made it, it would have to run on "HOT AIR", as that's what I'm full of, most of the time!!! Doc P.S. Thanks for the kind words, though!!
Hey Doc, The brass cone sounds like it would work better than the white synthetic one. When the stove is running full blast it dosen't make a difference. I noticed a significant difference when running low bottle pressues for simmering. With the filter on, the stove would surge and flicker real bad making it difficult to turn down the flame.
I don't think those sintered brass filters were stock on new stoves. If I remember correctly, they were an aftermarket item designed to filter coarse crud out of questionable fuel. They always seemed to work fine for me. ....Arch
Hey, Arch, I think you are absolutely right. If I recall, MSR used to sell them in a 2 or 3-pak, as an add-on. I still have a few around here, someplace. Maybe I should dig them out and play around a little with them. Thanks for the additional info! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish. Doc
