Kerosene burner

[john vigor]

Has anyone converted a pressure alcohol stove to kerosene? I'm told that all you have to do is screw out the alcohol burner, and screw in a kerosene burner, but I'm a cynic. Nothing to do with boats is that easy. Does anyone know where I can buy a couple of kerosone burners of the type that used to be found in the old Primus and Optimus stoves? And if anyone has actually done this conversion, I'd be grateful to know all the gory details.

And, as an afterthought, is it really necessary to buy a new burner? Isn't it just the bore of the nipple that's different--apart from the pre-heating cup that holds the priming alcohol on the kerosene burner, of course.



jvig@whidbey.net

[Tom C]

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Has anyone converted a pressure alcohol stove to kerosene? I'm told that all you have to do is screw out the alcohol burner, and screw in a kerosene burner, but I'm a cynic. Nothing to do with boats is that easy. Does anyone know where I can buy a couple of kerosone burners of the type that used to be found in the old Primus and Optimus stoves? And if anyone has actually done this conversion, I'd be grateful to know all the gory details.

And, as an afterthought, is it really necessary to buy a new burner? Isn't it just the bore of the nipple that's different--apart from the pre-heating cup that holds the priming alcohol on the kerosene burner, of course.

John, thirty years ago when I was crusing in Mexico we sometimes couldn't get kerosene but could get alcohol and vice versa. I switched my stove back and forth many times just by screwing out the burners as you've been told. It was a pressure stove I dont know if it would work on the new wicking type of stoves, but I doubt it. I don't think it's just a matter of orifice size as the burners look quite dissimilar and seem to mix the fuel and air differently. Finding primus burners these days is difficult and when you can find them they are around $ 40 each. Alcohol is highly volatile and I don't like it on a boat except in the wine locker.



TomCambria@mindspring.com

[Nolan Bell]

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Has anyone converted a pressure alcohol stove to kerosene? I'm told that all you have to do is screw out the alcohol burner, and screw in a kerosene burner, but I'm a cynic. Nothing to do with boats is that easy. Does anyone know where I can buy a couple of kerosone burners of the type that used to be found in the old Primus and Optimus stoves? And if anyone has actually done this conversion, I'd be grateful to know all the gory details.

And, as an afterthought, is it really necessary to buy a new burner? Isn't it just the bore of the nipple that's different--apart from the pre-heating cup that holds the priming alcohol on the kerosene burner, of course.

Give the folks at A&H Enterprises a call - 888-456-0748 / 714-258-2525. They specialize in refubishing alcohol and kerosene stoves. They have been helpful in providing parts for my kerosene stove and are very knowledgeable. Be sure to sit down before asking about prices. If you convert to kerosene, consider using jet A fuel or mineral spirits rather than commercial kerosene as fuel. Both are cleaner and less likely to clog burners. Most general aviation airports will sell you a few gallons of jet fuel but be sure to take a large funnel since the nozzle will be too large for a regular gas container.

Good Luck,
Nolan Bell
Shadowfax CD30




mnbell@gte.net

[john vigor]

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Thanks Tom and Nolan: between you, you've answered all my questions. Much appreciated.
Cheers
John V.




jvig@whidbey.net