How can I get the cleaning needles out. I have Radius burners and the plug looks to be 5mm but i can't get a wrench to turn it. I see tools listed in the catalouge but wondered if there is something that would work. And once that is out will the adjusting rod back out? Thanks for any advice.
Sorry. Its a carlson Marinecrafter. circa 1959 it uses radius burners. I tried a 5mm wrench but can't break the nut loose. Will soak it tonite in pb blaster.It looks like it needs some kind of socket from the top.
Yes. The flame is not as good on this burner and I thought a good clean would help. Do I need a special tool to remove the jet? And once this is out will the adjusting needle come out? I need to replace the valve packing. I am working from the drawing of the radius 30 in the instruction sections.
You do need a special tool to remove the jet. You can make one from some bar or rebar. The jet is 5mm as you know. The Non return valve uses the same size. Post You can also buy the tools on ebay or Basecamp. Link Once you have removed the jet the cleaing needle will come out when you turn the spindle counter clockwise. The you can remove the jam nut on the spindle and then the spindle will unscrew. Sounds like your burner may be filled up with carbon. Normal for burners with age and use. Jeff
I was able to get the jet out (see pict). I used a homemade tool.Worked well. Now, what is the best way to clean? soak or wire brush. And part A seems worn on the shaft. Replace? part B was ceramic ? and came out in pieces. And part C has a slight bend near the outer end but the needle end and threads look good. Replace or use? When it was lit I got flames out the adj valve so thats why I wondered what to replace. Being a old Radius will parts be available.? Thanks for any suggestions.
Part B is graphite. Wash to remove oil residue and soak in vinegar or citric solution for a half hour. Wipe clean with fine steel wool and/or brass brush. You should be able to straighten that spindle pretty easily. Just go easy. I use a soft face hammer on a wood block and spin/tap until it rolls true. You can tape some leather or a few layers of cloth to a regular hammer if you don't have one. You can also just use another small block of wood and use it like a punch with good results. If the burner is clogged, heat and quench in cold water several times. You'll be amazed how much crap comes out. Mike
Everything looks good. Besides the graphite packing. The good news is that parts are available for these burners since they used some of the same parts as Optimus stoves. It might be worth ordering a Optimus repair kit if you plan on using the stove often. I don't see any on ebay right now. There is Basecamp in England There is also A & H Enterprises in CA USA. They might have parts. They are a two person businessso it may take time. I can send you some graphite tape that you can use to make a new packing. Jeff
Thank you for the offer. I am going to try one of the suppliers listed for the graphite ring and a few other parts. I measured the wire on my cleaning needle and it looks to be 2mm. Just guestimating the length of the wire in the cutaway picture that one looks about 4mm. Is there a way to change the wire? Isee a small hole on the side. Could that have a set screw?
Hello, The cleaning needle may still be good and may not need to be changed. There is no set screw but the wire is crimped into place. I use a very small flat nose screwdriver do this. You can use the screwdriver to remove the old one too. Check out these two posts DIY pricker Post You may be able to find the right size wire around the shop. Welding brushes are great. Cheers, Jeff
