Hello I bought a Optimus 111 at a church sale this summer. It's brand new stock; maybe 20 years old or so -- still with tags, etc. Maroon handle on the burner control. When I was young I had a smaller version, which I don't think had a pump, but it used white gas and I used it all the time, camping and sailing. Funny, I often wondered what happened to it -- I was sort of fond of it. Anyway, this unit says it uses kerosene, which interests me, as I like this fuel for a couple of reasons. OK, I just dragged it out of the garage to prep for a hurricane and that's when I realized I know nothing about this stove nor the pump which doesn't seem to work. I have watched a few videos, on priming the burner, on filling, etc via youtube but nothing shows me the pump assembly. How do I know if I'm missing the leather cap? Starting from the outside, if I unscrew the pump cap and rod holder there is no rubber/leather o ring, there is no o ring around the rod hole, however if you pull the rod out, there is a short cylinder 1/4 inch (10 mm or so) with leather on the outside - but nothing I would describe as a cap. I'm familiar with coleman pumps on their lamps, you turn, you pump (and oil occasionally )-- but this pump doesn't seem all there, it just spins, I did oil what leather I saw, but that didn't seem to do much. I've looked around this forum for a bit, I was wondering if there a drawing or picture of the pump assembly? Any comments would be greatly appreciated
It's a leather pump CUP not cap. These don't lock like Colemans do and they will just spin. Pull the pump rod, oil the leather well and spread it out like an umbrella. Keep working it like this for a bit and ensure it's saturated with oil. Gently put it back into the tube taking care not to let any of it fold over or crimp. Test it first to make sure the NRV/check valve is working properly.(empty the tank, turn the valve off, pump it up, remove the pump, and dunk the whole burner/tank assembly in a bucket of water and look for bubbles. If you get bubbles, get back with us noting where the bubbles are coming from. If not, shake it dry, fill it up, pump it up, prime it, and enjoy. If you do search on the upper right, you will find TONS of info on the 111 series. Mike
111 Exploded View If the stove was sitting in storage for 20 years, check the seal in the filler cap. If not soft, you better replace it. Yonadav
Hi, and welcome. The 111 is the stove I will trust over all other stoves as my backup at home. It needs some regular maintainence The leather cup is getting hard after long time storage, soke it in some oil over night. (not to crude oil, but anything will do) When it is softend give it a little massage, and put the rod carefully back. The check valve may be stuck after so many years, but will probably work. A few drops of oil in the pump approx once a year and testing it will probably keep it alive for many more years. What else may go wrong? The seal in t the filler cap may be hard, and needs replacement. (A simple o-ring may do) It may be a small leak around the spindle to the regulation wheel, (remove the handle when pumping, and reduce the risk of bending the handle) If it leaks, just tighten the nut slightly during use, do not overtighten! Follow the procedures when firing it up, (preheat well with meths) The safety valve in the cap will usually work with no maintenance. This stove is designed for kerosene, but may burn many other fuels. Some fuels may clog or soot (lamp oil diesel and fat oils)White spirit,(paint thinner)barbecue lighter fluid that smells like kero use to work well. Using white gas may be a risk, if you get a leak. The one you have used before may be one like this: 8R dsk
Thanks for these instructions. I will following them precisely It will be great not to have to purchase propane tanks just for emergencies, when kero stores well and can be used in all kinds of ways.
Thanks for these pictures, it's clear I don't have the leather cup - just the cylinder it sits around.
yonadav, thanks for the exploded view. What chances are there for purchasing the leather cup? I see some part no's, and some cross/outs for new numbers. Checking the British vender site I see 2261 Pump leather to fit brass carrier on stoves 00, 96, 111, Primus 210. Temp out of stock 2261A Pump leather for stoves 00, 111 post 1985, Is there a way to know the year of my stove. It has a maroon control knob, I saw a reference somewhere that it may be from the 70's? I see they still make a Optimus Hiker+, It looks almost the same, would it's leather cup work?
Hi, a fellow CCS member, Sefa, makes the best pump leathers in the World. Just tell him which stove you want the pump leather for. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-x-PUMP-...241?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4153fdb581 Best Regards, Kerophile.
Hi, rather than going direct to ebay, stay on this forum and go to "The Trading Post" select "Members Services" then scroll down to Sefa selling pump cups. This avoids Sefa paying ebay fees, and cheaper for you also. Same person, same leather cups. Also lots of other fettling items available here from CCS members ChrisQ
