Technical Support—Stoves

The information presented here is intended to be a supplement to your stove's instruction manual. Please refer to the manual when performing any of the cleaning procedures described on our web site. Stove manuals and schematics »

Stove FAQs


How do I travel/fly with my stove?

Each airline has different rules regarding the transportation of camping stoves. Please ask your airline about their regulations.

Please note: Carrying flammable fuel on passenger aircraft in carry-on or checked luggage is forbidden. Before transporting fuel bottles on passenger aircraft, safely empty all fuel, wash inside with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, air dry, and stow bottle uncapped.

Back to Top

Where do I get fuels in foreign countries and what other types of fuels can I use?

Camping fuel is sold in a variety of places worldwide. If you can't find fuel in an outdoor store, try a gas station or hardware store.

Liquid Fuel Stoves - If you can't find white gas, you may use unleaded auto fuel in your white gas-only stove. It will, however, require frequent cleanings. If you have a multi-fuel stove, like an XGK, DragonFly or WhisperLite Internationale, try kerosene. Just remember to use the "k" jet included with your stove.

Canister Fuel Stoves – The PocketRocket will only accept threaded, self-sealing canisters. If you have a SuperFly, it will work on both threaded and non-threaded self-sealing canisters, like Campingaz.

Back to Top

What pumps are compatible with what stoves?

MSR's stove pumps are compatible with all MSR liquid fuel stoves, except the DragonFly stove. DragonFly-specific pumps will only work with DragonFly stoves.

Back to Top

Cleaning the DragonFly's Valve

Only clean the inside of the Cool Fuel valve if you have less than 1.5 total revolutions of the Flame Adjuster when fully assembled.

1. Remove Flame Adjuster, Jet and Shaker Jet needle. For best results allow fuel line to completely dry out on the inside.

2. Assemble the wire handle from the Flame Adjuster onto the DragonFly cleaning tool.

3. Insert DragonFly cleaning tool into fuel line through flame adjuster port and rotate clockwise while applying firm, but not excessive, force. After 20 turns remove the DragonFly cleaning tool. Shake out debris by tapping fuel line on clean hard surface and allowing deposits to fall out of fuel line through Flame Adjuster port. Reassemble Flame Adjuster and count the number of full revolutions, If less than 1.5 repeat cleaning. After cleaning is done install Flame Adjuster and flush out the fuel line.

Back to Top

Flushing the DragonFly's fuel line

Flushing is required any time valve cleaning has been performed,

1. Connect stove to Fuel Bottle with DragonFly Pump as if assembling for operation. (Do not include windscreen or Heat Reflector).

2. Remove Flame Spreader, Jet and Shaker Jet Needle.

3. Turn On/ Off Valve and Flame Adjuster ON and allow fuel to run through fuel line for 30 seconds.

4. Reinstall Shaker Jet Needle, Jet and Flame Spreader.

CAUTION: Always flush away from any ignition source. Spilled fuel is a fire hazard! Test light stove away from cleaning area and only after residual fuel on stove has evaporated.

5. Test light stove. While stove is lit, adjust output several times through full range of flame. This may loosen remaining deposits.

6. If clogging persists, repeat flushing process. Two or three flushing cycles are often required to completely clean out deposits.

Back to Top

Cleaning the Fuel line for the WhisperLite, WhisperLite Internationale & XGK

Remove the fuel line from the stove by unscrewing the priming cup, then pushing down on the generator tube to remove it from the mixer tube (XGK model stove owners can skip this step). Remove the jet from the fuel line and clean it with the jet cleaning wire or shaker needle. Remove the cable from the fuel line, wipe it off, then reinsert it. Run the cable back and forth in short strokes, using it like a pipe cleaner to scour the inside of the fuel line - pushing it back and forth ten to twenty times. Concentrate your strokes in the area of the generator tube. This is where most of the clogging takes place. Pull the cable out and wipe it off. Repeat this procedure one more time, then reinsert the cable. Connect the fuel line to your pressurized pump and bottle and open the control valve to allow about a quarter of a cup of fuel to flush any debris out of the fuel line.

COMMON SENSE PRECAUTION:

When flushing keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Reinsert jet (and shaker jet needle for those with the shaker jet stove), then reinstall fuel line to the body of the stove. Burn test the stove. If clogging persists, repeat the flushing process with the jet off.See the Whisperlite/Whisperlite 600 schematic drawing.

See the XGK schematic drawing

Inadequate fuel bottle pressure could be another reason your stove is not lighting or priming. To remedy this, remove the pump plunger assembly from the pump. At the end of it is a Leather Pump Cup. Moisten it with MSR Pump Cup Oil or mineral oil (available at any hardware or drug store). If necessary, reshape it to fit snugly against the inner wall of the pump. Then reinsert it into the pump.

Back to Top

How do I replace the fuel line filter in the DragonFly?

The fuel line filter is in the stove's fuel tube adapter; this is the brass tube that goes into the fuel pump. To remove the filter, take a safety pin and push the sharp point through the middle of the filter. Carefully pry the filter out and discard it. To install a new filter, place the filter on a hard surface such as a table top, push the fuel tube adapter straight down onto the filter so that the filter is inserted flush with the end of the fuel tube adapter. It is normal for a small amount of plastic from the filter to be shaved off as the filter is installed; simply rub or cut off the excess material.

Back to Top

Will a DragonFly fit in the Alpine cookset?

Yes, the stove will fit inside the cookset. It is a tight fit, so you may need to experiment if you want to put anything else in the cookset.Can I take the DragonFly stove on an expedition?It depends on the nature of the expedition. For extreme conditions, such as on Denali (Mt. McKinley), the XGK is the better choice for its time-tested, simple design. At very cold temperatures, you want your gear to be as simple and reliable as possible.

Back to Top

Why won't my stove light / prime?

There are several reasons your stove may not be priming or lighting. The most common one is that the jet is clogged. First try cleaning your jet. Shaker jet stove owners simply shake your stove vigorously up and down. Non shaker jet stove owners use the jet cleaning wire that was provided with your stove to poke out any debris that may be blocking the passage of fuel. If unscuccessful, remove jet and clean, then hold the jet up and look through hole to make sure it is clear, crisp, and round. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you will need to clean the fuel line.

My stove lights, but has a very weak flame.

There are several reasons your stove may have a weak flame. The most common one is that the jet and fuel line are clogged.

First try cleaning your jet."Shaker Jet" stove owners simply shake your stove vigorously up and down. Non-"shaker-jet" owners use the jet cleaning wire that was provided with your stove to poke out any debris that may be blocking the passage of fuel. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you will need to clean the fuel line.

See Cleaning the Fuel line for the WhisperLite, WhisperLite Internationale & XGK

Remove the fuel line from the stove by unscrewing the priming cup, then pushing down on the generator tube to remove it from the mixer tube (XGK model stove owners can skip this step). Remove the jet from the fuel line and clean it with the jet cleaning wire. Remove the cable from the fuel line, wipe it off, then reinsert it. Run the cable back and forth in short strokes, using it like a pipe cleaner to scour the inside of the fuel line - pushing it back and forth ten to twenty times. Concentrate your strokes in the area of the generator tube. This is where most of the clogging takes place. Pull the cable out and wipe it off. Repeat this procedure one more time, then reinsert the cable. Connect the fuel line to your pressurized pump and bottle and open the control valve to allow about a quarter of a cup of fuel to flush any debris out of the fuel line.COMMON SENSE PRECAUTION:

When flushing keep away from heat, sparks and flame.Reinsert jet (and shaker jet needle for those with the shaker jet stove), then reinstall fuel line to the body of the stove. Burn test the stove. If clogging persists, repeat the flushing process with the jet off.See the Whisperlite/Whisperlite 600 schematic drawing.

Inadequate fuel bottle pressure could be another reason your stove is not lighting or priming. To remedy this, remove the pump plunger assembly from the pump. At the end of it is a Leather Pump Cup. Moisten it with MSR Pump Cup Oil or mineral oil (available at any hardware or drug store). If necessary, reshape it to fit snugly against the inner wall of the pump. Then reinsert it into the pump.See the pump schematic.

Back to Top

Can I upgrade my old MSR Stove to the new Shaker Jet model?

It depends on which MSR stove you own. The WhisperLite™ can be upgraded by simply installing the new Shaker Jet fuel line (part #419423). This can be ordered from your local MSR dealer or from MSR directly. The WhisperLite Internationale™ cannot be upgraded because of dimensional changes that were made to accommodate a larger fuel line. While the non-Shaker Jet XGK™ is technically upgradeable, the considerable cost relative to purchasing a new XGK makes it an undesirable upgrade. (Unlike the WhisperLite, the XGK fuel line also includes the burner, leaving only the enclosure and pot supports of the old stove.)

Back to Top

Can I upgrade my WhisperLite to a WhisperLite Internationale?

No, the larger diameter generator tube on a WhisperLite Internationale will not fit through the slot on the WhisperLite's flame reflector.

Back to Top

I can't find white gas anywhere; is Coleman Fuel the same thing?

Yes, Coleman fuel is a white gas. MSR also makes a high quality white gas that will reduce clogging (MSR SuperFuel™). Camplite also makes white gas. Both MSR SuperFuel™ and Camplite are available at your local outdoor stores.

Back to Top

Can you simmer with an MSR Stove?

There are two effective ways to simmer with your MSR stove. The most efficient way is to run the stove with extremely low pressure in the fuel bottle. One pump stroke in a half full bottle is optimal. Another way is to put a "burner plate" on top of the stove. This will diffuse the heat before it hits the pot. You can purchase one at your local outdoor store or you can use the metal lid from a coffee can (the big ones).

Note: our award-winning DragonFly stove has a fully adjustable flame, which makes simmering a breeze.

Back to Top

Can I leave my pump in the fuel bottle?

Yes, there is no problem with leaving the pump in the bottle. However, we recommend that the pressure is released when not in use. Do this by slowly unscrewing the pump, away from open flames, while holding the bottle upright.

Back to Top

Why does my cable become stuck and how can I remove it?

In general, cables become stuck due to a lack of Fuel Line cleaning and maintenance. Diminished stove performance also results from lack of maintenance. Therefore, it is important to perform routine maintenance on your stove.

Stuck cables can be removed by performing the following procedure: First, begin by familiarizing yourself with different parts of the Fuel Line, which are described in your stove instructions. Following the stove instructions, remove the Fuel Line from the Burner Assembly. Note: The DragonFly stove does not have a cable. For XGK model stoves, leave the Fuel Line and Enclosure intact while performing the following procedure. Remove the Jet by using the Jet and Cable Tool; turn Jet counterclockwise to loosen and remove. Using a common lubricant spray, direct the “straw” inside the Elbow and spray a small amount, such that the lubricant is directed inside the Fuel Line. Note: Orienting the Fuel Line vertically will facilitate better flow of lubricant into the Fuel Line. Let the Fuel Line soak for a short time; after which, refer to your stove instructions for Cleaning the Jet and Fuel Line. Pliers may have to be used to remove a cable that cannot be pulled out with the Jet and Cable Tool, regardless of using a lubricant. If pliers are used, grip the weld at the tip of the cable only. Do not grip the cable itself as this might result in fraying. A frayed cable can damage the Fuel Tube O-ring when connecting the stove with the pump; damaged O-rings can result in a dangerous fuel leaks, fire and personal injury.

Back to Top

How to remove a stuck jet

The following tip applies to both models of the WhisperLite stove.

Note: Stuck Jets on the DragonFly and XGK stoves can be removed with a large screwdriver or a leverage-providing implement used in combination with the Jet and Cable Tool.

Stuck Jets can be removed by performing the following procedure: First, begin by familiarizing yourself with the Mixer Tube and different parts of the Fuel Line, these are described in your stove instructions. Following the stove instructions, remove the Fuel Line from the Burner Assembly. Once the Fuel Line is removed and free from the Legs, turn the Burner Assembly “upside-down,” placing it on a bench is preferable, with the slotted end of the Mixer Tube facing up. Then, orient the Fuel Line so that the Jet is also facing up. Re-insert the Elbow into the Mixer Tube, but the “wrong way,” with the Jet exposed rather than hidden, in other words the Jet should be “sticking out” so that it can be accessed with the Jet and Cable Tool. While supporting the Fuel Line and Burner Assembly, use the Jet and Cable Tool to unscrew the Jet, turning it in a counterclockwise fashion. For Jets that are severely stuck, a screwdriver may be placed through the “air hole” in the side of the Mixer Tube so that additional leverage is provided. Note: This configuration provides support for the Fuel Line so that it does not bend while the stuck Jet is being unscrewed.

Back to Top

What do I use to lubricate the fuel line before putting it into the pump?

We recommend MSR Pump Cup Oil (which is the same as Mineral Oil ). A tube of Pump Cup Oil is currently included with every MSR stove. If you have an older model stove that did not come with Pump Cup Oil, you can purchase a tube of it at your local MSR dealer. You can also use saliva or any NON-petroleum based lubricant. It is important to lubricate the fuel line in order to protect the tube o-ring.

Back to Top

How do I avoid the black soot that deposits on the bottom of my stove after I prime it?

Avoid the black soot by priming with alcohol or a priming paste (available at most camping stores). NOTE: Alcohol will NOT generate enough heat to prime your stove if you are burning kerosene or jet fuel. For these fuels prime your stove as described in the instructions.

Back to Top

Can I burn alcohol in my MSR Stove?

No, MSR stoves will not burn alcohol, and alcohol will damage MSR Fuel Bottles.

Back to Top

How do I get parts for obsolete stoves?

Our in-house repair facility stocks a wide variety of parts for current and older model stoves. MSR exchanges old yellow pumps and FireFly stoves for credit towards new product. You can contact the product service center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST at 800.531.9531 or 206.505.9500.

Back to Top

Can I send my stove in to be serviced?

Yes. MSR's Product Service Department can perform services for a modest price.

Please Click here for product service pricing information and mailing instructions.

Back to Top

Stove Manuals and Schematics


Back to Top


Schematics



Back to Top