I just purchased an Optimus 111 roarer. The owner stated it was a kerosene stove and the label on the box says 111 and "for kerosene" I started taking it apart since it's in bad shape. I noticed the burner has 2 tubes. I was expecting it to have 4 tubes below the burner. I've poked around some threads here and everything I see seems to indicate the kerosene burner should have 4 tubes. Where there any 111 stoves with only 2 tubes? I compared it with an 111b and the burner looks identical. I also cooked at the exploded diagram on the base-camp.co.uk website and the diagram for the kero 111 shows two tubes under the burner so now I'm confused. I hope I didn't receive some stove that had the burner assembly replaced at some point!
It sounds as though you have a 111B. Kero should have 4 tubes. I think it is more likely that someone put the 111 sticker on the 111B case.
Welcome to the site, Mate! 2 tubes = Coleman burner, but a great stove nonetheless. Be absolutely sure to replace the cap gasket AND the NRV pip (non-return-pip) at the bottom of the pump tube. They WILL be rotten/hard as rock... Both can be had via Ross (our founder) by clicking on the Fettle Box on the right of the page. Just tell him what you have, he'll send the right stuff. There are several members in the Seattle area, if you need help. I just volunteered them
Here at reference gallery there is a 111B: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/15623 There is also other 111 variants so you can see the differences easily... I think that gasoline/bensin burner it not so big problem. I it doesn't fit for your purposes someone will be happy to buy it.
Hi, the diagram is incorrect. The Optimus 111 two tube burner was never designed to burn kerosene, the four tube one was. This seems to be the second Optimus exploded diagram which provides incorrect burner identification for No. 111 type stoves. This one is also incorrect: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/9234 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi,here is a recent CCS post discussing Op.111B burners: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/27587 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Any chance you can return it and/or get a refund? You are likely to have paid a premium for the kero version.
Maybe gaso burner is the version that is not so common so it should be more easy/cheaper to get kero version. Has anyone tried to convert kero version into gaso version but cutting off and/or blocking not needed tubes on burner?
Afterburner, in the US the 111B is more common than the 111. The 111 sells for higher prices on eBay. As for conversion of 111 to burn gas nothing is necessary. Early 111 stoves had stickers that said for kerosene and gasoline. No need to cut and block any tubes. dgold, the 111B is a good stove and you'd probably enjoy it. I have a 111, 111B and 111T (need the whole set you know) but use the 111B the most. Still, it wasn't what you thought you were buying so I'd take itchy's advice and try for a refund or at least a partial refund for the seller's mislabeling. Ray
Aye....but over here...the 111s are rare like hens teeth. Im still on the hunt for one so I can have the full set too.
Thanks everyone for the info. I already own a 111b and really wanted a Kero 111 so I'm going to try to return the stove (purchased on Ebay). 111's go for a premium compared to 111b's in the USA. So I didn't get what I thought I was getting and payed too much for what I got.
Hi, dgold, If I've not already welcomed you to CCS, then welcome to CCS!!! Back before I found my first kero-burning 111, I wanted to change over one of the several 111B's that I have, to burn kerosene. It's a very simple swap, and all you need is the proper kerosene 111 burner, in order to make it happen. Just remove the stove and fuel tank from the case. Then, being careful not to harm the fuel tank, use the proper wrench on the fuel line nut to remove that from the tank. Install the kero burner that you get by putting it in place and tightening the fuel line nut, and VOILA, there you have it!! You have just converted your 111B to a true, kerosene-burning, 111!!! I was lucky to get my kero burner from a very good, and long-time friend here at CCS. But, you can find the burners for sale, now and then, on eBay, or Tradera, or other such auction sites. Post a note in the "Want to Buy" section, and see if someone has a spare 111 burner they can sell you. Once you swap the burners, your 111B will have become a true 111, and since the sticker on your case says it's a 111, all will be well, and perfect! Also, since the 111B burners are quite rare overseas, and kero 111 burners to really easier to find, why not offer to trade your 111B burner, straight across, for a good 111 burner? I'd bet someone will step up and make a trade with you, and then you, and the other person, will both be Happy Stovies!!! 8) Good luck, and let us know how it all turns out! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hey, Odd, Good man, my friend, and well done!!! I can vouch for dealing with you, and hope that the OP takes up you on your offering him a proper 111 burner!!! Thanks for jumping in on this one!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
dgold Maybe a previous owner switched burners just as Doc did. Only in reverse. The seller may have made an honest mistake not knowing about the 2 vs 4 tubes. Ken in NC
Just a followup, Thanks for the offer of trading burners but in the end the seller was nice (they didn't really know much about the stove and I'm sure it was a previous owner that probably put a 111B tank/burner in a 111 box/case. Anyways, the seller agreed to take the stove back so I sent it back today. It's funny how bad situations can end up for the better. The returned stove was in OK shape and would clean up OK. I was going to consider it a fettling project. Last night low and behold I see a 111 turn up with a buy it now option that looks to be in excellent shape and cheaper than the first stove to boot! I immediately buy it and it shipped out today. So all is good! I was thinking it could take months to find another stove and that it would go for astronomical prices like these have been selling at lately. I'm a happy camper!
glad things worked out - enjoy your new 111 and make sure to post pics of it in action!!! willie on the kero burnin' Gulf of Mexico
