MSR Stoves: Dragonfly Maintenance

The Dragonfly liquid-fuel camp stove takes precision-simmering performance and puts it in a chassis that's built to handle a variety of fuels and the frequent use dished-out by global vagabonds. Tough and stable, it excels in institutional and guide service settings. Its dual-valve design gives you the flame control you need for evenly heating large pots (up to 9" maximum diameter) of crowd-pleasing gruel. Of course, when the need arises to melt snow and brew-up fast, the Dragonfly goes from zero to searing at the twist of a knob.
Package includes: Fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included.)
Learn more about the MSR Dragonfly Stove here: bit.ly/3rciihZ

[@tocodelray]

Watching this in 2024 to do some maintenance on my Dragonfly from 2013. I've done zero maintenance and used it a ton. I hope MSR keeps up the same build quality as they used to because this thing is amazing.

[@ignusgrobler2511]

I have o e of this for about 10 years now. WHAT AN ABSOLITE BEAST. However the service parts is really hard to find. And the stove itself is super expensive

[@MSRGear]

There is no need to replace the fuel filter unless you notice a decrease in performance AND you see that the white has discolored, indicating that the filter is clogged. If it remains white, then it hasn’t clogged and it’s still good to go.

[@daveybernard1056]

I've extracted stuck, frozen in place jets from my Dragonfly by applying a couple of drops of penetrating oil to it, placing a big screwdriver in the jet's slot, and tapping on the end of the screwdriver a few times, to shock it loose and free it up from the corrosion on the threads which "welds" it in place. This is the kind of thing to do at home, if possible.

[@paulgrim3501]

Tried all of this. Still stuck...

[@daveybernard1056]

@@paulgrim3501 Try PB Blaster, tap it with a big screwdriver inserted into the slot, then put a pipe wrench(!) on the screwdriver handle and apply torque.

[@MSRGear]

D Ha, use penetrating oil, such as WD40, and let it soak overnight or just keep it saturated. We have been able to loosen jets without utilizing heat. If you can find a T-handle screwdriver, that will allow you to get a lot more torque on the jet.

[@condor5635]

Are all expedition kits for all whisperlites and dragonflies or are there specific kits for each stove? It’s not marketed very well and it’s confusing. I’m looking for the one for the dragonfly. Thank you

[@MSRGear]

When you are on the product page, under "Select Size," you have the option of choosing the Expedition Kit for either the DragonFly®, WhisperLite ™, or XGK ™.

[@condor5635]

I wish someone would explain the wick that’s on my dragon fly. It is quite large and I really don’t see it’s purposes. Liquid fuel comes out of the jet hole and pools a little near the jet - I’m not sure if the wick is getting wet at all but it sure has a lot of material that seems like it would end up getting burned at some point. Funny thing is in the instruction manual it says absolutely nothing about the wick other than identifying it in a picture. I’m pretty certain my stove would start fine if the wick was removed. Can someone provide some insight into this? Thank you

[@MSRGear]

The wick is for use with Kerosene. Not necessary for other fuels. We will try to make note in future instruction manuals.

[@condor5635]

@@MSRGear - Thanks for the reply. I find it amazing that never came up before. Are you saying I can remove it and the small wire that holds it in place if I don’t use kerosene??

[@MSRGear]

Yes, you can remove the wick if not using kerosene.

[@DragonPilot]

I give that wick a couple of shots of plain rubbing alcohol I carry in a small plastic bottle. I ignite the wick before turning on the main fuel from the bottle. This produces a nice clean preheat flame. After about 15-20 seconds I turn on the main fuel and start cooking. You can preheat using the main fuel, but it produces a smokey sooty flame I find annoying and dirty.

[@DE-ss5ks]

if the jet is hardened on to the stove, that is it won't turn counter clockwise to take out, what should I do. At the moment i have some penetrating oil to loosen it . Should I heat it up to loosen it?

[@michaelsrowland]

Did you solve this problem?

[@kevinklein4748]

Can you also use inverted canisters with the Dragonfly, as you can with the Whisperlite?

[@MSRGear]

The DragonFly is for liquid fuel only, not compressed/canister fuel.

[@Flaaendue]

Hey! Do you sell replacement burner caps? I need a new one... thanks

[@MSRGear]

We keep a wide range of replacement parts and pieces for our products in stock at our repair shop. Get in touch with them via our simple repair form ( www.msrgear.com/msr-warranty.html ) to see if they have what you need.

[@Lemon8ism]

Where can I get a replacement wick? The store I bought it at was unable to order one in.

[@MSRGear]

We keep a wide range of replacement parts and pieces for our products in stock at our repair shop. Get in touch with them via our simple repair form (www.msrgear.com/msr-warranty.html) to see if they have what you need.

[@mikerilling2745]

I’m sure it’s not what the manufacturer would like to hear but the first thing I did was I removed that Wick because it’s pretty much useless unless you’re using kerosene in which case it’s much easier to just light a tiny piece of rolled up toilet paper in the kerosene and slide it through the lighting hole and drop it in the cup ….. at the end of the session when you extinguish the burner and get ready to pack up your camp I turn it upside down once it’s cool and shake it ….. knocking out any possible paper that was left behind

[@Bushchannel]

I have only ran about 4-5 litres of white gas (shellite) through my Dragon Fly stove since I bought it 3 years ago. Should I replace the little white filter?

[@Emtrthree]

Is the dragonfly discontinued ?

[@MSRGear]

Not discontinued, just sold out in some regions. We are having supply chain issues due to the global pandemic and unfortunately, we do not have specific dates on restocking.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Thank you for a solid video. Hazards by not using a filter? Can't seem to find one. No pump cup oil on the flame adjuster seals? Obviously you didn't mention it nor is it mentioned the manual Just curious if it's a good idea?

[@rockmunkey1981]

On my Optimus Nova stove, all of rings were regularly greased. I've also used a little of the cup oil on my dragonfly o rings with no ill effects, although the Dragonfly hasn't seen anywhere near the use of my Nova.

[@SpkRay]

What Jet should I use? * Liquefied petroleum gas * Methylated spirit

[@MSRGear]

Thanks for the question, the DG jet is for white gas and unleaded auto fuel. The DK jet is for kerosene, diesel and jet fuel.

[@morganpauley572]

I'd like to see an adapter made for this stove so I can use canisters

[@brandon9689]

It's been done. With some hardware store parts. But not officially through the manufacturer

[@michaelsrowland]

What about the fuel pump maintenance

[@itsasinine3337]

specifically stated in the beginning there was another video for it

[@3genac]

Any product that needs this sort of maintenance is unusable. 20th century product. Problem description I provided MSR returned advise "buy a replacement from us". Bush--league company.

[@MSRGear]

Hi Zadfrack, Please expand on the issue you are experiencing with your Dragonfly stove and email me at [e-mail] If you are not satisfied with the maintenance required for the Dragonfly we have a wide range of other stoves available.

[@brianjones8063]

Zad, the beauty of the Dragonfly is that there is the opportunity for user maintenance. Maintained and used properly, this stove will last probably all your backpacking life. Mine's from around 2000, and still providing reliable and efficient use. And you'll find MSR's warranty service exemplary.

[@brandon9689]

You're burning petroleum distillates it's not the cleanest. It's alot of stuff but once you get it down you have something that can last for decades.

[@jamesonreid]

I'm in my 30s but have been using a Dragonfly since I was 14 in Boy Scouts. Eventually in my 20s the burner weld broke and I sent it back to MSR. They sent me a new Dragonfly! The original $100 I spent at 14 was the best gear purchase I've ever made.

[@3genac]

Thank you for the belated reply. MSR service ain't what it used to be.