SRV "to Fettle OR NOT"

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by ArizonaCamper, Dec 30, 2021.

  1. ArizonaCamper

    ArizonaCamper United States Subscriber

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    Being a newbie, and having but a few stoves, I'd like to hear about members experience in "Tuning Up" their SRV's in different stoves. I've looked at each of the SRV's in my stoves and have had a machinist friend make up a couple test articles to use to adjust the SRV's... Why "Ellipsis" you ask? No doubt a touchy subject! The tools provided by my friend are close to published specifications, BUT I'm seeing a wide variety in the sizes of the SRV's. I've found 3 different styles of "Lids" among my 4 stoves (see below). I'm leery of actually removing the SRV "Guts" until I find a good suggestion as to the process suggested, ie: solvents to loosen the parts, heat to be applied, Etc. OR am I reading too much into the situation and should I just fire up the stoves (unfettled) and hope for the best?

    There are 3 styles of lids, each type has knurled section that aids in loosening/tightening for fuel service:
    K Hex section below SRV
    K1 Fully round section just below SRV
    K2 Round section W/ pair of parallel flats just below SRV

    I have found that one of my tools will fit the 111B & the aftermarket lid supplied W/ my Optimus 8R, BUT is too tight in the SVEA 123, the Pak Cook & the OEM Optimus 8R. The other tool (probably .003 inch too small) is way too loose to effect removal/reinstall! Your thoughts, please!
     
  2. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

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    I'm in a minority, but I believe the only issue is if the SRV leaks. You can physically check your fount or tank for excess heat, then shut it off. A aerosol can thrown into a burn barrel takes 30 seconds or longer to explode. In my only SRV release on a Optimus 8 I believe it was, vented and I got a little panicky, but by then, the fount was too hot to touch more than a half second if that long, I was boiling two pots of water to make it drinkable. So not much experience on my end if things could have went on longer, nor temperature of tank. I've had at least one person say it failed. Why? Did what it was designed to do, just a big surprise when the flame appears. My Optimus Ranger 10 uses kero and the tank really gets hot on it.
    Duane
     
  3. ArizonaCamper

    ArizonaCamper United States Subscriber

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    So you'll get a flame coming up out of the SRV? I imagine that after venting, the SRV closes and all is well at that point?
     
  4. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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  5. hikerduane

    hikerduane Subscriber

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    I've replaced a few pips over the years, but only when they leaked at normal pressure. The one stove that vented resealed itself, but it has been 8 or 9 years since that happened. Many though as part of a complete fettle will replace the SRV pip, I think more issues arise then to remove it or depending on style, setting the correct pressure.
    Duane
     
  6. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    I replace the pip if I replace the gasket.