MSR Whisperlite - Idiots Question

[lamper]

Yeah this is gonna make me look a bit silly, but if I don't ask I'll never know.

Been looking at some multifuel stoves, the MSR Whisperlite Internationale being my fav so far, but what does this burn?

What is LP Gas, and White Gas. I don't really want the science, just someone to make me look stupid and say something like, White Spirit or something....

Can someone clear this up for me please?

 

[Matthew.Passmore]

I have a whisperlite Internationale, I use kerosine/paraffin in mine, but you could use bog standard petrol that you fill your car up with(Only reason I don't use petrol is because of the fumes) or you can use diesel, pretty much any liquid fuel will work.

It's a great stove, it's like a welding torch when it gets going.

I think white gas is another name for Naptha(Aviation fuel).

 

[g4ghb]

LP is liquid petroleum and white gas the 'coleman' name for a purified (and more expensive) version

essentially it is unleaded petrol and you can use that as well (much cheaper) - I have a GXK and use unleaded all the time and have had few clogging issues

 

[lamper]

I have a whisperlite Internationale, I use kerosine/paraffin in mine, but you could use bog standard petrol that you fill your car up with(Only reason I don't use petrol is because of the fumes) or you can use diesel, pretty much any liquid fuel will work.

It's a great stove, it's like a welding torch when it gets going.

I think white gas is another name for Naptha(Aviation fuel).

Okay so lets contiune with the idiots theme, where can I get paraffin? Just lookin on B&Q and Homebase sites, can find it. Am I being a total gimp?

 

[Matthew.Passmore]

I buy it in 5l bottles from the petrol station, some outdoor stores sell it also.

 

[lamper]

Cheers Matt

 

[Matthew.Passmore]

Only problem with paraffin is that is leaves quite alot of sut on things it also has a distinct smell; but I quite like it , petrol would be cleaner and White gas very clean but very expensive.

 

[Weesi]

Buy Panel Wipe from an automotive paint supplier. It's the same grade as Coleman but a lot cheaper than Coleman.
Personally I find petrol too smelly and the fumes it gives off are NOT healthy.Panel Wipe has little smell to it, if at all. Means you're kit and hands aren't gonna be stinking while you're out either.
The other thing is the cleaner fuel like Coleman or Panel Wipe means it's kinder to your stove meaning it won't clog up with dirtier fuels that you can use.

Just a thought mate

Simon

 

[kata]

Simon, have you got a link you can post to point us in the direction of this panel wipe please??

 

[rik_uk3]

The addatives in petrol give off nasty fumes, it smells for ages if you spill it and it will clog your stove faster than a cleaner fuel.

Panel wipe is automotive de-greaser found in motor spares shops in 5 litre tins.

Aspen 4T is pure petrol, very very clean burning
http://www.aaoil.co.uk/environment-Aspen-Stockists

Paraffin should burn clean with a blue flame if your stove is working properly and leave no muck on pans (prime the stove with meths)

The BBQ lighter fuel in 1 litre bottles in Wilkinson and B&M stores is actually clear paraffin and burns clean. These are the only two brands of BBQ fuel I have found to work well.

MSRs are good stoves but are well known for pump problems on some models; while this may not have affected members here, it has affected thousands around the world which is why MSR have a no questions asked replacement policy for their pumps.

Optimus Nova is better made as is the Primus Omnifuel IMHO, but the Omnifuel will burn standard thread cans of gas as well as liquid fuels.

Both Primus and Optimus tell you that diesel fuel is to be used as a last resort only, its dirty fuel and clogs up jets fast. Very few stoves burn diesel well, the British Army No12 will but I still use paraffin in it.

 

[Weesi]

Like Rik said it's used by paintsprayers and can be picked up in most automotive spares shops. I'm sure I paid £8 for 5 Litres. Coleman would cost you that for a half litre...
Look on ebay and you'll see the stuff we're on about. You can buy it locally though kata
Just make sure it's Naptha
Rik's your man for stove questions though. He's addicted to them lol
Here's a good thread similair to yours..
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30005

Simon

 

[kata]

Thanks for the info chaps.

 

[Mesquite]

Okay so lets contiune with the idiots theme, where can I get paraffin? Just lookin on B&Q and Homebase sites, can find it. Am I being a total gimp?

Garden centres sell it as well

 

[lamper]

Guys, this is really good info.

So as a mid thread conclusion, MSR good, Primus or Optimus worth a look as well.

This wiper stuff is the what I need, but for pure total available anywhere, Petrol, or Diesel as a last resort? The Primus though can take gas cans as well....

Have I summarised correctly?

 

[Weesi]

I don't know anything on the Primus and gas cans but apart from that you're spot on lamper.
Lets face it unleaded is very common and can be used regardless. It's not nice though. Just thinking of your health bud.
You'll thank the welcome change from unleaded to pure fuel mate. Trust me

 

[lamper]

well im just doing research atm.

I have a trangia and a honey stove, a hexi army folding thingy, minibull design pesi stove (part of the EXCELLENT and ultralight gram weenie kit at http://www.minibulldesign.com/mbdstore/ - seriously check it.)

Was looking for something to replace my trangia burner and make tea quicker, but still use a easy to get fuel like meths,

 

[lamper]

hmm, homepage seems to have an error, store works though, and ill vouch for the site.

 

[Weesi]

The minibull looks like a great piece of kit. Although I don't know anyone with one.
Might get one and give it a go. Has to be quieter than the pressurised fuel stoves like the MSR.
What stove you planning on taking on your Base Camp trek Mike?? Sounds like that could be a lot of fun...

Simon

 

[al21]

I've got to say I've been very pleased with my Whisperlite Internationale, which I've been using for many years now. Not sure about the use of Diesel in them. Mine came with jets for White Gas, Unleaded petrol and Kerosene, which is paraffin. I tried some homemade bio-diesel once but the stove wouldn't maintain a high enough temperature to keep the fuel vaporising. Shame really as it was far more pleasant to handle than paraffin. Unleaded is horrible stuff and white gas/Coleman fuel is clean petrol, but I'm nervous of such a volatile fuel.

I prime the stove with paraffin, but have used fire paste. I always keep a pair of gloves with our stove to save on smelly and sooty hands, once burning paraffin burns clean and doesn't soot up pots and pans. It's also available everywhere. Very good stoves and as the name suggests, nice and quiet. I like the MSR Dragonfly and have always fancied the XGK, but there's no getting up early and making a brew without waking everyone within a hundred yard radius with these two.

I might give the Aspen 4T a go though as there is a stockist close by, so thanks for the info rik_uk3.

 

[rik_uk3]

Guys, this is really good info.

So as a mid thread conclusion, MSR good, Primus or Optimus worth a look as well.

This wiper stuff is the what I need, but for pure total available anywhere, Petrol, or Diesel as a last resort? The Primus though can take gas cans as well....

Have I summarised correctly?

Spot on. The Primus takes the standard gas as said and its burns like a rocket on the stuff