Optimus 8R Stove Repair/Rebuilding - Part 1: Disassembly

[@antonyweisstock7167]

Thanks for a really great video! My 8R was working but not like yours, so I buffed it up, changed the fuel cap gasket and re-set the needle rack. Holy moly that thing kicks heat now! Made some tea and now I'm happy. This was my dad's stove and now it's going to have a new life and new adventures with me and my son! Cheers!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Bravo! 👏 I'm really glad my video could help you keep your family stove alive for future generations of fun. BD

[@robertglidewell9494]

SAME story...Always wanted it to be the case with my son... You are blessed

[@franklugo6928]

Glad I found this video. I was gifted this burner and wanted to make sure I could work on it. Now I know I can!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

You can do it!

[@mfsibbald]

I love love love people like yourself. You take something old and elegant and offer insight and instruction on how to bring them back to life. You Sir, are a class act.

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Thanks! BD

[@georgekamarineas7741]

Your confidence-inspiring content is the perfect compliment for those reliable stoves! Thank you for taking the time to pass on your expertise to the rest of us!

[@norchris]

Thank you, very grateful for your very thorough video. Helped me out 😊

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Glad it helped!

[@normanmallory2055]

That is a wonderful stove the Optimus 8R , mine is 55-56 years old now and has never failed me .. Nothing wrong with cooking over a campfire it's how i was taught back in the 1950's.. But packing firewood when i would be camped in Alpine areas where there was none , i thought there has to be a better way so i looked into it .By gawd REI sold them in the Seattle store .. First model i bought was the Svea 123 and a couple months later the Optimus 8R those two models all the years i have used them have never ever failed.. Gawd 30 years later i replace the fuel cap gasket that was it ..Thank you very well done ..

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Thanks! Glad I could help you keep your old (but completely usable) stove alive. Great story, too. Thanks for sharing! BD

[@hsaurid]

Well done video on 8R disassembly, Gary!

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

Great video. I now know how to disassemble the stove. Thanks Gary good information.

[@BigArch6564]

Cracking honest vlog and thanks for sharing buddy.

[@cdnd13]

You are the best!

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Great video. I'm on to part 2 😊

[@laverdafan]

Eleven millimetres is 7/16 in the old money !!. Like your style keep up the good work.

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Glad you like the videos. But, DON'T use a 7/16" on the 11mm tank pipe nut. NO they aren't the same size, not even close - 7/16" is bigger than 11mm and will fit sloppy. You WILL round over the soft brass hex fittings if you try it. Use the right tool for the job or have someone else do it for you. They don't make these stoves or replacement parts anymore. 👍😎 BD

[@laverdafan]

@@BernieDawgCinema I totally agree. Have been a diesel mechanic for 35 years, i would use a flare nut spanner (wrench) or crows foot. Just got into these old stoves, i think i maybe addicted! Love their simplicity but also clever design. Have watched many of your vids. Share the knowledge !!

[@laverdafan]

@@BernieDawgCinema And that would be an eleven millimetre wrench too!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Yup. Flare nut wrench in 11mm is the way to go. Take it easy, go slow, and good luck to you on the new stove hobby. Please remember that these stoves are of soft/brittle brass and the torque on these is *way* lower than on a diesel truck engine. 😳👍 BD

[@pierrebilodeau1649]

Thank you

[@khaled454]

A beautiful stove. I am confused about the fuel. Kerosene. When it ignites, the flame becomes unstable. My friend says that kerosene is not suitable. Low-octane gasoline is better. Is what he says correct?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Only use Coleman, Crown, MSR Superfuel, or other naphtha camping appliance fuel. While you can use gasoline the stuff you get at the pump these days is chock full of additives and ethanol and won’t be good for your stove long term. The lower the octane the better. NEVER use kerosene, diesel, heating oil or other heavy fuels in these stoves - they weren’t designed to burn that stuff. Here’s the manual: www.berniedawg.com/optimus-8r-manual/ BD

[@andymanr67]

Thank you for this wonderfully complete video. I was very careful to follow your steps to disassemble my stove. Unfortunately, I found that a previous owner broke the spindle... probably because they didn't take off the jet first. Do you know of a source for a replacement spindle? Thank you in advance!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Andy Rosser Thanks to you, too, and you're welcome. For best fit, try Base-Camp, www.base-camp.co.uk/Optimus.html, part #2189. You can also find combined kits of Optimus-brand repair part kits direct from Optimus and for Svea/Optimus small stoves on Amazon. Just search on "Optimus stove repair" and they should turn up. For other stove parts, I maintain a list of stove part suppliers at my webpage: www.berniedawg.com/stove-part-supplier-links/ BD

[@andymanr67]

@@BernieDawgCinema thank you so much. Wonderful resources. I'll be watching the video as I put it all back together!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Andy Rosser You're welcome. Glad I could help. Give a shout to the email if you need more advice or directions. [e-mail] Happy camping! BD

[@Thereal111t]

Outstanding!

[@wanttogo1958]

You probably address my question in another video. If so please direct me there. I have owned an 8R since the earlier '70s. Great stove! Has served me well. I recently became more interested in the Optimus 99s. My question is are all burner and tank related parts interchangeable between those two stove models? Thanks for all of the great information and your "if its not broken don't fix it" approach to maintenance on these ingenious little devices that make life in the backcountry that much more enjoyable.

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@wanttogo Thanks! Yes. Optimus 99 and 8R parts on the tank and burner are the same and compatible. Just in different case styles. It's why I don't have a Optimus 99 video - same stove, same procedure. (Not sure if I actually ever mentioned it. Oops.) Good call! 👍 BD

[@wanttogo1958]

@@BernieDawgCinema thanks. You jave a great channel!

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@wanttogo Thank you very much. 😊 BD

[@andreascaveman]

Thanks for your excellent videos!! But Ohjoi, i think the fuel pipe itself twisted approx. 45 degrees (but didn't snap) when trying to unscrew the tank with handpower in a wise :/ First i thought it was unscrewing nicely, not really sure how much (If any). First owner of this 8R, so no weird "repairs" of it from before..

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Ouch!

[@andreascaveman]

@@BernieDawgCinema yeah.. maybe it is a bit too risky to try twisting it back?

[@andreascaveman]

Update: gently twisted it back without any cracks! *PUH* Next, i am getting that brake line tool and some heat!

[@richardr4786]

Where do you get parts for this stove? Especially the gas cap gasket?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Check the description box below the video for links to parts. BD

[@robertglidewell9494]

What is your recommendation for actually cleaning the parts (solvent, degreaser, soft tooth brushes, etc?) Thx...

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Robert Glidewell Sure. Any/all of those. Also Simple Green, hot soapy water, solvents or hot soapy water in ultrasonic cleaners, brass-bristled brushes, soaking in water for a long time, etc. Whatever you find that works without discoloring or damaging the brass. Steel brushes, sandpaper, scrubbie pads, ScotchBrite, etc are no good. Drop me an email on the very long list of questions in your other post. KZbin comments are not like social discussion forums - sorry. [e-mail] 👍😎 BD

[@andreascaveman]

The burner on my stove seems to be quite stuck to the tank.I guess optimus used some thread sealing glue? Could i apply some extra force to untighten it?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Possibly, but not in my experience. Though it's hard to say what some other person might have done to the stove before you. Lots of people work on these and create their own "solutions" which may be handed down to you. The joint is a tapered pipe joint, so it will tighten and seal without the use of sealants, thread lockers or glue, and such methods are unnecessary to achieve a fluid-tight joint. You could try warming the area of the joint but you must be careful if you are using flame that you do not ignite residual fuel vapors. Best bet is to use a brake line wrench (aka flare nut wrench) of the proper size and make sure you are turning the feed pipe nut the correct direction. Lefty-loosey, righty-tighty, or, counter-clockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten. Drop me a note at [e-mail] if you have more questions. Happy to help. Good luck. 👍 BD.

[@azroyazroy6315]

i have one.broke.can use for sparepart

[@theevilkoala-x]

@BernieDawg Cinema Thanks for sharing. I'm trying to rebuild my 8R but the nut that connects the fuel tank and the elbow piece that has the wick is extremely tight (and the nut also seems striped a little), any tips on how to remove it? I see from your video you can remove that part without too much force. I tried removing mine by 2 people and that piece not turning at all. Please help.

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Anne Fung In the video description box below the video I give you an email address where you can write and get additional advice and assistance. Here are some thoughts I have. First, as I say in the video, unless there is a reason to do so, you don’t need to do this disassembly. Consider first, why are you trying to take it apart? Does the stove not work? Have you replaced the rubber gaskets first?

[@damiantuttle1348]

HI Bernie, I'm currently restoring an Optimus 111 stove , would you happen to know what the correct colour code and type of paint finish was applied as standard, my stove had been brushed with any old paint various colours over the years. I am rather particular about getting the details correct .any help greatly appreciated. Kind regards Damian

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@damian tuttle Maybe best to just watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYLNn6CgYtd8n5o Or, you can read all the following blah-blah that I wrote before enough caffeine reminded me I'd already done a video on the subject of 111 case restoration/painting. Doh! All Optimus stoves were painted without primer and simply used automotive-style paints. Sorry. No one anywhere knows the "correct color code" for you stove. Folks at Optimus were secretive in the day and the folks there now have simply discarded all that history out of lack of interest (okay, boomer-ism). If you want an exact match, you could take a color correct stove to a body shop and have them mix/match it for you - it'll cost you a bundle to do that and may be hard to find a shop that'll do small quantities for a stove. If you want the most common of the Optimus blue colors, then see what you think of the best off-the-shelf match I use. Dupli-Color Medium Maui Blue BGM0423 is very close (imo). If you are in the UK or EU, you may have other colors of automotive paint available to you to select from. Haunt the paint aisles of your local automotive supply shop. Make some selections and try them out. No need for any special "heat resistant" paints. Optimus didn't use them and auto paint is both heat resistant and fuel proof if allowed a full 30-day air cure. That said... if you set your stove on fire (fuel leaks, operation mistakes), even "heat resistant" paints will bubble and scorch. Good luck! BD

[@damiantuttle1348]

@@BernieDawgCinema brilliant Sir , what a wonderful helpful reply , thanks so much I'll certainly watch the video . Kind regards Damian

[@mikaeljonsson462]

Have an old optimus 8 and need to change wick. Burner is stuck to tank. How to proceed to make it loose? Heating the burner? Penetrating oil? Just force? Best regards, Mikael Jonsson

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Mikael Jonsson Thanks for your question. The Optimus 8 (no R) exists in at least three different variants. One of the variants has the fuel feed pipe permanently affixed to the tank - it is not removable, and that’s okay because there is no wick in that one - so no need to replace the wick. The two other styles have completely different disassembly methods. Drop me an email with some photos of your stove and I can describe (with pictures) how to disassemble the variety of Optimus 8 (no R) that you have. Doing them all here in this little text box is really beyond the scope of KZbin comments. [e-mail] 👍 BD

[@CARRY69420]

I have one of these that needs repair and Im wondering if I could send it to you mate

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Garrett Henning Thanks for asking. This is a pretty nice video series I've done that shows you how to do the work yourself. I have additional videos that show how to rebuild the fuel cap yourself, too. Maybe take a look at those videos and consider if it would be something you could handle (I'd bet yes). If you still want *me* to do it, send me an email with some photos of your stove to my business address here: [e-mail] . That way I can see the condition of your stove and what is needed and give you a better idea on cost. Isn't going to be cheap, but, then, you could always do it yourself from the videos if you decide the cost is too high for you. BD

[@АлексейКулешов-г2ч]

Интересное увлечение, быть повелителем пламени)

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Алексей Кулешов kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGq7m4lvmrWphbs Что-то здесь не так. 😳 BD

[@Johnzapa]

one big question . that stove function with gas oil? not alcohol, or is posibile to make a mixture with us

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@johnzappa h These types of stoves use "white gas" or "white gasoline", aka naphtha or Coleman fuel. I don't know your country because you don't say. I don't know what "gas oil" is. These stoves DO NOT run on alcohol or any mixture of alcohol. These stoves DO NOT run on kerosene or any mixture of kerosene.To find the proper fuel for these stoves where you live, consult this chart of international fuel names to find the country and language you use: bushwalkingnsw.org.au/clubsites/FAQ/FAQ_FuelNames.htm Column three (3) is the type of fuel you want. BD

[@ivanstan2008]

I have a problem removing fuel pipe from tank since its really soft copper. Any suggestions? Would heating it up loosen it?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

I'm assuming you have an 8R and not an 8. The joint is a tapered pipe joint, so it will tighten and seal without the use of sealants, thread lockers or glue, and such methods are unnecessary to achieve a fluid-tight joint. You *could* try warming the area of the joint but you *must be careful* if you are using flame that you do not ignite residual fuel vapors. The best bet is to use a brake line wrench (aka flare nut wrench) of the proper size and make sure you are turning the feed pipe nut the correct direction. Lefty-loosey, righty-tighty, or, counter-clockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten. Drop me a note at [e-mail] if you have more questions or need more guidance. Happy to help. Good luck. 👍 BD.

[@dale2625]

I have a Olympic 99 backpacking stove. I need parts. Where can i get parts?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

I think you mean you have an *Optimus* 99 backpacking stove. Check the description box under this video for several links to suppliers of Optimus or Optimus-compatible parts and to even more links of stove part supplies. 😎👍 BD

[@dale2625]

I still don't see any links. Your Video was really helpful. Thank you.

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Huh! You must be viewing from a phone? Checking with my phone... I slide off the end of the video title all the way to the right past the word "Disassembly". There is a little "caret" symbol or "v" shape. Click on that and the description for the video with tons of info folds down where you can see it. Now you'll know how you can see description stuff on other peoples videos, too! Woo-HOO! Technology! Or...just try the links at my blog page: www.berniedawg.com/stove-part-supplier-links/ or search "Optimus 8R" or "optimus 99" at eBay to find suppliers of parts for these long-out-of-production stoves. Or, contact me directly via my email (it's in the description, too) at: [e-mail] if things still don't work out for you and I'll give you all those links in an email. Easy-peasy! BD

[@dale2625]

@@BernieDawgCinema thank you from all us computer illiterate viewers! Thanks again.

[@dale2625]

Im just trying to find a wick and graphite sean for my Olympus99.

[@percyb8755]

What material is the gasket that goes in the cap through which the fuel is added?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@percy b Viton is the only good choice for fuel-safe gaskets on Optimus fuel caps. BD

[@percyb8755]

@@BernieDawgCinema what is Viton? Excuse me, I'm using Google translate, I'm from Peru, and I have the same cooker, and I wish it would work, thanks

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@percy b Viton is a fuel-resistant synthetic rubber product. Put “viton” in your Google search box to learn more. Watch both this video, the reassembly video, and the video on rebuilding fuel caps at my channel to learn about the fuel cap gasket and the SRV pip in the fuel cap and how to replace them. Check my webpage of stove part suppliers to find ready made Viton fuel cap washers and pips and a whole lot of other stove part stuff, too. Links for most of that are just below the video in the video description - click on the little arrowhead to get those to show up on a phone or tablet. BD

[@percyb8755]

@@BernieDawgCinema Gracias

[@PaulBearden-be1pe]

I have a optimus 99 I tried to clean it the best I could I couldn't remove the tube from the tank an dident want to mess it up I tried resetting the cleaning needle I set it at 3 clicks an it wouldn't shut all the way off I set it at 4 it still wouldn't I set it 6 an 7 still wouldn't what would you suggest thanks an pleas help I would like to use the stove an be able to put it away an. The bottom pan not be full of fuel

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@PaulBearden-be1pe First off… did you watch the reassembly video, too, or just the disassembly video you are making your comment on? Here’s the part of that reassembly video where I show how to set a cleaning needle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aarXlKyjaNabmaMsi=H_L1188cH0HCDeXU&t=503 I also have a whole playlist of videos on the 8R type stoves here: kzbin.info/aero/PL9Tg7BYD6fUJ4L9S6PipKE0-GOAlUVShb The best way to test your stove is to remove the cleaning needle and fire the stove without the needle in place. If it doesn’t shut off with the cleaning needle out of the stove, then you likely have a marred spindle seat. It’s another issue. If your stove now shuts off (without the needle), then you need to practice your needle setting more. Most people don’t get needle setting right the first time and it takes some practice until you get it figured out. If the spindle shuts off without the needle, but doesn’t shut off with the needle, then you are setting the needle too deep. The deeper you set the needle, the more likely it will keep the spindle from closing all the way. So… if you try 3 clicks and the needle is keeping the spindle from closing all the way, then try 2 clicks. (That’s rare and unusual and is more likely due to your newbieness.) Keep at it and expect to try more than once. Need more help? Free hotline here: [e-mail] BD

[@もりもり007]

Hello Optimus 8R will be disassembled and repaired for reference. And I will subscribe to the channel Thank you

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@もりもり007 You're welcome! Will you publish your "reference"? Perhaps consider kindly providing a link to your work here in this thread. BD

[@eduardomoron9590]

Where i can buy the burner plate? I ha estado the soviética clone of the optimus 8r and i dont find the burner plate

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Eduardo Moron Part #2174 found here. www.base-camp.co.uk/Optimus.html BD

[@jeissongonzalez3333]

Buen día La aguja de la optimus 8r funciona para la primus pt1

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Sí. Tienes razón. El Primus 8R y el Optimus 8R son la misma estufa. Algunas estufas fueron etiquetadas como Primus y algunas Optimus después de que Optimus compró la compañía Primus en 1962. BD

[@ricardopatino4019]

What year old is this nice stove ?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

These were made from about 1960-ish through at least 1990. Optimus used no date codes, so who knows? BD

[@peterkoenen4095]

on my 8R cleaning needle stand does not work and the valve to adjust the flame works clockwise ??? what wrong with it .....it`s an old 8R from my dad

[@BernieDawgCinema]

Try watching this video on the Svea 123/123R first (the spindles work the same way) and see if that helps you resolve things: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3OklaFrhMmUaNU If not, drop me an email with some photos or a link to a video and we can get you squared away. BD

[@MehmetKARAKOSE-ni9zi]

9,42 saniyede söktüğünüz memeyi anahtarı lmadan nasıl sökebilirim anahtarı yok kayıp memeden benzin kaçırıyor anahtarsız sökme şansım varmıdır alternatif bulamadım

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@MehmetKARAKOSE-ni9zi This should be easy to figure out. Use an adjustable wrench like one of these: www.amazon.com/Crescent-AC28CVS-Chrome-Adjustable-Cushion/dp/B00HDT8JJ0/?th=1 or a 5mm fixed open-end wrench. Or, order a replacement spindle key/tool from Base-Camp, part #2064. www.base-camp.co.uk/Optimus.html If that's too hard for you, or too hard for you to figure out, you might wish to reconsider working on your stove by yourself. Seek out a friend or a neighbor who works on mechanical things. Good luck! BD

[@MehmetKARAKOSE-ni9zi]

@@BernieDawgCinema THANKS A LOIT

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@MehmetKARAKOSE-ni9zi You're welcome! And, remember... it's okay to ask nearby friends and family for help with tools and mechanical stuff. It can help to build relationships. 👍BD

[@mingiasi]

Can these be run with 99% aclohol?

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@mingiasi Absolutely *not*. 99% ethanol alcohol has so much less energy per liter than white gas (aka naphtha - the fuel for which the stove is designed) that an alcohol/air mix will be far too lean to ignite in this stove. Plus, because 99% ethanol alcohol burns so wet and at a lower temperature, even with elaborate air restriction methods to richen the mixture, the flame won't drive enough heat through the burner bell to keep the alcohol vaporizing. What's wrong with using the correct fuel for the stove? BD

[@darrenbanks7048]

The burning torch you left on in the background gave me anxiety lol

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Darren Banks Trained professional here. Don't try it at home. Check with the NHS for some meds for that anxiety. 👍😎 BD

[@وليدالأروج]

كيفيه الاشعال

[@BernieDawgCinema]

افعلها كما في هذا الفيديو. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJDdg5qZoriKnpI لكن لا داعي للضخ. BD

[@Superduper666]

I really like this stove. They had a good thing but ruined it with the new one they have out. I want to get one but people are wanting to sell them for $60-130+

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@Big Pink Shower Cap And, they get more expensive with each day that passes. It's the nature of anything that isn't made anymore but still works cool. Do one night less in a motel and you would easily pay for such a stove with the savings. Or, don't. And never get one. Be less happy. Your call. Think about it. 🤔🤷‍♂️😎 BD

[@boadiamohamed8276]

Hello how are you

[@BernieDawgCinema]

I'm fine. Very busy with stove projects and spring chores. How about you? :-) BD

[@KennethMiddleton-r3b]

They put a wrench in the kit that will take that apart why didn't you use it that is what it it for

[@BernieDawgCinema]

@user-ff6ju6hg4u Naw, Kenny. You’re wrong. The little stamped metal wrench included in the kit is for use in the field to tighten up the spindle packing nut or to remove the jet in case of clogging. It’s a pretty crappy little tool but works in a pinch when in the wilderness and there are no better tools to be had. Smart and experienced stove owners use real quality tools when rebuilding these vintage stoves. 👍😎 BD