The Optimus 8R is a camping stove that was manufactured in Sweden by outdoor products manufacturer Optimus International AB. It can be used with unleaded liquid camping fuel and it was also intended for use with a proprietary paste fuel that Optima no longer manufactures. This model is discontinued as of the time of publication of this article, but units still remain in use. It is a simple stove with very basic features and construction and it is easy to use and clean. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and make sure to never use the Optimus 8R indoors.
Items you will need
Liquid camping fuel (white gas)
Wooden matches
Test the regulating key at the right side of your Optimus 8R to make sure it opens and closes properly. Turn it to the right to close it and then back to the left to open it. Discard the stove if the regulating key does not work.
Remove the filling lid at the front of the stove and fill the tank to 2/3 of its capacity; the tank holds 2/9 pt. so that 2/3 capacity is about 2 1/3 oz. -- or 4/27 pt.
Replace the lid and tighten it securely. Close the valve of your Optimus 8R by turning the regulating key all the way to the right.
Preheat the stove by carefully pouring a small amount of fuel in the spirit cup under the burner at the rear of the stove. Make sure not to spill any fuel.
Light the fuel and open the valve by quickly turning the regulating key to the left as soon as the flame is almost burned out.
Use the stove as you wish for cooking or reheating food.
Clean the stove while it is still lit by quickly turning the regulating key all the way to the left and then back to open cooking position. Relight the flame if it goes out during the cleaning process.
Allow the stove to cool down before storing it once you have finished cooking and you have cleaned it.
Warnings
- Do not use automobile gasoline in your Optimus 8R. Use only "white gas" or liquid petroleum camping fuel that is sold at camping supply stores.
- Immediately wipe up any accidental gasoline spills during preheating with absorbent material so that no residue remains and allow the fumes to dissipate before you light the stove.
- Never smoke when using or fueling the stove.
- Never keep an open fuel bottle or container near the stove when you are using or lighting it.
- Never fill the stove near an open flame or source of sparks -- such as a running RV engine or battery operated device.
- Turn the stove off and use the hexagonal hole in the regulating key to turn the stuffing box 1/4 turn to the right in the event you see a small flame coming out of the stuffing box at the right of the stove.
References
Warnings
- Do not use automobile gasoline in your Optimus 8R. Use only "white gas" or liquid petroleum camping fuel that is sold at camping supply stores.
- Immediately wipe up any accidental gasoline spills during preheating with absorbent material so that no residue remains and allow the fumes to dissipate before you light the stove.
- Never smoke when using or fueling the stove.
- Never keep an open fuel bottle or container near the stove when you are using or lighting it.
- Never fill the stove near an open flame or source of sparks -- such as a running RV engine or battery operated device.
- Turn the stove off and use the hexagonal hole in the regulating key to turn the stuffing box 1/4 turn to the right in the event you see a small flame coming out of the stuffing box at the right of the stove.
Writer Bio
John DeMerceau is an American expatriate entrepreneur, marketing analyst and Web developer. He now lives and works in southeast Asia, where he creates websites and branding/marketing reports for international clients. DeMerceau graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in history.
