I am looking for a multi-fuel stove that burns jet fuel (primary fuel). The Nova Multi-fuel & Primus Himalaya omni-fuel are two possibles.

Does anyone have any experience with these or other stoves while burning jet fuel (jet B primarily) - pros/cons etc.

Tx

Is "jet fuel" the same as "aviation gas"? If so, [this stove] from MSR might work for you. It is listed as being compatible with "aviation gas".

FWIW:

Be careful when using the terms "jet fuel" and "aviation gas" "aviation fuel" etc. Semantics can mean a lot depending upon where you happen to be at the time. I checked out the link indicated and was uncomfortable with some of the nomenclature given for these items for the various countries.

My guess is that the person/s writing the adcopy for the advertisements and websites may not be entirely clear on the distinction between fuels [closely akin to the misconception of many folks, that" almost every airplane in the sky is a Piper Cub" ].

Generally in the US, "Avgas" or "Aviation gas" means the non-oily liquid similar to gasoline or petrol.

"Jet fuel" is more of a kerosene like oily liquid.

A quick test to determine what base type of fuel (or for the pilots in the audience to help determine if you have jet fuel contaminated avgas) is to take a white paper towel or napkin and place about a teaspoon of the suspect fuel on it.

After a few minutes, if the spot dries up and does not leave an oily residue then you probably do not have jet fuel mixed in your avgas.

If there is an oily residue then you likely will have some issues running this fuel in engines designed for gas base fuels rather than kerosene based fuels.

There are other tests and cheap test units based upon specific gravity that are avaialble to test for fuel contamination.

Long ago, I looked at some of the early models of multifuel stoves and IIRC there were some that would run on almost anything that was liquid and flammable (and was not so viscous as to clog up the pipes). My guess is that the big issues are deterioration of seals and pumps, then contaminants clogging ports, then residues building up in the evaporator pipes of the stoves. Since I don't have any recent experience with these, I'll defer to those more knowledgable in the current models of stoves.

Apologies for any topic drift, now back to your thread. LOL <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Comanche7

MSR XGK (firsthand experience) and relatives. Note that the MSR XGK is a noisy bugger (Primus type roarer burner) and its forte is rapidly boiling water, not simmering.

Coleman Peak I varient (first hand experience). Must pre-heat, which is usually not the case with naptha type fuels. Once the generator is hot, cooking of all sorts is feasible.

The heavier fuels like JP and kerosene are a bit more involved than naptha fuels and in my experience ALWAYS gave me a stove redolent with residual fuel aromas - so external carry is my strong suggestion, rather than internal carry.

The XGK rapidly converts back and forth on fuels; a bit more effort required with the Coleman to switch, but neither is difficult. I think some of the other MSR stoves may be convertable as well, but I have not kept up to speed on them.

HTH,

Tom

Altho "jet fuel" is about the only thing I have not burned in my XGK, I've gotta give it my vote too. Tough as nails, easy to maintain in the field, and it will burn just about everything. As usual you are correct Mr. Ayers...

Earlier this year we got an MSR Dragonfly. We have been quite pleased with its performance. According to MSR, it is designed to be a multifuel stove which will burn: White gas; kerosine; diesel; naphtha; aviation (AV) gas; Stoddard Solvent (whatever the heck that is); and unleaded gasoline. However, we have used only white gas in it so far. Indeed after reading of all the disadvantages, criticisms, and degradation/corrosion/deterioration attendant to the use of the other fuels, I am reluctant to do so when alternatives are available. Nonetheless, I love the versatility.

The Dragonfly, unlike many of its bretheren, is adjustable from a slow simmer to a rolling boil. Like the other stoves in this class, it is somewhat noisy.

John

Thanks for the replies - my query is for jet fuel, either Jet A or Jet B, usually Jet B - they are different than Avgas per previous comments. I am a helicopter pilot and the ready availibility of Jet fuel is why I am looking for a stove that works well with Jet fuel.

From the lack of posts from people who have used jet fuel, I will likely pick a stove and will come back and give an update.

Cheers & be safe

>>From the lack of posts from people who have used jet fuel, I will likely pick a stove and will come back and give an update<<

Eh? I told you two stoves that I have personally used with Jet fuel. Doesn't make me an expert, though.

To be more specific, I have burned JP-4 and JP-5 in the MSR and JP-5 and kerosene in the Coleman (which I no longer own, having donated it to someone who needed it more than me in that theater).

I have not burned Jet A-1, Jet A, or Jet B, but if they will burn JP-5, then Jet A, Jet A-1, and especially Jet B will be trivial.

John B reported that his MSR Dragon fly will burn kero and diesel - that means that it will also burn Jet fuel, if that helps.

MSR XGK remains my advice for jet fuel based on my limited experience (two stoves). Be more informative for me if you pick something different and try it out, though, LoL

Let us know what you get and how it works for you, please!

Tom

The agency I used to work for has jet choppers, for among other things, mountain rescue. They often have to kick the flight officer/observer out to spend the night with some victim. They therefore have a pack full of survival gear, and the stove they use is the MSR XGK. In part apparently because it burns the fuel they have onboard, ensuring a steady supply...

Tom

Thanks for the clarification & I appreciate the info - yes I will report back when I pick out a stove - will ikely be using it a fair bit so should have a good report.

Cheers

Ron