Cleaning an MSR Stove

Naomi Judd

After you use an MSR stove on several trips to the backcountry, it can become dirty both on the outside and inside the fuel line. When you are hungry after a hard day, the last thing you want is for your stove to start sputtering. But if you learn how to clean your stove, you will be able to cook your meal. It is fairly simple to clean an MSR stove such as the WhisperLite Internationale, WindPro or the DragonFly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Rag or bandanna Pliers Rubbing alcohol
Rag or bandanna
Pliers
Rubbing alcohol

Step 1

Shake the stove gently so the shaker jet makes a clinking noise. This cleans out any excess debris that might be clogging the jet. Most base camp stoves have a shaker jet if they are liquid gas stoves.

Step 2

Light the stove and try to get it going again. If it is still sputtering, pump the fuel pump a few times to make sure the pressure is good. But if it does not run smoothly after you pump the fuel pump, turn the stove off and let it cool.

Step 3

Pulling the Fuel Line Out with Pliers

Disconnect the stove from the pump, and using your pair of pliers, pull the cable out of the fuel line. Inspect it for any debris and wipe it off.

Step 4

Rub the line with rubbing alcohol and set it aside to dry.

Step 5

Clean the rest of your stove if it is blackened by completely disassembling it and wiping down the burner. Start by unscrewing the priming cup. While you are taking things apart, check the shaker jet (the tiny thing that looks like a bullet) and make sure it is clear of debris.

Step 6

Reassemble the entire stove once the parts are dry and start it up again.

Tips & Warnings

Always carry a stove repair kit with you in case you need to replace an important part of the stove, such as the fuel line.

Be careful not to get fuel on your bare skin when temperatures are below freezing because this can cause skin damage.

Resources

Shop for a Stove Repair Kit

Article Written By Naomi Judd

Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.

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