Alcohol stove

[moparlvr4406]

my 1978 2 burner alocohol stove looks to have never been used.
1. would it possibly still be safe to operate?
2. where would one find the proper alcohol fuel ?
3. where would one find a pressure pump (it is dead)
4. is there anywhere the tank could be pressure tested to determine it's safety ?

 

[barrylee66]

I think the pump is like the coleman stove maybe you could use one of those. or take it apart and lube it ,that works on the old coleman stoves I think it is a peice of leather that dries up

 

[Fishdancer]

Assuming it may be a Kenyon Marine Alcohol stove, check out this web page to identify your stove and purchase replacement parts. http://www.kenyonappliances.com/pages/parts-list-manuals-for-discontinued-stoves

I talked to them this spring (very helpful) and purchased a replacement U-cup to fix my model #406 stove pump for my 1987 SR 268. I bought some other spare parts for common wear/maintenance items. They also offer a stove rebuild service for their stoves if you prefer to go that route.

Paul

 

[CharlieN]

I spent hundreds of dollars on replacement parts for my Kenyon stove and was never really happy with it. There is the preheat cycle and the flame ups - just way too much trouble. The only way I could cook anything was on the BBQ grill.
I finally bought an Origo Alcohol/electric 4300 that fit in the same spot with a little trimming on the wood around it. It uses a canister filled with alcohol. It works so much better, we hardly ever use the electric heating element part of the stove.
Then again, I have a friend with a Kenyon, and he uses it all the time with great success. I just don’t have that much patience.

 

[moparlvr4406]

thanks for the advise
will look into the repairs but may see if a coleman will fit the case too.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Kenyon (maybe Coleman, too - don't know) also makes a butane stove. It uses butane canisters that are readily available at marine and RV stores. It basically works like a gas stove does at home - fantastic! We cook on our Magma (in the cockpit) most of the time, but I do use our alcohol/electric at times. Our alcohol stove works fine, but it is a newer style where you don't have to pump anything up. However, if we started to use the galley stove more often, I would likely change it out to a butane model.

But, definitely give Kenyon a call, first. Find out what you would be into, then decide.

 

[Spookeay]

To answer your questions about the fuel, Denatured Alcohol from walmart or Home Depot. But they are right. They are a Beach to get pre heated and going.
I got a propane 2 burner camp stove that I set on it's lid and use that if I "MUST" cook inside. Cool it down, fold it up, and put it away. 1-2-3

 

[andyr]

Although I cook on the grill most often, I use the alcohol stove a fair bit. Mine is the what came with the boat 1989 so it is the pump type. It is really not that hard to light. The trick is to get the enough but not too much fuel in the cup to preheat. I'll wet the cup and let just a drop over the lip. It is important not to let to much fuel in the cup for the preheat or it will flame up and the preheat flame may be 10 inches high. Normally it is a 3-4 inches. I always put the fry pan or coffee pot over it. After the preheat, it is like a gas stove. Nice Throws lots of heat. More than my little Origo did. Because the preheat can throw flame 8"-10" if too much fuel is let in, I'm the only one that starts the stove. Remember, water puts out alcohol so have the water on. Use an alcohol fuel filter when filling the stove. Once you learn how to use it and avoid flame up, it does well.

 

[moparlvr4406]

I may refit the original case with a Coleman propane 2 burner unit
Thanx for the input folks

 

[Lazy Daze]

I don't know the answer, but is that unit CG approved for permanent installation?

 

[moparlvr4406]

the casing comes out of the cabinet....not what I would consider a permenant install

 

[Pack66Dad]

the casing comes out of the cabinet....not what I would consider a permenant install

You guys in the midwest probably don't interact with the "coasties" much, out here they are active and serious about boat safety. They will write you up in a heart beat for even the smallest infraction so an un-approved stove on board would probably land you in the brig (or whatever they call it).