i don''t have a perko, but I have a seaward. I don''t know if the procedure is identical, but i''m guessing its probably similiar.

1 - get a bicycle pump and pump to 13-15 psi.
2 - fill a small squirt bottle w/ alcohol. squirt a small amount into the priming bowl. Alternately, open the burner valve up for about 2 seconds. You''ll here a "pshhhs" as the alcohol comes out.
3 - light the alcohol in the priming bowl. use one of those butane lighters with the long spout (for lighting bbq''s etc. about 2 or 3 dollars.
4 - let it all burn off. at least 60 seconds. the idea is to get the burner so hot that it vaporizes the alcohol.
5 - turn on burner and cook. you should have a small blue flame. if it flares up, shut it off and preheat again.

 

Thanks so much for the very clear directions! I will give the stove a test run tomorrow and report back on the results.

Trish
C-28
"Sea Mist"
Boston

 

I have a Seaward pressurized alcohol stove. After I have the stove started and running, I notice that the color of the diffuser in the middle of the burner is either bright red or dull red. I can adjust the air/fuel mixture to change the color/temp of the diffuser. Does anyone know what color/temp the diffuser is supposed to be? I don''t want to burn up the diffuser by running it too hot. Thanks

 

What kind of alcohol?

I have a perko alcohol stove in good shape. Can anyone tell me what kind of alcohol to use and where to get it?

 

I have a perko alcohol stove in good shape. Can anyone tell me what kind of alcohol to use and where to get it?

I ASSUME, it uses denatured alcohol. Is so, you can get it at any hardware store. Check the company's web site if they are still around.

 

redwhite
The diffuser in the middle of the burner will be different shades of red depending whether the burner is on full or turned down to a medium flame. With an alcohol stove you can't get it hot enough to cause damage so don't worry.

grey99
If you have an external tank you will need the pump. If it has an internal tank the pump will be built in.
Brian

 

Be careful!

Be careful when priming your stoves. Err on the side of caution and initially allow only 1 second of fuel to flow before shutting it off and lighting it. If that's not enough try a little more. It doesn't take much to heat the tubes, which is all you are trying to do. Priming with too much fuel is dangerous, and the fumes are literally breath taking. Be patient until you know your stove. I realy like my alcohol stove. I think most of the horror stories you hear are from people not paying attention in the priming process. Once the fuel is turned into a gas, it is very manageable. I have been involved in a couple of threads here concerning the Great Propane vs. Alcohol debate that will give you a lot of insight if you search for them.