Optimus 111 jet removal

Cool.
Thanks Tony

 

Now then, did you have a cleaning needle in your burner assembly there?

Alec.

 

@Gavin Mulholland

That looks much better!

Cheers

Tony

 

No Alec,
There was nothing there at all!
I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't nothing. Is that normal for a 111?
I'm guessing this kind of blockage is an issue with the 111 or the 111b wouldn't have been needed. Is this a problem I should expect with this model?
It is much better but it still has a few issues I think.
Firstly, the junction of the control knob still catches light so tightening it hasn't really fixed the problem.
Secondly, and probably more importantly, on the water test, the filler camp seemed sound but there was the occasional bubble coming up from the pump assembly. Not much, maybe one every 30 seconds or so but would I be right in thinking that indicates an issue with the NVR?
Finally, paraffin doesn't seem to prime it very well. Should I be using something else?
Nevertheless, as you say, Tony, looking much better...

 

@Gavin Mulholland

Most important things first:

1. If you have pressure escaping from the pump, you have a problem - especially if you run your 111 on Coleman fuel rather than kerosene. It is dangerous. If fuel escapes from the pump tube while alight, you could have a major conflagration. Not so dangerous on kerosene; but a pain none the less. I run mine on kero.

Therefore you have to service your NRV. You could try pumping some kero down the pump tube and into the tank; then pressure test again. If still leaking, remove the NRV and service it.

2. The 111 is usually fitted with an internal cleaning needle, but some prefer to run them without. All you need is a fine wire to use as an external pricker (but smaller than the diameter of the jet).

3. Prime with methylated spirits (denatured alcohol).

4. Turn the packing nut 1/4 more and see if that helps. If you get to the point that it's too tight to allow the spindle to turn and it still leaks, you'll need to replace the graphite packing.

Cheers

Tony

 

Hello Gavin,

• You should have a cleaning needle in there (2457) which is designed to prevent that annoying circumstance (Basecamp spares are a good source).
• You may need a replacement piece of graphite packing (2034) behind that spindle nut to get a good seal (check out members services section here or Basecamp spares).
• Occasional bubble is OK as there is a trapped void/volume of air within the pump tube assembly which will gradually bleed/vent out, a stream of bubbles/fuel would indicate a leak.
• I would always recommend meths for priming, a small bottle can be carried in the case for this purpose

See attached image from reference gallery(image shows a "B" with two-leg burner but otherwise a sister-burner apart also from the Jet):



Happy fettling, glad to see your enthusiasm and logical approach , these are great stoves!

Alec.

 

...also, blockage of the jet is not that much of a problem if you use Good quality clean fuel...

Cheers

Tony

 

@Gavin Mulholland

Ps. @Rangie is correct about the pump (if only air is appearing, not fuel).

Our posts crossed.

Cheers

Tony

 

Thanks Alec and Tony.
Great advice.
I'll no doubt have more dumb questions shortly so thank you for your help and patience.
Gavin

 

Oh, thought of one already.
If I take the pump out and do the water test again, it should still be sealed right?

 

@Gavin Mulholland
If you pump it up, remove the pump and do the water test again (make sure the pump tube gets filled) - No bubbles should occur.

 

The 111 won't have an internal cleaning needle. That would be 111T.

Ken in NC
@Tony Press

 

Ken, my 111, 111T and 111B all came with internal cleaning needles.

 

Hi Ken, the 11 does not have an internal cleaning needle, I don't know about the early 111 but my 'late' 111 (silent) and roarers all have the internal needles. One can do without though if one has a pricker of the right size.

Best regards,

Wim

 

Ken, look at the diagram above.

Alec.

 

Both my 111 have internal cleaning needle. The same applies to every other 111 I have ever seen.

 

If this was bought off the bay, many sellers list the incorrect model without knowing what they have. I found a nice military 111 for a friend, much lower than the going price. It was listed as a 111B, but I noticed the case color and had a good enough view of the burner to see it was not a "B". Nicer than the one I had, at half the price.
Duane

 

My 111's must be early. Sorry for confusion.
(Yes, I should have included the 111B, but that was a given in the discussion)

@Rangie ... No image of a diagram that I can see.

 

Hi Gavin

The only 'Dumb Question' is a question not asked ! Now that would be really dumb (even dangerous)
Ask here and it will be answered without judgement

 

Thanks Longilily,
The knowledge on here is outstanding and so glad to be able to tap into it