Spirit stoves

[KevL]

I have been told that rather than buying the "Proper" fuel imported from the states at £4 ish for 350ml from the chandlers it is possible to use meths and add a teaspoon of vinegar to stop the pans going black. So, should I nip to B&Q and get enough meths to fill the stove for a couple of quid or but the proper stuff, what does everyone else do?

Kev

 

[Boatman]

Kev

Don't know about the vinegar trick but ordinary UK burning spirit the type used in fondues etc will work a treat no black no anything other than hot food. You should be able to find it in most stores. (am not sure since haven't lived in UK for over 15 years so I am out of date and need an upgrade) But seriously there must be a better solution than the US alternative.

 

[Guest]

If you're talking about the huge amount sof carbon that build up on your pans, then save the teabags when you make a brew. Before washing the pans, wipe them with a used teabag (still wet - don't let 'em go dry), and all the black comes off on the teabag.

'S'true. It works like a charm.

 

[KevL]

Thanks for the tip, what fuel do you use ? is it ok to use meths?

Kev

 

[BarryD]

Mental note - Don\'t accept tea from Mr Wignall NM

<G>

Barry D.

 

[Guest]

I've got gas these days, but I used to use meths with no problems.

 

[Guest]

Re: Mental note - Don\'t invite BarryD on boat NM

;-(

 

[syd]

Hiya Kev,
I've just bought a boat with a spirit stove, having had only gas installations in the past it is a new experience for me. Could you give me advice on how to fill it and operate it please.
cheers
Sid

 

[Col]

Re: Mental note - Don\'t invite BarryD on boat NM

Don't invite Graham either-he's got gas- phew!!

 

[KevL]

This wouldn't happen to be on the Bayliner 2556 would it Syd. What a splendid craft.

OK if it's got the same cooker as mine then there is a little black knob on the top between the controls which when pushed forward releases the top to hinge back towards the shower. Underneath you will find two containers with mesh covers, the mesh is dimpled down in one side and apparently you fill the container until fluid can be seen in the dimple. Put it all back together and hey presto you've filled the stove with fuel.

Now all that sounds great but then I've never actually done it, I just read the manual and took the containers out but as I don't know what to fill them with that's as far as I got. I've got all the books, manuals, etc for the entire boat, if you need I could fax/e-mail some bits for you.

As for how to use the cooker - well err, that's not really my department, we need a domestic engineer for that bit.

Do you think Soltron would help produce a cleaner, better burn?

Kev

 

[markc]

I had meths on my first boat - worked fine but a bit smelly when filling up. The only problem I had was only finding suppliers who sold it in 1 litre bottles - couldn't get a gallon anywhere...i think it's to stop the winos bulk buying!!!

M

 

[Guest]

Re: Mental note - Don\'t invite BarryD on boat NM

Yes, but I'm very discrete. Would Soltron help reduce gas emissions, anyone?

 

[Guest]

Mental note- asbestos underwear at B\'s party

Of course it would. Very good for extended drinking sessions too, as it absorbs the water thus eliminating the need to run off to the bog every couple of hours. I'll have a meths and a twist. Anybody fancy a cigar?

 

[eddieperkins]

Kev,
Yes, use meths, it the UK version of De-natured Alcohol, or whatever it is they call it.
Regards,
Eddie

 

[JohnR]

1 gallon containers of meths are available, I get mine from an ironmonger in Sth. London, it is packaged by the same people who do White Spirit etc. so maybe a decent paint shop like Brewers would get it in.