I bought a jug of stove fuel (alcohol) at WM. A fellow sailor then said, "Why not go to the hardware store and get denatured alcohol, same stuff and cheaper?" Is he correct? Andy
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Yes and Always Willing to Save
Some of it is labelled as being suitable for alcohol stoves. Just remember. The little anchor that they put on the packaging will double the price.
Some of it is labelled as being suitable for alcohol stoves. Just remember. The little anchor that they put on the packaging will double the price.
Been There, Done That
I, too, learned the hard way. For the same price as a quart in the boat store, I bought a gallon at Home Depot.
I, too, learned the hard way. For the same price as a quart in the boat store, I bought a gallon at Home Depot.
more or less
There can be some differences in residue, soot, odor, impurities and heat index. Just like there is a difference in food-grade hydrogen peroxide and silicon sealers, minor variations exist.
There can be some differences in residue, soot, odor, impurities and heat index. Just like there is a difference in food-grade hydrogen peroxide and silicon sealers, minor variations exist.
Home Depot works fine
I think that the denatured alcohol at Home Depot is a mixture of alcohols. The three major being methanol,ethanol and isopropanol. I've used their alcohol for about a year with no problems. I saw some 100% isopropanol(rubbing alcohol) that should work OK but haven't been able to find it again.
I think that the denatured alcohol at Home Depot is a mixture of alcohols. The three major being methanol,ethanol and isopropanol. I've used their alcohol for about a year with no problems. I saw some 100% isopropanol(rubbing alcohol) that should work OK but haven't been able to find it again.
Go denatured
I have used hardware store denatured for 20 years and no problem. If you have an Origo, there is nothing to clog up. I have used pressurized and the Origo with no problems.
I have used hardware store denatured for 20 years and no problem. If you have an Origo, there is nothing to clog up. I have used pressurized and the Origo with no problems.
Stove Fuel
The fuel Origo recommends is called "Soot-Free".It says denatured alchohol right on the container.
The fuel Origo recommends is called "Soot-Free".It says denatured alchohol right on the container.
It seems unanimous
Wow! 100% agreement among sailors this may be a first. Thanks, you have saved me money! Andy
Wow! 100% agreement among sailors this may be a first. Thanks, you have saved me money! Andy
Save the container
Sheesh! Buy a new tin corrodible container every time? Get a bleach bottle or some such and decant your Home Depot alcohol into it from its tin container. We use kerosine for our lamps, by the way, instead of that horrendously expensive stuff they sell in marine stores. Buy top grade kerosine at $3 a gallon (way too much, actually). No smoke, no smell, bright lights.
Sheesh! Buy a new tin corrodible container every time? Get a bleach bottle or some such and decant your Home Depot alcohol into it from its tin container. We use kerosine for our lamps, by the way, instead of that horrendously expensive stuff they sell in marine stores. Buy top grade kerosine at $3 a gallon (way too much, actually). No smoke, no smell, bright lights.
Uncloging a pressurized stove??
How do you unclog a pressurized stove(Hillerange-made by Seaward)
How do you unclog a pressurized stove(Hillerange-made by Seaward)
Hillerange Instructions
HILLERANGE General Information The alcohol burners in this range are designed to give trouble-free operation during years of use. Follow the simple operational suggestions and you will be assured of full staisfaction. FUEL: Gum-free alcohol should be used. To check, poura little in a clean saucer, ignite it, and if a gummy residue remans do not use in the stove. A clean denatured alcohol, some of which are virtually odorless, is recommended. OPERATION: Priming the HilleRange is quickly and easily accomplished. It is necessary to preheat the burner and generator tube that runs over the center of the burner which gassifies the liquid alcohol. First, pump up the tank presure to approximately 10 lbs. Then turn valve counter clockwise about 1 turn and count to three slowly, which allows alcohol to flow into the pan under the burner. CLOSE THE VALVE. Wait a moment or two for the fuel to soak into primingwick. Then light. The priming flame should not be more than three or four inches above the burner. IF IT IS HIGHER, YOU ARE PRIMING TOO MUCH! When the Fuel in the priming pan is nearly burned out or blue flame around the burner shows the generator is heated open the valve slowly, thus lighting the burner. The full blue cooking flame will appear when the prime is entirely burnt out. Perfect control of your cpooking flame is obtained by opening or closing the control valve. Unless fuel tank is nearly empty, very little additional pumping is required to maintain the air pressure. If more heat is desired simply increase the tank pressure. When Through cooking, shut the control valve, BUT NOT TOO TIGHT. It usually takes a few seconds after closing the valve for the flame to die down. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE THE BURNER CLOSED. Force will injure the burner seat and may render the entire stove useless until new parts are installed. Release the pressure in the fuel tank by loosening the filler cap. Then loosen the burner control valve slightly so it will not seize. or stick when the burner cools. WHEN THROUGH COOKING: WE AGAIN EMPHASIZE: RELEASE THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE FUEL TANK AND SEE THAT ALL BURNER CONTROLS ARE CLOSED ! Maintenance Your HilleRange requires no attention other than normal cleaning. A poor or improper flame will usually indicate a dirty burner or clogged generator. In the event the trouble is the generator, it is best to secure the services of a mechanic familiar with alcohol burners. Leakage The threaded joints in the HilleRange are all set up with an excellent heat resistant joint compound, and leaks at these points are extremely rare. The stuffing box on the valve stem is filled with a time tested packing. *If Leakage Occurs At This Point and Flame Appears At The Stuffing Nut, A 3/4 Open End Wrench Will Quickly Tighten The Nut, Moving The Wrench Clockwise If it persists, a drop of light oil on the valve stem will lubricate the stem, and once the nut is tightened, no more trouble should occur. REMEMBER: Water extinguishes burning alcohol. Your priming flame should not be more than three or four inches above the burner. IF IT IS HIGHER, YOU ARE PRIMING TOO MUCH. Releasing the air pressure on the tank always cuts off all fuel flow through piping and burners. CLEANING FUEL TANKS When moisture accumulates in the fuel or in the cans kept as storage--the entire mixture should be thrown out. Water or moisture will tend to increase the accumulation or rust, dirt and foreign substances in the tank. These particles, carried to the burner, will bake hard in the generator until the passages become completely clogged and the burner and generator must be replaced. It is suggested in cleaning the tank that it be removed from the boat, and dumped, making sure all scale, etc, is removed before replacing. ________________________________________________ IN CASE OF FIRE ABOUT BURNERS OR IN OVEN, DASH WATER ON FLAMES THIS IS ALWAYS EFFECTIVE ON AN ALCOHOL FIRE. ------------------------------------------------ Alcohol Burner Repair Parts Generator tube plug: # 2503-841 Generator Tube plug Gasket: # 2503-12 Generator Brush: # 2503-842 Packing Nut: # 2503-2 Packing: # 2503-4 *PACKING NUT MUST BE CHECKED FOR LEAKAGE PRIOR TO LIGHTING STOVE*
HILLERANGE General Information The alcohol burners in this range are designed to give trouble-free operation during years of use. Follow the simple operational suggestions and you will be assured of full staisfaction. FUEL: Gum-free alcohol should be used. To check, poura little in a clean saucer, ignite it, and if a gummy residue remans do not use in the stove. A clean denatured alcohol, some of which are virtually odorless, is recommended. OPERATION: Priming the HilleRange is quickly and easily accomplished. It is necessary to preheat the burner and generator tube that runs over the center of the burner which gassifies the liquid alcohol. First, pump up the tank presure to approximately 10 lbs. Then turn valve counter clockwise about 1 turn and count to three slowly, which allows alcohol to flow into the pan under the burner. CLOSE THE VALVE. Wait a moment or two for the fuel to soak into primingwick. Then light. The priming flame should not be more than three or four inches above the burner. IF IT IS HIGHER, YOU ARE PRIMING TOO MUCH! When the Fuel in the priming pan is nearly burned out or blue flame around the burner shows the generator is heated open the valve slowly, thus lighting the burner. The full blue cooking flame will appear when the prime is entirely burnt out. Perfect control of your cpooking flame is obtained by opening or closing the control valve. Unless fuel tank is nearly empty, very little additional pumping is required to maintain the air pressure. If more heat is desired simply increase the tank pressure. When Through cooking, shut the control valve, BUT NOT TOO TIGHT. It usually takes a few seconds after closing the valve for the flame to die down. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE THE BURNER CLOSED. Force will injure the burner seat and may render the entire stove useless until new parts are installed. Release the pressure in the fuel tank by loosening the filler cap. Then loosen the burner control valve slightly so it will not seize. or stick when the burner cools. WHEN THROUGH COOKING: WE AGAIN EMPHASIZE: RELEASE THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE FUEL TANK AND SEE THAT ALL BURNER CONTROLS ARE CLOSED ! Maintenance Your HilleRange requires no attention other than normal cleaning. A poor or improper flame will usually indicate a dirty burner or clogged generator. In the event the trouble is the generator, it is best to secure the services of a mechanic familiar with alcohol burners. Leakage The threaded joints in the HilleRange are all set up with an excellent heat resistant joint compound, and leaks at these points are extremely rare. The stuffing box on the valve stem is filled with a time tested packing. *If Leakage Occurs At This Point and Flame Appears At The Stuffing Nut, A 3/4 Open End Wrench Will Quickly Tighten The Nut, Moving The Wrench Clockwise If it persists, a drop of light oil on the valve stem will lubricate the stem, and once the nut is tightened, no more trouble should occur. REMEMBER: Water extinguishes burning alcohol. Your priming flame should not be more than three or four inches above the burner. IF IT IS HIGHER, YOU ARE PRIMING TOO MUCH. Releasing the air pressure on the tank always cuts off all fuel flow through piping and burners. CLEANING FUEL TANKS When moisture accumulates in the fuel or in the cans kept as storage--the entire mixture should be thrown out. Water or moisture will tend to increase the accumulation or rust, dirt and foreign substances in the tank. These particles, carried to the burner, will bake hard in the generator until the passages become completely clogged and the burner and generator must be replaced. It is suggested in cleaning the tank that it be removed from the boat, and dumped, making sure all scale, etc, is removed before replacing. ________________________________________________ IN CASE OF FIRE ABOUT BURNERS OR IN OVEN, DASH WATER ON FLAMES THIS IS ALWAYS EFFECTIVE ON AN ALCOHOL FIRE. ------------------------------------------------ Alcohol Burner Repair Parts Generator tube plug: # 2503-841 Generator Tube plug Gasket: # 2503-12 Generator Brush: # 2503-842 Packing Nut: # 2503-2 Packing: # 2503-4 *PACKING NUT MUST BE CHECKED FOR LEAKAGE PRIOR TO LIGHTING STOVE*
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