PRESSSURIZED KEROSENE STOVE ISSUES

[Duke 48]

I like my PKS. It lights easily and, until recently, has preformed well with no problems. Now the flame has a tendency to surge; that is, the flame will burn evenly for a few seconds, become smaller, like the burner feed valve is being closed, then surge to a flame height above the original setting, as if the feed valve was suddenly opened. This oscillation continues during the entire cooking time. It isn't just one burner; all three burners act the same way, even oscillating in unison when more than one burner is being used. Cleaning / changing the nozzles has had no affect. I have checked the fuel feed without flame and there is no apparent restriction. Also, I have tried varying the pressure on the fuel tank, and there is no affect on the surging. What else can I check?

[Maren]

The fact that it's all three makes me think it might either be the O-ring on the pressure rod or a washer. But it might be something partially obstructing the line.

[salient]

1. Stove cold / Inadequate pre-heating - this is usually it
2. Too much pressure - control valve open too far.

[CarinaPDX]

Surging has been an issue for a long time. I don't know the cause, but the solution has been to put a restriction in the pressure fuel line. My Taylor came with an orifice at the top of the draw tube on the tank. Surging could happen to all three burners in sync but was not usually a problem. Later upgrades removed that orifice and instead had an orifice at the base of each burner, and that seems to have eliminated surging completely.

I think that it is probably an oscillation between the air pressure in the tank and the kerosene vapor in the burner(s), and the restriction dampens the flow.

If you have a Taylor stove you might be able to upgrade to the multiple orifices.

Greg