Coleman stove cold starting

[MoGas]

Our camping stove is a 1973 Coleman 426D 3 burner that uses Coleman fuel.

Before I went hunting last month, I did a normal test run prior to packing up. I got to camp and used in that night to cook my supper. In the morning, it was a real bear to start. It was 27*F and the yellow flame lasted for 20 minutes before it settled down to blue. Is that normal for these stoves? I know they rely on the temp of the generator to work properly, but, is there anything to shorten the warm up time? Maybe pre heat the generator tube with a MAPP torch?

It works great other than those mornings during my hunt. I just got up a half hour earlier to start my stove. My whole family wouldn't be too interested in camping in sub freezing temperatures, so it is just more of a convenience for me.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[lingo]

I had a similar problem in Montana last month with my 415c (1945 I think). I think that I was having more of a problem with the elevation not the temp. I am going to put a new generator on mine because I think it is the original one and hope that fixes it.

 

[Mike S]

You could pre-warm the generator with a wooden match or two, then turn on the gas. Did you have to pump the tank prior to use in the AM?

 

[tamu79]

I think you can get a kit to convert the old Coloeman stove to Propane, for about $16 at Dicks Sporting Goods. That would make it fire up much easier, it would be cleaner etc...

 

[CruisinGA]

I have both a propane and white gas "coleman fuel" stove, and lanterns that run on both fuels.

But- I much prefer the white gas stove/lantern combo because one gallon of fuel will operate both for a full weekend of camping vs having to buy a number of propane tanks that get become trash. May be my imagination but it always seems the white gas stove gets hotter as well.

 

[tamu79]

In that case...

Many parts for this stove are still available:

Part list for:
426D499 : 3 Burner Gas Camp Stove

Coleman.com -Parts for 426D499 : 3 Burner Gas Camp Stove

 

[RockDoc]

I don't use my stove too often, but have taken to getting it going with a couple squares of fuel-soaked TP on the burner to get the heat up, and keep things burning through any lean streaks out of the system.

 

[knoll0351]

That's a really good idea.

 

[2yotas]

Sounds like you could use a new generator. I like white gas too as it produces "dry" heat (something you'll appreciate if you get wet!)

 

[jts560]

My folks have one that was my stepdad's fathers, probably around the same vintage. If only the center burner is lit it produces a s***ty yellow flame that covers the pots with soot, if one of the outside burners is lit in addition to the center the flame settles down to a nice blue on both. You had the lever up when you started it I assume.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

what fuel can you use in this one?

 

[green40]

I use this stuff to pre-heat the burner. Gas vaporizes
much better if everything has been heated first.

MAUTZ Fire Ribbon : Buy the MAUTZ Fire Ribbon at Eastern Mountain Sports

 

[MoGas]

what fuel can you use in this one?

Should take Coleman fuel.

 

[titanpat57]

I'm with tamu79 on this one...I switched everything over to propane, and what a pleasure! I take a spare BBQ tank(I don't know how many green tanks that equals out to be...but I think like 20 of them)and the stem hooks on to the tank, and the lantern and stove hook on to the stem (all from Wally World). I've used Coleman fuel my whole life and really enjoyed the whole setup first time out...felt totally liberated from the "pump". I also think CrusinGA is right though....you dont have the same adjustment of flame, and I agree it doesn't seem quite as hot. Still worth the cost though

 

[Chriscanoe]

I would try replacing the generator, and make sure you have new clean fuel. These things are very simple, and pretty bombproof. I snagged a lantern while fishing in Lake Lanier, Looked like it had been there a while. I cleaned it up, replaced the generator, globe, mantle, and gas and it fired right up. Used it till someone decided they needed it more than me, i hope it serves them well!

 

[beaufort-fj60]

Should take Coleman fuel.

went to Wal-Mart to pick some up last night... $9 for a gallon can. I'll try unleaded gas first.

 

[Mace]

unleaded is coleman fuel...

It will work fine.
get low octane, it burns easier

 

[miked]

unleaded is not coleman fuel.

coleman fuel is mostly naptha with additives and other solvents to keep the generator clean and tank free of rust.
unleaded will work if you have to use it but might shorten the life of the stove.

 

[CruisinGA]

unleaded is not coleman fuel.

coleman fuel is mostly naptha with additives and other solvents to keep the generator clean and tank free of rust.
unleaded will work if you have to use it but might shorten the life of the stove.

So I guess the "Dual-Fuel" units have features to eliminate the need for those additives?

I've got an old dual fuel stove and a newer dual fuel lantern and pretty much exclusively fill them with unleaded. No problems yet.

 

[SunTzuMD]

That's normal for cold weather operations. The stove heats and vaporizes the fuel before it hits the burner turning it into vapor which burns hotter and cleaner. You need to pre-heat it before you start it up and you will definitely have to pump it up more often to get it going. Use the MAUTZ fire ribbon or similar as noted above.