Optimus 8r and Coleman service

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by Dave Haynes, Nov 13, 2020.

  1. Dave Haynes United States

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    Deer season starts a week from today and it's time for me to start camping instead of the 35 mile drive there before daylight and back home after after dark each day. Want to boil water for a thermos of coffee and oatmeal so got out my '70s Optimus 8r and Coleman gas camp stove. Not been used for a few years and new fuel didn't get either of them going. My guesses are Coleman needs a new regulator but can't find one nearby.
    Pump cap for the 8r is clogged. Warming the tank in the sun or priming with bit of fuel got her lit but either didn't build enough pressure or the fuel flow wasn't right to keep her going. I'll try again today but any ideas will be appreciated.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 16, 2020
  2. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    @Dave Haynes

    I’m not sure what you mean by the “pump cap is clogged”, but you will most likely need a new fuel cap washer. Try putting some Vaseline on it. That might work as a temporary solution.

    A new washer should be Viton or another fuel resistant rubber.

    Cheers

    Tony
     
  3. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Do you mean that you cannot pump the pump through the cap into the tank?

    Disassemble the cap and check if the pip(s) are hard. They are probably stuck too. New filler cap gasket and pips are in order.
     
  4. Dave Haynes United States

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    Had time to think about it and that's my first problem. I've worked up the courage to take the pump cap apart this morning.
    Put a bit of fuel in the cup and it sputtered and died so there may be another problem.
    Panicked and went to Walmart this morning for their $18 propane.
    That should make the coffee this weekend, but one way or another the 8r will roar again.
    Kids grew up, wife rebelled, our RMNP adventures ended and camping gear has sat for far too long. I'm 71 but not dead yet.
    Thanks Tony and snwcmpr. This place is great.
     
  5. OMC

    OMC United States Subscriber

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    Hi Dave and Welcome!,
    Be it 2 miles from your house, or the banks of the Illinois, or the big river valley or the Wabash...
    they are plentiful and there is no better tasting deer is what i hear. As you know folks come from miles around to share in the bounty you're known for in that area.

    edit, doh, Dave does "35 mile drive" so not hunting near the big river or the Wabash, and more than 2 miles out, oops. ok.

    Re your "...the 8r will roar again. Kids grew up, wife rebelled, our RMNP adventures ended and camping gear has sat for far too long. I'm 71 but not dead yet."
    You are inspirational, thanks.
    --------------------------------------

    shhhh @Haggis that's right, you want some meaty good eatin', c'mon down! (and thaw out) lol
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2020