Leaking Optimus 300 fount

Hi fellow fettlers!

I am currently fettling an Optimus 300 that have a leaking fount.

All lantern parts and fount cleaned thoroughly, rinsed the fount. Replaced all seals.

Test fire went OK. Had it going nicely for many hours.

Problem is that after a while I find out that there is a few drops of kerosene at the edge of the fount.

So dismantled it to do a dunk test to check for air leaks in a bucket of water (yes, I skipped it initally).

Filled the fount with water and dishwashing detergent and gave it some 50-60 pumps. No bubbles in the bucket or in free air.

Dried it and checked for leaks and finally found a teeny hole or micro crack.

See pictures. I have video too but can’t figure out how to insert it.

Now the question. How to fix the leak?


I’m thinking of cutting a small line on the leak with my Dremels cutting disc and soft solder at the spot.


Do You think this will work?


Regards Matti

 

I would recommend a bit of dedicated epoxy resin to be poured in and sealed the tank from inside. There will be no "evidence" left after job is done.
Just like described in the thread below:
Primus Hovik Verk 1082 useless blanking plug leaking | Classic Pressure Lamps & Heaters

 

Does that crack go all the way to the soldered base plate. From the photos, it doesn't look like it.

 

No it seems to be a 3mm long ”thinner than a hair” crack.
It’s only in the folded part of the baseplate.
Thinking that if I cut along the 3mm long crack, it will be possible to apply some soft solder there. Also thinking of applying some along the base platte.



Regards Matti

 

Have soft soldered the area now. The next step is to do a new dunk test to check for air leaks in a bucket of water.



I’ll get back with the result.

Regards Matti