Canister stove question

I've had Coleman Exponenet F1 and MSR Pocket Rocket for years and never needed an O-ring

I've had cracked O-rings on white gas fuel bottles, but they continued to work, mostly just cosmetic. If you just inspect occasionally, then replace when convenient if cracked, you should be good

My Exponent F1 developed this annoying characteristic. If it got really cold at night, something would contract so the O-ring didn't seal completely and in the morning the canister was empty. That may have been O-ring failure. Since the canister was empty, it wouldn't have helped if I had another O-ring.

Always unscrew the stove from the canister when its not in use.

"Always unscrew the stove from the canister when its not in use."

The fact that I resist doing that even though I had experience with leaking shows how dense I am, but

If you unscrew it then dirt may get where it's not supposed to be, or you might strip the threads – but that's unlikely if careful

Anybody else have an opinion whether you should uncrew when not using over night?

FYI O-Rings are sensitive to UV damage so store away from sunlight and fluorescent light in a temperature controlled environment and you'll get maximum life out of it. You can extend the life slightly by coating with a light coating of mineral oil (just wet your finger and wipe it on the o-ring).

FWIW, I never bother to unscrew the canister if I will be using the stove again before packing up and have never had a cartridge leak. I figure that removing and putting back is unnecessary wear and tear.

Lately I have been mostly using alcohol stoves though, so it hasn't been an issue.

If i was going to use it in the morning then i wouldn't unscrew it.. i usually dont cook breakfast so that doesn't come up much. i DO keep the plastic cap for the fuel canister to keep that clean.

Nothing wrong with carrying a spare in case it falls out of the stove or gets damaged. The o-ring size is 5/16" ID 7/16"OD 0.07" cross section (according to http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/FAQ_GasStoves.htm#Thread) and they are available at mcmaster.com and a package of 25" (the smallest available package) will cost $13.00.

@steven Thank You! I think I will pick up some spares. I'd rather carry one and never need it than to possibly one day be in a bind with an inoperative stove. I guess old "Be Prepared" lessons die hard.

Thanks for all the replies and caution on canister "etiquette" :)

> am wondering if its a good idea to carry a spare o ring with it?
Hot Yeah!
Nothing like seeing flames from around the canister connection!

Seriously:
The O-ring should NOT fall out of the hole, but things can happen.
You can buy spares at some auto shops or hardwares stores.
What you want is a Viton BS011 O-ring. See
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/FAQ_GasStoves.htm#Oring
for more information.

Cheers

> Anybody else have an opinion whether you should uncrew when not using over night?
I prefer to separate the stove from the canister, even overnight.

Dirt: I ALWAYS replace the plastic cap on the canister, and carefully pack the stove away.

Cheers

I also like to take the stove off the canister when not in use. MANY canister stoves lose at least some gas connected with valve off. I have seen many a hiker wake up to empty canisters in the a.m. I think it's worse when weather changes a lot too, but it happens, and so I separate mine after they are cooled off and not to be used again that meal.

I leave my Rocket Rocket connected throughout any trip. Have done so from when the Pocket Rocket first came out. No problems.

Here’s a photo:

here