Hello, I purchased an Optimus 383 blowtorch a while ago. I assumed there should be a preheating cup, i bought one and planning to make it fit to this burner. I am surprised not to find any information on this particular number Optimus blowlamp. I have read something on Optimus numbers blowlamps near 383, a bit under 381, a bit over, 384 and somewhere alcohol instead of kerosine or gasoline was mentioned as fuel. Only thing I can find that might be a clue is the letter B stamped on the pump knob, could mean Bensin, Gasoline? All information is welcome. Regards, Ton.
I doubt that the 'B'-stamp on the pump knob actually means 'Bensin', but the blow lamp is indeed made for that fuel! These kind of burners are gasoline burners. The preheating cup is hanged on the horisontal part of the vapouriser tubing like on the illustration below. That particular lamp is a Primus, but they all copied eachother pretty much, so Optimus should look similar. As you can see, you also miss the adjustable shield that should cover the desired part of the air intakes at the back of the burner.
Yes, I realize there is no shield, but that should not be to hard to fix. I wonder if I can give it a try without that shield? Anyhow, two things to fix on this one. Could you give an example of a more or less similar Primus number? Maybe I can get an impression about the construction, shape of the shield. Any guess about age too? Regards, Ton.
Perhaps a Primus 863. I don't know your lamps exact size, but the 863 is possibly the equivalence to your Optimus. The 863 has a 1,5l tank, and the total height of that blow lamp is 230 mm. Your lamp looks like it should be larger, so the next Primus model 865 might be closer. Total height of 320 mm. The page below is from the late 1930's, but your lamp is probably a bit older.
And working! As you can see I made a temporary preheating cup. An original cup might be on its way soon. In the beginning some trouble on the nozzle not being tight in the housing resulting in some small flames coming beside the nozzle. I glowed a thin copper ring weak and placed it between the burner and the housing, that fixed it. I wonder if anyone knows a way to get the nozzle out in order to replace it. I also made some sort of sliding shield Carlsson mentioned, but as soon as that shield is drawn back covering the sleeves in the burner I start getting yellow flames. I think the burner burns perfect without the shield, mind you , the picture is taken during daytime. Regards, Ton.
