Misbehaving canister stove – help?

Hi Tim

Very much a known problem. See our article on this at:
> http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/essential_stove_maintenance.html

Yes, you need a subscription to read it, but that is only US$25. Plenty of other stoves articles there as an inducement. :-)

I suspect the jet is dirty (not blocked, just dirty). Strip the jet out and clean it.

Cheers

Wow, that was quick!

Thanks Roger, I'll give cleaning the jet a proper go (previous attempt was just using water and a 'scrubbie'). Would a thin sewing needle work for cleaning it out or is there a better way?

Tim

(might take you up on the subscription if the Pound ever gets around to recovering)

Hi Tim

> Would a thin sewing needle work for cleaning it out or is there a better way?
NO!!!!!! Using a sewing needle will damage the jet hole.

You need to find some hard thin wire of about 0.25 mm diameter to use as a 'pricker'. Treat the hole very gently: you do not want to change its size. Also clean out the inside of the jet: this may be blocked with some metal gauze. Alternately, use a shaved matchstick – but don't jam the wood in the jet! Or unravel some fine multi-strand SS fishing leader.

Water and a scrubby won't help much at all, except for external cosmetics.

Hope this helps. I will be away walking for a while from NOW.

Cheers

Having opened it up and taken the jet out I can see how the idea of a sewing needle would be a bit on the ridiculous side. Pricking the jet (not with a needle!) seemed to make no difference and you were correct about the metal gauze covering the other end, preventing me properly checking that it’s clear. Guess I need to start looking out for a replacement jet.

In the meantime it could well be a good excuse to buy a new stove.

Thanks for the help,
Tim