Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 30, 2016, 05:16:54 PM
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_103837_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619846)
I'm not overly familiar with these stoves so I did a bit of looking online. I believe all of the pieces are there, so I wanted to find out what kind of flaming liquid I would need to feed it, so on to the interwebs I went- first to the MSR site (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/simple-cooking/category) where my excitement turned to conundrum.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_104049_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619847)
You see, the box for this particular unit (included with it, along with the original instruction manual) states that this unit is the Whisperlite International, but according to MSR the International version (among other things) features:
Quote
Lighter & Stable: Stamped stainless steel legs offer excellent stability and low weight.
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/large/WhisperLite_International_2012.jpg)
Mine doesn't have stamped steel legs, mine has the twisted steel legs as seen on the original:
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/large/msr_whisper.jpg)
The difference between the original and the International seems to extend to more than the legs- the International version runs on white gas or kerosene, while the original just uses white gas. This probably won't ever be an issue for me, as I will probably only ever feed it white gas (Naptha, Coleman Stove Fuel etc) since that's what I have for the SVEA Optima 123 already.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_104223_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619847)
Still, the original literature says it's the International version, has instructions for both types of fuel and shows the wire legs in the illustrations.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_104311_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619846)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_104318_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619847)
Does this mean that I have an earlier International from before they changed to stamper steel legs? If so, how long ago was that done?
Furthermore, am I missing any pieces? I think I have everything, but I have actually never used one of these before.
Lastly, since this is a multitool forum I made sure to single out the MSR multitool that came with it for everyone's viewing pleasure. :D
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Camp-Stoves/MSR-WhisperLite/20160530_104152_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1464619846)
Any info would be helpful.... and awesome!
Def
Post by: eamo on May 30, 2016, 08:07:44 PM
The manual for mine says it is the whisperlite international 600.
Post by: eamo on May 30, 2016, 08:09:16 PM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 30, 2016, 08:38:42 PM
oh, and great find for $5, bigtime !
Yes indeed. I am very happy she found it. It seems like it is going to be an excellent little stove and I really look forward to giving it a shot and seeing how it compares to the other stoves that i seem to be accumulating.
Def
Post by: 16VGTIDave on May 30, 2016, 09:12:35 PM
While gas (Coleman fuel/Naphta/Shellite) is the cleanest burning fuel. Unleaded Automotive gasoline will work fine, but will smell more and creates more soot during warmup. Kerosene/Diesel fuel requires a jet change and is smelly and rather dirty. Avoid it if possible. You will find that it is a quiet stove, about the same volume as a Coleman. Priming and initial warmup can be dramatic if one is not careful and quick. Many carry a small bottle of alcohol for priming, or a priming paste. I just get myself organized, have a butane BBQ lighter in place, and light the stove as soon as I see/hear fuel come out the jet. This prevents the fireball some people experience.
Simmering is the weakness of this stove. The trick is to reduce the pressure in the fuel bottle. I do this by bringing the pot to a boil then shutting off the stove. When the stove is extinguished, elevate the pump end of the fuel bottle, slightly loosen the pump to release pressure, tighten and then give the pump 3 or 4 strokes. Relight the stove and simmer away. You may have to occasionally give the bottle a pump to maintain the minimal pressure while simmering.
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on May 30, 2016, 09:19:05 PM
Post by: kkokkolis on May 30, 2016, 10:10:00 PM
What would you need the stove with all the coniferous trees up there?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 30, 2016, 10:42:56 PM
I agree, it looks like an older Whisperlite International. $5 is a steal!
While gas (Coleman fuel/Naphta/Shellite) is the cleanest burning fuel. Unleaded Automotive gasoline will work fine, but will smell more and creates more soot during warmup. Kerosene/Diesel fuel requires a jet change and is smelly and rather dirty. Avoid it if possible. You will find that it is a quiet stove, about the same volume as a Coleman. Priming and initial warmup can be dramatic if one is not careful and quick. Many carry a small bottle of alcohol for priming, or a priming paste. I just get myself organized, have a butane BBQ lighter in place, and light the stove as soon as I see/hear fuel come out the jet. This prevents the fireball some people experience.
Simmering is the weakness of this stove. The trick is to reduce the pressure in the fuel bottle. I do this by bringing the pot to a boil then shutting off the stove. When the stove is extinguished, elevate the pump end of the fuel bottle, slightly loosen the pump to release pressure, tighten and then give the pump 3 or 4 strokes. Relight the stove and simmer away. You may have to occasionally give the bottle a pump to maintain the minimal pressure while simmering.
Thanks. In my limited research on this stove so far no one seems to have been able to suggest much more than holding the pot or pan an inch or two above the flames.
I like the tool.
What would you need the stove with all the coniferous trees up there?
Did you miss the threads about the large portion of my country that is currently on fire? :P
Def
Post by: kkokkolis on May 30, 2016, 10:45:25 PM
Post by: 16VGTIDave on May 30, 2016, 10:54:45 PM
Thanks. In my limited research on this stove so far no one seems to have been able to suggest much more than holding the pot or pan an inch or two above the flames.
Def
It's not s perfect solution, but the best I've tried. I'm no gourmet camp chef, but I do like to eat better than freeze dried or "boil in the bag" foods.
I recently made a "simmer plate" out of 5mm thick aluminum. Haven't had a chance to try it yet, so I can't say how well it will work. I'm trying to not get my hopes up because I hate being disappointed.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 30, 2016, 11:28:27 PM
No. But you bought stoves before that. Is it still burning? We have no updates about it here.
Yeah, it's not sexy and new so no one cares.
Def
Post by: kkokkolis on May 30, 2016, 11:31:47 PM
Now I think of it, using a stove might prevent accidental fires, provided it doesn't explode. They are popular here also and they make the best Greek/Turkish/Arab etc coffee.
Post by: Aloha on May 30, 2016, 11:43:59 PM
I have 2 MSR fuel bottles that are terrific. The stove isn't something that will simmer but I have seen some interesting attempts. One thing for sure is it can be a little nerve racking having a fire going with a pressurized bottle of fuel right next to it.
https://youtu.be/vP03cJ5hNfE
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 31, 2016, 03:16:45 AM
Def
Post by: Aloha on May 31, 2016, 06:51:47 AM
Post by: captain spaulding on May 31, 2016, 07:31:06 AM
I always thought the braided line seemed a little short on these, but I haven't come across any stories of exploding bottles..... although maybe that's because no one was able to blog about it afterwards?
Def
:rofl:
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 31, 2016, 09:53:04 PM
http://www.mec.ca/product/5043-881/primus-fuel-bottle-1l/?q=primus%2Bbottle
Now I just need to get some fuel and give it a shot. :D
Def
Post by: Aloha on June 01, 2016, 12:00:57 AM
Post by: Aloha on June 01, 2016, 12:04:38 AM
https://youtu.be/oCzSdbffZDs
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 01, 2016, 01:44:46 AM
Def
Post by: Aloha on June 01, 2016, 02:58:15 AM
Mine doesn't have the shaker jet and it was clogged up. I used that tool with the wire sticking out you show on your laptop. The multitool you also show is pretty neat and can handle everything on the stove.
My stove was well used and not in quite the condition yours is in. These stoves are beasts and have been around now about 30 years.
Heres a neat link to more info.
http://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com/2011/03/stove-of-week-msr-whisperlite-pre.html
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 01, 2016, 03:34:43 AM
Def
Post by: 16VGTIDave on June 01, 2016, 04:02:12 PM
I was at Mountain Equipment Co-Op today looking for something else and ended up getting a fuel bottle. They had the MSR ones, but the small MSR one cost about the same as the larger Primus bottle. Plus I like the olive drab color better. :DKeep the receipt! I haven't tried them personally, but have read that the threads are different between Primus and MSR bottles.
http://www.mec.ca/product/5043-881/primus-fuel-bottle-1l/?q=primus%2Bbottle
Now I just need to get some fuel and give it a shot. :D
Def
For safety reasons, I prefer the gasoline containers I carry to be red, just like other gas cans. I gave up olive drab after my military aspirations were crushed by reality...
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 01, 2016, 06:41:21 PM
I haven't tried fuel in it, but it seemed to pressurize well enough.
Def
Post by: TazzieRob on June 01, 2016, 11:21:33 PM
If you shake it you'll know if it has the shaker needle or not. Given your first photo shows a jet cleaning needle I'd say probably not. The stamped legs are something relatively new, I'd say even within the last 5 years. I have had my Interationale for maybe 13-15 years. The pump on mine looks the same as yours but is red and grey and has a brass tap, I think. A mate of mine has the newer pump from about 10 years ago with the folding tap handle you can see in the video Aloha has put up. He also has the ground reflector aluminium sheet whereas mine has the hole in the centre and gets installed in the middle portion of the stove before unfolding the legs.
I'm sure that MSR will always say don't use anyone else's bottles so they can sell theirs. If it doesn't leak and feels solid it will probably be fine. I ended up with a SIG bottle to carry my extra fuel and the medium MSR bottle to run the stove, though I could have just got the small one. Bigger the bottle means more air as you consume fuel and more pumping needed to keep that roar
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 02, 2016, 12:32:01 AM
Def
Post by: rishardh on June 02, 2016, 06:42:51 PM
Great find :tu: This is a very popular stove. I've got one that is over 15 years old and have had zero issues and never thought of replacing it because it just works under any condition and fuel can be found easily. With a kid around I finally got a Jetboil because it is safer but I like the Whisperlite better because I like fiddling with gear and am never in a hurry when out camping.
Post by: TazzieRob on June 03, 2016, 05:37:16 AM
Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about the pressure issue. The hose is pretty short so I wondered how that could happen without upsetting lunch.
Def
Depends how you are using the stove. If you pump it up so you get a fast boil then you don't need to touch it. If wanting to simmer and give it a pump or two every now and again then keeping a firm hold of the bottle is required.
Also, wet the fuel line end before inserting it into the pump with some saliva to avoid mincing the o-ring, but I'm sure it says this in the instruction book
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 04, 2016, 05:09:09 PM
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 04, 2016, 05:39:35 PM
Post by: neillcurrie on June 04, 2016, 06:00:59 PM
Simmering is best with a fairly empty fuel tank, and just 3 or 4 pumps worth of pressure. A good windscreen helps achieve a consistent simmer too.
MSR will sell/give you a spare/2nd fuel jet, you can get a full rebuild kit for them there too, but I found all the necessary O-rings at an auto parts store. Gasoline resistant O-rings are necessary as they sit in fuel, and a good hardware store will have the leather pump washer/cup.
The plastic pump body is the most fragile item on the stove, but with some care seemingly will last for a lifetime.
Bet you could perform a complete field strip of the stove with just a Leatherman PS4 (don't round off the fuel jet though ;) )
Have fond memories making a Pizza with mine, in Golden Gate Park, about 20 years ago. Also a triple-layer Chocolate Birthday cake (at 8000 ft up on the Pacific Crest Trail).......both using a Back Country Bake oven.
http://www.amazon.com/Backpackers-Pantry-Outback-Oven-10/dp/B002J91QG2
Post by: TazzieRob on June 05, 2016, 09:45:06 AM
Mine is a standard Whisperlite later converted to shakerjet. Until I find the holy grail of MSR accessories...the Espresso Star...I'm using a stovetop gas ring reducer.
What is this "Espresso Star" you speak of?
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 06, 2016, 03:13:51 AM
Mine is a standard Whisperlite later converted to shakerjet. Until I find the holy grail of MSR accessories...the Espresso Star...I'm using a stovetop gas ring reducer.
What is this "Espresso Star" you speak of?
An adapter that spans the center of a Whisperlite for small diameter vessels - http://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com/2012/02/msr-espresso-star.html
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 06, 2016, 04:44:47 AM
You're going to want the tool spoon too... :pok:
Of course I will need to acquire the tool spoon as well, but I have to ask- does it have any specific tools that aren't on something like the Eat'n Tool?
Def
Post by: TazzieRob on June 06, 2016, 08:24:10 AM
You're going to want the tool spoon too... :pok:
Of course I will need to acquire the tool spoon as well, but I have to ask- does it have any specific tools that aren't on something like the Eat'n Tool?
Def
If the Eat'n tool doesn't have a hole to grab the fuel line cable then, yes. And I'm not sure of the jet wrench size.
Mine is a standard Whisperlite later converted to shakerjet. Until I find the holy grail of MSR accessories...the Espresso Star...I'm using a stovetop gas ring reducer.
What is this "Espresso Star" you speak of?
An adapter that spans the center of a Whisperlite for small diameter vessels - http://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com/2012/02/msr-espresso-star.html
Ah, I wonder why they didn't market it as an all purpose device, rather than calling it Espresso Star?
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 06, 2016, 04:27:19 PM
The tool spoon is not really needed as there is already the combo too...just another gadgety thing to have. The stainless ones are inexpensive, so why not? :D It is a nice spoon, but it baffles me why they did not go with a spork.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 06, 2016, 07:02:11 PM
Def
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 06, 2016, 10:34:17 PM
I was wondering about that myself... a spork seems to make more sense.
Def
Coleman makes a spork tool for their Fyrestorm stoves. I'm tempted to get one just because...not really interested in the stove.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 08, 2016, 08:15:44 PM
And even I would want tool sporks to go to stoves I don't have.... hell, I just bought two kayak tools for boats I'll never get! (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,66554.0.html)
I feel your pain! :D
Def
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 08, 2016, 09:53:12 PM
Thinking about sporkifying one of those MSR spoons :D
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 08, 2016, 09:57:16 PM
Def
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 27, 2016, 12:55:29 AM
My only concern was the bottle, which seemed awfully close to the fire, and despite being upwind it seemed to heat up a lot.
But, it burned away for a while without exploding, so I guess that's about normal?
Sorry, no pictures as my phone was left in the Jeep, but I assure you my eyebrows are safe!
Def
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 27, 2016, 01:26:41 AM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 27, 2016, 01:39:30 AM
I guess I should get one though. It would come in handy for a variety of stoves I seem to have accumulated.
Def
Post by: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on June 27, 2016, 02:15:32 AM
They are cheap enough to make a customized one for every stove you have.
Post by: Aloha on June 27, 2016, 02:37:49 AM
No matter how many times I use my Whisperlite I am a little freaked out. The bottle just seem so freaking close to the open flame. I have the wind screen so mine doesn't get "hot" but still a bit unnerving. On a similar note my Coleman stove fuel tank is even closer to the open flame. Sure theres is a piece of metal separatiing the two but still unsettles me. BTW I always have a small fire extinguisher handy when I use my stoves. It won't help much if the fuel containers explode but it makes me feel better.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 27, 2016, 02:55:06 AM
When it comes to the inimitable skillz of the Spork master everything seems easy, but to the average three thumbed Canadian it might be a totally different story! :P
Def