My old 111 runs perfectly and blue for severalminutes, then before it can boil a pan of water it just runs out of puff, goes yellow and then just goes out. Anyone any ideas on where I should look for the problem...yes, in the fuel delivery, but there is plenty getting through, even when it goes out. I have never taken a stove apart, this is an old one that has been in the family since new and is just used for what it was bought for - camp cooking! Looking forward to finding out more about these stoves, not for collecting, just so I can keep the old timer going and enjoy hot food beside the water again. I also have a little petrol one, an 8R I think it is, about half the size of the 111 and no pump on the tank. That runs well, but takes a bit of getting going at first. Again, any ideas for me as to how to get it fired up more easily please?
I have had exactly the same experience. Was making a pot of coffee on it, it got it perking along just fine, then went out. Fortunately, the coffee was done so no harm done. However, I replaced the cap gasket when I fettled this stove. Not sure what is going on.
curious! when the stove goes out, is there still pressure in the tank? if so, there's an obstruction... if not, there's an air leak (cap gasket, NRV, etc.) - assuming fuel is good (hopefully you have already tried emptying, rinsing, and filling with fresh fuel) just my guesses... i really like my 111 and 111T
First of all, carefully check the filler cap gasket. If it is not soft, replace it. Second, before you start the 8R you should open the filler cap and close again, to release the vacuum from the previous run. Once you get this stove going, does the top of the burner get reddish? If not, the next thing to check is the wick, but that's a more complicated story. Yonadav
Try if the 8r tank cap fits your 111. If yes, and it is working with this cap, it is the tank cap or it' packings. dsk
With a red hot flame spreader, venting vapour straight away I don't like that tip at all. I quite like my eyebrows where they are thankyou.
Yes it sounds like you lost pressure. But, if it has not lost pressure (i.e. the burner can be re-lit), then it may be an issue with some water in the fuel. Dump, rinse and refill with fresh fuel.
Thank you everyone for your ideas to try. I shall put them into progress tomorrow. I used the 8R (yes it is - hardly a mark on the stove at all,all stickers in good condition and only two paint scratches on the whole thing!) It has the tools incorporated into the key for throttle control. I tried the trick of using my hands to warm the fuel to dribble some out of the burnr and into the wick I have placed around the priming fuel bowl (I used the fibreglass cord used to pack the door of a log burner - thin one about 3 or 4mm) this has been wired at each end to prevent it from fraying and then just coiled down in the primer cup. The fuel is less likely to spill onto the painted surface of the inside of the box then! Anyway, I dribbled some fuel out, then no more would come out even though I cupped both hands around the little tank. I lit it and gave it a good 30 seconds of priming before opening the throttle. It lit, but was spurting, like an engine hunting. It didn't get any better even with the heat shield off, so I shut it down, primed again with some meths and it fired up perfectly -just not enough priming I think. Once going properly, yes it runs hot and works very well, it is just the getting it going bit that is not very successful at the moment. I thought the idea was to have it self contained and not need ot carry seperate priming fuel. The 111. Yes, it goes fine, then just "strangulates" but the tank is still pressurised. I don't think it is water in the fuel as it is new fuel. It has never been apart, so I think it just needs pulling down and going through to clear out 50 years of soot and varnish gathering. I hope itisn't too fiddly because I don't have a workbench I can use...it will be on a tray in the galley (we don't have a kitchen either, just a tiny galley). I wouldn't risk the wrath of a she devil doing it on the table. Is there anything out of the ordinary I should be aware of? I did replace the pump last year, courtesy of the Optimus spares place, Base Camp. They were brilliant, posted the bits out immediately. I got a new tank filler seal at the same time, so those items have been done. With the 8R working so well, and a Coleman Featherlite to call on (plus a 35 year old Trangia!) I think I can afford to pull the 111 down and even respray it. It should only be apart for a couple of weeks, including the respray.
Just thinking of your safety. If you want to do it, make sure someone has a video camera, we all love a laugh
Point taken Henry. Thank you for your concern, but I did understand what he meant - as it was written it wasn't clear, so for others your interjection was worthwhile.
the question was regarding a 111, which i assumed, is burning kerosene? even letting it cool for a bit, a pump stove like the 111 should still have pressure but yes, Mr. Henry is spot on, do NOT do this with an 8R! 8-[ EDIT: i see the end of the thread here... sorry about the continuing problem on the 111!
There is a screen in the tube running from the tank to the burner, sometimes that will cause some problems if it gets clogged. http://www.base-camp.co.uk/exploded views/Optimus/111 Hike.htm
Rick, that's brilliant, thank you...off to take the fuel line off and wash the strainer out. I am sure it isn't going to need a new one (but I might just give Base Camp a ring and ask about a complete spares kit for those common items that need replacing every so often.)
Rat I wouldn't waste your money on a spares kit. Once you get it up and running it'll last you years and years. 111s are bullet proof. I doubt the screen in knackered, take it out, if it's clogged unroll it, wash it out, roll back up up and insert it (oh er matron)
