[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [at-l] Whisperlite & fuel use

Ouch, that's a lot of fuel.  Sounds like the possibilities might include
a) priming - are you cranking the thing continually during this phase and
seeing huge yellow flames, or doing the more appropriate quick valve open
and close - just enough to wet the cup approach?  Yellow flames at any
point in the stove's usage suggest inefficient burn, excessive fuel usurption.
b) pressurization - 20 pumps is right for a full bottle near sea level, more
are needed for less fuel and a higher point of usage.  Improper pressurization
means a lower, weaker flame for a given setting on the fuel valve, prompting
one to turn up the fuel to compensate.  Control a weak flame by pumping more
air, not turning up the valve.  c) any manner of leakage, either of fuel or
air.  Inspect the pump mechanism carefully, pulling it apart if necessary.
Check the o-ring seals, and the check valve ball.  The ball is crucial for
keeping pressure in the bottle - it lies just inside the base of the pump,
turn the plastic lip with the appropriate tool provided.  Make sure it's clean and in place.  As a rule of thumb, if you've got the bottle pressurized as seems accurate per
pumping it, and you're forced to turn the fuel valve more than three turns,
air is either escaping or not entering in the first place.
Any suspicions of your own?
- Blister>Free '96
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

==============================================================================