Gasoline as camp stove fuel

[solidfrontaxle]

For stoves that use white gas, is unleaded gasoline a working alternative (or completely interchangeable)? I'm particularly interested in the Optimus Hiker and Hunter type multifuel stoves, but also the Coleman dual burners. Some of the Optimus manuals say you can burn it, but don't reccomend it, I assume because its dirtier? What is y'alls experience cooking with gasoline? Is it too dirty? Unsafe? Not hot enough? Too hot?

I want to minimize the amount of different fuels I carry for long trips, and since I will already have plenty of gasoline, it seems natural to use that. Plus its much cheaper than white gas.

Thanks!

 

[e9999]

not sure about the details, but clearly some stoves are designed for both and some aren't. I imagine the dual ones have a different jet for each fuel. I wouldn't just run gasoline in white gas stove without checking out carefully the jet situation. Isn't gas more volatile? If so, could be more dangerous. I have a dual one, but I always used white gas in it and forgot if it came with dual jets. I think it did. Got the dual feature just for TEOTWAWKI.

Of course, that was all in prehistoric times. Now, I go Propane when truck based, except when multiday hiking...!

 

[lingo]

Gasoline is dirtier and requires a different jet and fuel line design. If you get a multifuel stove you will be fine. The only problem with running gasoline in a multifuel stove is keeping the jet clean. Check with the manufacturer, they usually have BTU ratings and boil times with the different fuels as well. If that would matter to you.

 

[solidfrontaxle]

So it will plug up the jets pretty quick? Whats the best way to clean the jets out in the field?

 

[MANUCHAO]

As stated if you have a multifuel stove you just need to change the jets and you good to go..
I have an old Primus multifuel stove that we used when climbing...
White gas burns cleaner and hotter than another fuel.
Gasoline is good but dirtier
Diesel is super dirtier and will stain your pots and pans...
My multifuel stove is SUPER loud...

If you are hiking I suggest you use a butane mixture stove... they are small and work great.
If you are car camping propane would be my first choice....

Best o luck to yah !!

 

[lingo]

So it will plug up the jets pretty quick? Whats the best way to clean the jets out in the field?

I like the MSR stoves with the shaker jet. It is self cleaning and does it while you hike. As far as how quick they get dirty, I am not sure. I always use Coleman fuel.

 

[BackCountryPunk]

I've used gas in a Whisperlite International (the multi fuel model) before. Its horrible. Clogs quickly, tainted taste to my food, and makes gear stink (any residue on fuel bottle, or the last litttle bit in the stove as you take it apart). Bottom line, it'll work but I wouldn't use it.

Don't forget that petrol has additives in it for cleaning engines, etc etc.

 

[Mace]

White gas is a further distalation of Gasoline and does not have all of the aeromatics and knock stuff that gas does.

Gasoline will work in a pinch, but it is smellier

 

[LCOwner]

One of my fellow club members uses unleaded exclusively. He's been doing that for as long as I've known him 15yrs maybe.