Kenyon model 550 operation tips?

[Thomas Loftus]

Just working through things on our new-to-us 81 H33, and I have a question on the proper use of the burners, or precisely, the lighting of the burners. I have had a problem with flare up both times I have used the stove. It's kerosene and that means black stuff in the cabin. Once burning, it seems to work fine. I am going to suck out the tank and put in new kerosene--what's in there is at least a few years old. I may be using the wrong procedure in that I didn't let the prime burn out before trying to get the burner to start. What is the correct procedure? There is a can of stove alcohol in the cabinet, do you prime with it? Also, Should I replace parts or clean them? And, what is the best source for parts? Thanks

 

[Ray]

Prime

I have the same stove on my 34'...Definitely have to prime in the cup below the burner. Light it and wait for it to go out but don't wait long as the burner will cool and you have to start all over. Once primed it will work fine as long as the burner tips and orifice are clean. Burner parts for Kenyon have been hard (impossible as they no longer make that burner) to find for me. If you search the archives under Kenyon I think you will find out. My burners were made in Portugal (it's stamped into the burner). I am still trying to find replacement parts if I do I will post it. I may replace the whole burner with one that is readily availabe. May take some mod. but better than buying the whole stove.By the way do you need a copy of the users manual for the 550? If so I can scan the pages and send it to you. just send an e-mail address.

 

[Barry]

There's a Better Method !

Here's what I do to light the Kenyon kerosene burners on my h34. I use a benzomatic torch for preheat. No spilling, it's clean, quick and hot. I have small propane bottles on the boat for the barbecue already. Heat burners up for about a minute with the torch, turn them on and the kerosene fires with almost no smoke. Doesn't get much better. Kerosene is safer than propane or alcohol so I talked myself out of a stove upgrade and got determined to make this one work better.I carry alcohol for backup just in case I run out of propane. Haven't done the alcohol preheat in 5-6 years.Barry