Optimus 22

Discussion in 'Optimus No:22 (all variants)' started by ChrisW, Nov 13, 2015.

  1. ChrisW

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    I have this stove now for a little while. Some time ago I cleaned out a storage unit that belongs to my scouting group here in the Netherlands. We came across this stove and everybody thought that it was too old to use anymore, so they wanted to trow it away..!
    I saw it and thought to myself, that looks awesome! So i took it home with me to check it out and maybe use it if it still works.

    I don't know if it still works, I haven't tested it yet. I read here that this stove use kerosene as fuel? in the Netherlands it is called "Petroleum" I found out.
    I'm thinking of cleaning it before using it, there is a lot of dirt on the burners. Or do you guys think that is not necessary?

    I found this site while looking for information about the stove, I already read a lot here but I want all the information I can get! :D
    So, what can you guys tell me about this stove? What year was is made? Is it in good condition? Is it true that this stove uses Kerosene? What would it be worth in today market here in the Netherlands? Can I still use it as a stove when I go camping?

    A lot of questions, I know.. ;) But I want to know as much about this beauty as possible! :)

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  2. Metropolitantrout

    Metropolitantrout SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Hi Chris,
    Welcome and great stove! To get it running again you will probably need to soak the pump leather in oil. Many oils will work but I use motor oil. It's possible that the NRV (Non Return Valve) located inside the tank needs replacing. For that you will need a NRV tool. The fuel cap will likely need new seals (gasket and pip). You should be able to find all of those parts here in the Fettlebox store.

    Priming the stove with alcohol will help give it some pressure in addition to the pump. You're burners look pretty clean to me, probably no need to clean them unless you prefer to. Check the gallery for more tips and info about this fine stove!

    These are great stoves and yours is in very nice shape!
    Jerry
     
  3. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    This looks to be a kerosene/paraffin stove NOT a GASOLINE/BENZIN/PETROL stove.

    Very fine condition. Thank you for sharing it, and welcome to CCS.

    Ken in NC
     
  4. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Hi, Chris,

    Welcome to CCS!! Your Optimus 22 is not only still worth using, but is far better at cooking and boiling water than most of the modern ones that people use today! I have several of those, we my wife and I love using them whilst camping! They will last far longer, too, than the modern stoves, and can offer you many years of faithful service, once it's properly maintained. Jerry gave you some good information, and there is plenty more info on your stove here at CCS. Congratulations on getting a very fine example of Swedish engineering and design. You will love it, once you get it up and running! Thanks for all the great photos, too. We love that sort of thing here at CCS! Have fun servicing your new stove, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  5. Krestova Jane

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  6. Dutch_Peter

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    Hi Chris,

    That's one awesome stove! It has not been used much, judging by the condition of the paint and the overall stove. Many people here on this forum would be on the lookout for that stove. It is a great performer giving about 3 kW per burner.

    To get it running:
    1) Learn how a paraffin stove works. They all work basically the same. For instance see instructions here: https://classiccampstoves.com/forums/optimus.39/

    2) Give it a service (it should be easy):
    --> Oil the pump leather (as Jerry says above) and pump. If it builds and holds pressure, you're good for a test run!
    --> If it leaks pressure, then rubber seals need to be replaced. There are a few:
    1) The rubber ring under the fuel cap:
    2) The NRV (NL: terugslagventiel) at the bottom of the pump tube.
    3) The SRV (NL: Overdrukventiel) on top of the fuel cap.

    The fuel is Petroleum (EN: paraffin, US: Kerosene) indeed. Petroleum is safe to use.
    It will run on Benzine (UK: Petrol, US: Gasoline) as well, but that's not safe. One leak or user error with Benzine and it will give a fireball and set the place on fire. Please don't use Benzine ..

    If you need inspiration: Please see my 22: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/optimus-22-nl-army.23952/

    Groeten,
    Peter


    Btw: Don't throw it away. It's worth some cash if you don't want it. Search sold listings on Ebay to get an idea of how much.
     
  7. tetley

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    it's old tat. post it to me and i'll bin it for you :lol:
     
  8. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Morning, Chris, and All,

    Chris wrote: "What would it be worth in today market here in the Netherlands?"

    As you tucked this line into your original questions, I'm thinking you are probably more into selling this stove, than using it. Is that right? If so, why not go ahead and say it? You can easily sell your stove to one of our members, and it would "stay in the family" that way.

    As for me, I have four 22 model stoves:
    2 - 22B's (Coleman Fuel)
    1 - 22 (kerosene)
    1 - 22B (factory setup for Meths).

    I could sell mine, too, but why would I? I love these stoves!! They work wonderfully, and they are robust, and easy to use and maintain. I heartily recommend that you keep and use your stove. But, if that is not what you want to do, then offer it here, so that one of our members can own and enjoy your Optimus 22!! Good luck, whatever you decide to do, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  9. ChrisW

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    Hello everybody!

    First of all, thank you all for the great help so far! O:)
    @Doc Mark, i have no intension of selling the 22. I asked for the value because i just wanted to know everything about it ;)
    Sometimes old items, like this stove, are very collectible items and they could be worth more as a showpiece than as a 'daily driver'. Bus i read that alot of people use it when they go camping and that is what i'm also planning of doing.

    I have tried to get the stove started but i am getting no pressure in the tank... So i probably need to replace all the rubber rings. I found a service kit online for the 22, https://fettlebox.co.uk/optimus-no-111-22-service-kit.html
    Is that the set of rings i need for my stove?
    And how do i replace the NRV? it is at the bottom of the tank/pump tube.. I probably need some kind of special tool for it?

    I hope i can get the stove up and running because i think it is a beautiful stove! Today i cleaned the stove a bit because there was a lot of black build-up and some old grease spots from the last time it was used. Happy with the result so far, i will probably upload some pictures tomorrow :mrgreen:
     
  10. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Morning, Chris,

    I'm overjoyed that you are planning to keep and use this great stove! You will be VERY happy with it. As to maintaining it, please spend a bit of time in the Fettling area, and you will find everything you need to know about servicing and maintaining your Optimus 22. Yes, the kit you linked is just right for fettling your #22. You will also need an NRV tool, which can be had at The Fettle Box, too. Part of the fun in getting an old stove like yours back up and running again, is learning how it works, and just how to service it properly! Once you have mastered just a few small skills, you can keep it running for your lifetime, and if you pass it down, on into the future!!

    Give the Fettling area some looks, and if you have questions, please don't be afraid to ask! Congrats on getting a great stove, and have fun fettling, then using it!! Take care, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  11. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Maybe you can send a PM to @Dutch_Peter to see if he may assist you. I do not know how close you are to him.

    Ken in NC
     
  12. ajvuik

    ajvuik Subscriber

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    Hey Chris,

    I also have an Optimus 22 and I can tell you, if you don't mind the sound of a roarer(bruller) stove, than this stove will outperform a Coleman stove. I also agree with @Dutch_Peter, please use petroleum in this stove, not benzine or spiritus!

    if you need help, don't hesitate to ask.
     
  13. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    For some of our other international readers.
    Reference this link for more information .... International fuel names link

    Ken in NC
     
  14. Dutch_Peter

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    Hi Chris,

    Good to read that you like to get your 22 up and running and that you're ordering washers :thumbup:


    You wrote that you're getting no pressure in the tank.

    I'd like to ask: Is it because your pump itself does not work? So if you pump, does the plunger just move around and you don't feel any pressure from it?
    If so, then please:
    1) Check if the pump leather is oiled/greased. (Make sure to pull the leather a little "out" so it touches the inside of the pump tube to make a seal)
    2) If you have pressure but it's not getting into the tank, then put some Petroleum into the pump tube and try to push it through the NRV with the pump.

    If this works and the NRV is still holding pressure, then you can choose to leave it.

    The NRV can be tricky to get out and you need a special tool. Please see this link for more information: https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/nrv-tools-stove-legs-burner-repairs.17803/
    Alternatively tool can be made from a solid steel rod that fits into the tube. Make a 5 mm wide slot at the end of the rod that fits over the NRV.
    Be careful when removing the NRV, because if it's stuck and you "round off" the edges, then it's getting really hard to get it out!
    The special tool is better, if you want to spend the money.


    I can also help you in person if you want to visit and bring the stove. Or maybe @ajvuik can help if he's closer to your location?

    Cheers,
    Peter
     
  15. kerophile

    kerophile United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

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  16. Jeopardy

    Jeopardy Subscriber

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    @snwcmpr thanks Ken, I was looking for the link to Doron Papo's excellent and frankly indispensable article. It used to be prominent in the links page in CCSv3 and I hope it will be again if @Spiritburner sets it up again.
    Regards
    John
     
  17. Billyboy

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    I'm green with envy...
     
  18. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    You are welcome John
     
  19. ChrisW

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    Wow! a lot of responses :content:

    @Dutch_Peter , I have been tinkering with the stove and i think the valve itself is okay but the pump is leaking pressure, so a change of washers and leathers should do the trick! But, i am not a specialist so i hope that i am right. It looks like the pump leather is just corroded over the years of storage. I've tried oil and pulling the leather out so it would make a better seal but no luck so far, it's just to dried out. So i am going to order the kit i showed earlier.

    @Billyboy , :mrgreen::mrgreen: I am very happy i found it! I will take good care of it ;)


    The NRV tool looks like a tool i already have here at home so i'm going to give it a try, carefully! And otherwise i'm just going to order the tool, it's not expensive and if i'm going to use it for many years it's a great investment :)

    So far this forum really helped me a lot! I know allot more than before and i'm learning so many new things about this stove but also other things, recipes, other stove, the history of stoves and such items. It's brilliant for all kinds of people, not just collectors or specialist but 'normal' people that want to use a different kind of cooking device! :thumbup:
    :thumbup:
     
  20. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Chris, that is good news. It is a very fine stove, one of the best. I hope you enjoy it for years to come.

    Ken in NC