Hi, First post here I have been using a small 150cp petromax for a while. It had a disappointing performance (another story, It's fixed now) so some time ago I bought an unused swedish army Optimus 200P from an local auction site. Yesterday I tried to light it for a first time, I did it like I do with the Petromax, pumped first. Even when the control knob was closed and needle was up I got liquid fuel from the jet and pouring down the lamp. On the second try I got the lantern started nicely by preheating with the meths first and then starting to pump the light. So here comes the question one, should the lamp without rapid heater be able to hold pressure without leaking when the knob is closed? Also my pressure gauge seems to be malfunctioning, is there a way to disassemble and clean the gauge? Roughly how many times should I pump the lamp? I really like construction quality of the Optimus compared to the new petromax and I'd like to get it working perfectly. Here is a picture of the Optimus and stuff I got with it: There are normal tools accessories and 12 mantles with it. The swedish paperwork said it's from a Medical unit of the defence forces. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Mikko, and welcome! No, these lanterns are not meant to hold pressure in the same way as the P-max you are referring to. The control wheel only operates a cleaning needle, no shut of valve. You keep the air screw open until the preheating spirit is about to extinguish. Firstly then you close the valve and start to pump. I guess you're not Swedish speaking (Finno-Swedish)? Otherwise the full process actually is well described in that instruction card of yours (step one to four).
The fuel gauge is a small cork on the end of a wire. It is easy to replace. There may not be much of the original (cork) left. I would seal the new cork with fuel resistant varnish. Dan MacP
Thank you for your reply. I actually read the card after first try and that's why I started to suspect that there might be an user error involved. I speak little Swedish as most of the people in Finland, but not as good as I would like to... As for the gauge it was the pressure gauge that is not working... I may need to see what's inside of it later. The fuel gauge is working nicely and I like it a lot, it makes filling the lamp easier as I don't need to peer in the tank with flashlight to see how much fuel there is.
Sorry Mikko I must read more carefully. The fount mounted gauge can be cleaned carefully and that may help. The tiny screws are easy to lose. Suggest sticking them to a piece of tape. If the gauge is on the fuel cap, a petromax replacement will work, or I think either of the two suppliers may have an original for you. Good Luck. Very nice lantern. Dan MacP
Hi and thanks for your help... The gauge is on the fount and has those two tiny screws holding it together. When I have some free time I'll take a look at it. Right now I'm playing with my new Optimus 99 stove while the little ones are taking a nap. Seems to run fine without the cleaning needle, but now I need to visit the stove forum to find out how to install that back correctly.
