Hey I'm from Australia and new to this forum and have just bought an older Optimus 111B, my first older fuel stove. I just want to find out how and what needs to be regularly maintained on these older stoves. The stove seems to work well with the exception of the cleaning needle being broken. I have heard (maybe on here) that with these stoves, the valve at the base of the pump can leak causing problems especially when using petrol. While using my stove there does not seem to be any back pressure forcing the pump out (i think this happens when the non return valve? is worn) but i can smell fuel on the end of the pump when i remove it, i am using shellite/white gas. Any feedback would be great. Cheers Luke
Yes, if the NRV fails, air (and fuel) pass back from the tank into the pump-tube. First thing you'll notice is that the pump-rod is pushed back out of the tube and the stove doesn't run as well because the tank is losing pressure. If fuel also leaks from the tank, it fills the pump-tube and soon leaks from the end. Then it catches fire and that's when things get interesting! You can usually turn the stove off, but the flames dancing around the tank and heating it up are a bit of a concern! A wet (but not dripping) cloth, or something similar, draped over the stove usually restores things to rights, assuming nothing else has caught fire while you went for it. These are petrol stoves largely based on kereosene technology and their continued safe use demands the NRV is in tip-top condition at all times. It needs inspecting regularly and replacing at the slightest sign of anything wrong. Now there might be a perfectly innocent reason why your pump-tube/rod smells of fuel, but it could easily be the first sign that the rubber 'pip' in the NRV is beginning to fail. I'd be taking it out - you need the correct tool - and replacing it to be sure. I wouldn't advise using the stove until you had done so. Just my two penn'orth...
Hi, Luke, David has pegged it, square on the head, and I can add nothing to what he's already suggested. When dealing with a 111B, which was derived from a kero design, it's always best to be safe than sorry, when it comes to the NRV. Definitely change it out. That way, you know, for sure. Great stove, by the way! I have, and use, several of them. Oh, do not refill it, when another stove is blazing away nearby!! How do I know this?? Don't ask!! 8-[ Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Thanks for the advice. Will get on to that pretty soon. Will probably have some more questions later. Cheers Luke
