27-09-07 01:49 PM - Post#58964    

Hello everyone... I am a new member & new poster. My question is about the generator on the Coleman 550B stove. Is it possible to visually determine the difference between the gas/Coleman Fuel generator, and the kerosene generator? Now, I'm not talking about comparing the two side-by-side, as I'm sure that there must be a difference in the sizes of the respective orifices - but by simply looking at a given generator, is there a way to determine which one it is? Thanks very much in advance, and I'm having a great time perusing this forum! Bob A.

27-09-07 06:37 PM - Post#58965    

Bob, I don't hav eone in front of me right now but this is what I remember. If you look at the jam nut on the generator, the kero should have a small notch or groove running around it. The gasoline is smooth (or the other way around, in which case believe the next post). Mike

27-09-07 06:57 PM - Post#58966    

Hey, Guys, I used to think that all kero generators for both the 550 and 550B stoves from Coleman had the notch, just as Mike said. But, after reading the original question, I dug out a brand new kerosene generator for a Coleman 550, and found that, at least for the 550, the nut was smooth as a baby's butt, and had no notch. The kerosene generators on both of my 550B stoves have the notch on the nut, just as Mike said. But, you may have to beware of using a 550 kero generator, on a 550B stove, and vice versa, just to be safe. Good luck, take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.

27-09-07 07:37 PM - Post#58967    

Hi, I checked my spare 550 kero generator has the notch on the nut, and I think as a better sign the tip is marked with a "V" don't have the gasoline generator for comparison as I got the stove already setup for kero

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com

27-09-07 10:24 PM - Post#58968    

I have 6 Coleman fuel stove kits, part #550W676 to fit models 550-499 and 550A-499. All new in the bubble pack and none of them have a notch, groove or V. FYI, Bob

28-09-07 12:41 AM - Post#58969    

Hmmm... Doesn't seem to be a conclusive answer to this. I ask because I just bought a 550B from an eBay seller who, unfortunately, doesn't know which generator is on it. I was hoping to have a way of identifying it when I receive the stove. I guess that's not going to happen. I don't suppose that there'd be something simple, like the Coleman lanterns, where the gas generators have a filter-type insert and the kero gens have just a metal spring? Oh, and BTW - according to Coleman's parts lists, all three stoves (550, 550A, 550B) take the same respective generators: #550-2891for gas, and #550-2901for kerosene. Bob A.

28-09-07 01:18 AM - Post#58970    

Don't know about Coleman's parts list, just know what I have. Called a Peak 1 Multi-fuel Stove Kit and includes the generator and pump cup and keeper. Makes me wonder what the heck it is and I'll check the Coleman parts site one of these days. Best, Bob

28-09-07 01:52 AM - Post#58971    

Hello, Bob, I have, right next to my computer, and factory sealed Coleman generator for the Peak-1 Multi-fuel stove. It's listed as being: "Replacement Generator for Model 550-499 Multi-fuel Stove". The part number is: 550-2901, and it's listed "for use with kerosene". Now, I also have a model 550B, and have to tell you that the same part, for that stove, has a notch on it's jam nut. The part I have next to my computer does not have a notch in it's jam nut, even though it's for kerosene. So, I think it all may depend on when your stove was made. How about checking the date code, and letting us know that bit of info? I'll check the two 550's I have, one a B, and see how they line up with yours. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. How about some photos of your stove, too? That might help us to help you.

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.

28-09-07 02:33 AM - Post#58972    

1) Bob, Tried your part #550W676 on the Coleman site, and it's inactive. Seems to have been replaced with Part # 550-6771 - Multi-Fuel Stove Maintenance Kit which contains the same parts. Here's the link: http://www.coleman.com/co... Of course, even that doesn't say WHICH generator is included :? 2) Doc, Can't give you the date codes, as I don't even have the stove in my possession yet. Also, any photos are out, as I don't own a digital camera. When I get the stove, I might just take a run up to "Camp Coleman" and compare orifice sizes. Thanks... Bob A.

11-10-07 11:17 PM - Post#58973    

OK, I did receive the stove and did an overhaul on it. It actually came with the gasoline generator on it. As part of my parts replacement order, I got a kerosene generator. Now, as far as this model is concerned, the gasoline generator has a plain nut, while the kerosene generator's nut has a small notch or nick on every point of the hex. In my research, I've also come across some info which indicates that on the earlier 550 (no "A" or "B"), the gas gen had a brass nut where the kero gen had a chrome nut. If all else fails and you have them both, you can definitely tell the difference by the size of the orifice (kero is smaller, as I expected). Now, a couple more questions... This stove runs beautifully. Boiled 1 liter of water in 8 minutes (would you all agree that's good?). However, this thing runs HOT! I mean really hot. After about 5 minutes, the top of the tank, the fuel cap, the metal part of the valve, and the pump plunger are too hot too keep your finger on for more than a second. This scares me a bit. Is this normal? I do notice on the parts list, that at one point, there was a piece of insulation (Coleman # 550-4615) that fit between the heat shield and the burner assembly. It has been listed as N/A (on the parts list), and it is not present on my stove. Should it be there, or was this discontinued in production? Can some of you fellow owners let me know whether or not this is on your stove, and how hot yours runs? Also, would anyone have a copy of the 550B owner's manual/instructions that they'd be willing to scan for me? Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks... Bob A.

12-10-07 12:21 AM - Post#58974    

I have one 550B, but it is unfired. But I have other 400 series to know the firepower of the stoves. 8 min is too long. what is the diameter of pot you used? If too small, it might hake longer.

12-10-07 12:40 AM - Post#58975    

• Quote:

6" (15cm)

12-10-07 12:59 AM - Post#58976    

Hey, Bob A. Congrats on getting your stove, and for getting it up and running. As for your pot, I'd say 6" is just fine, and you could even go larger, if you wanted to. You might want to consider trying to find a Sigg windscreen for your 550B, however. They act as a heat shield, or sorts, and also contribute to getting the very best performance out of those stoves. Here's what they look like: You can see that I had to add one extra notch, in order for these to fit my 550 stoves. Check around at garage sales, swap meets, flea markets, and also Ebay, and see if you can find one for your stove. They are well worth owning, and I don't use my own 550's without a Sigg windscreen in place. If you are not in a hurry, I can copy an owner's for you. Send me a PM with our full name and mailing address, and I'll xerox a copy and send it along to you. Probably won't happen until this weekend, or early next week, as work is piling up. But, I'll be glad to do it for you. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. 8 minutes to boil a quart of cold water is not too bad, but I do think that your stove can do better. 6 minutes is more like it, and under the proper conditions, maybe 5 minutes. Under much worse conditions, of course, it's performance will be worse, too. Get a proper Sigg windscreen and you will always get the best the stove can do, in any circumstances. Also, don't be afraid to pump the livin' snot out of your stove, when it's running!! These little Coleman stoves seem to thrive on the pump!!

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.

12-10-07 01:53 AM - Post#58977    

Hey, Bob, Thanks for sending your address, and I'll get your intructions copied and off in the mail as soon as I can. I few more comments on the 550's, if I may. First, NEVER use really large, and super heavy cookpots on them!! They are not build to handle that kind of weight. This is NOT a Dutch Oven stove, but rather for very lightweight, aluminum, or other types of backpacking cookware. Using cast iron will KILL your stove in a very short time, and possibly lead to dangerous spills, just when you least expect it!! :shock: :shock: Second, as I mentioned before, these little guys thrive on pumping, the more, the better! Before you try to fire it up, open up the valve, place your thumb over the hole in the knob, and start pumping. 25-50 full strokes are what this little fellow needs to get started. Once he's lit, then give him some more pumps, 15-30, as recommended by Coleman. You'll see all that in the instructions when I send them your way. As to heat insulation, that's not shown in the parts diagram, and I can't get to my two 550's to check them out. But, I don't recall having seen any sort of fibre insulation in these stoves. Yes, they do get hot, in use, but not so hot that you can't handle them, gingerly. That's about all I can think of to mention, but if anything else comes to mind, I'll post it here. I'll also try to dig my way into the upstairs "stove room", as soon as I can, and get hold of both of my 550's. Then, I'll test them, one against the other, and report back my findings. I think mine are a 550A and a 550B, so we can see if that makes any difference. Talk to you later, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.

12-10-07 02:06 AM - Post#58978    

Thanks, Doc. I appreciate all your help! Bob

12-10-07 04:49 AM - Post#58979    

6 " should be sufficient for it. Doc's assessment is rignt on the money. You should be able to boil a liter in about 5-6 min., if not less. 8 min is for 8R type of stoves, and 550 has twice the heat.

12-10-07 02:37 PM - Post#58980    

• Quote:

After all the comments that you & Doc made, and doing some thinking, I gave it another try. On the original test, I had only put in about 3 oz. of fuel (just enough to be sure that the fuel & air tube was into the fuel) and pumped it 50 times. This time, I put in 8 oz. of fuel (which filled it most of the way), pumped it 50 times, started it, and pumped another 15 times. Saw the first "pre-boiling bubbles" at 4 minutes, and was at a nice, full boil at 6 minutes! Having more fuel in the tank actually seemed to help the tank parts run a bit cooler as well. Maybe the fuel acts as a heat sink in the tank? :?: :-k Bob A.

12-10-07 03:05 PM - Post#58981    

Hey, Bob, Congrats!! Yes, that's more like the performance you should be seeing in your 550B!! And, yes, having more fuel in the tank most certainly acts as a heat sink, and keeps the stove cooler in action! So, see? Just through a little experimentation, you've already learned a ton about your stove, and I'll bet it was fun, too!! Cool!!! Yeah, the Coleman 550Bs are very good little stoves, and we used ours for most of an 850 mile backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail, after our MSR Whisperlite Internationale went South on us (despite meticulous care). We burned kerosene in ours, and always primed it with firepaste before starting it. That little stove worked like a champ for our entire trip, and needed not one tiny bit of care. At the end of that trip, though it was beginning to burn just a bit yellow in the tips of the flame, that stove was still working perfectly, and keeping us well fed!! Have fun with your stove, and I'll get your copy of the instructions in the mail soon. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.

12-10-07 04:22 PM - Post#58982    

Hey Mark, If you'll send me a set, I'll scan them and put them on the CCS site, wherever would be best. I don't have operating directions for my 550-499. Always yust pumped her up and stuck a match to it. Bob

12-10-07 04:42 PM - Post#58983    

Hey, Bob, I'd be happy to do so, and thanks for the offer to scan and post them on CCS. I think I have instructions for both stoves, and will look for same. I can't remember if I have your Postal address, or not, so if you could please PM me with your full name and address, I'll send our your instructions when I send Bob A's. Sound OK? Got to get up on the roof and clean off the pine needles and cedar bark residue. The barometers are falling, and this morning, we had a "red sky". Me thinks a storm is going to blow in later tonight, or tomorrow, and I've lots to do in preparation for it. Thanks, again, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc

The only thing that can never be taken away from you, is your honor. Cherish it, in yourself, and in others.