I recently asked for suggestions on what two-burner stove to buy and the consensus was that a Coleman Suitcase was the way to go. I looked around and found there were lots of 424s available (even new) but a listing for an unidentified three-burner caught my eye and, due to a seller who wasn’t particularly interested in working for the sale, it promised to be cheap. It was cheap, I won the sale and it was most definitely worth the punt: The Tank/regulator/vaporiser assembly is stored in the suitcase: And is quickly attached to the front for use but, my, what a monster – true American Heavy Metal! Here it is dwarfing an Optimus 8R: And if anyone was in any doubt about where it hails from: OK, there were a good smattering of rust spots on the outside, particularly the lid, but no holes and all easily treated. Das Xentry Key Activation. I plan to use it as intended so will only stop the rot rather than strip and repaint. My stoves get used! The tank (a steel pressing so not as appealing as those found on older models) contains the pump, regulator, vaporiser tube and a ‘lighting lever’ which I guess alters the fuel flow or even spray pattern when warming up.
The pump differs from Primus norm by needing to be turned prior to pumping and a bleed valve plugged by a thumb: Other parts of the tank are the regulator “Valve Wheel”: And what I can only describe as a priming valve: The tank is attached to the suitcase by means of a couple of lugs (which have the code ‘D82’ stamped beneath them – date perhaps?): One of these lugs doesn’t engage very securely. I can’t detect any damage or distortion but I’d be a lot happier were it more secure: Inside the lid are a set of clear instructions: The 426E has three burners.
Appliance manuals and free pdf instructions. Find the user manual you need for your home appliance products and more at ManualsOnline. The Coleman Company, Inc. North America. United States. Grill & Stove Accessories COOLERS & WATER JUGS Hard Coolers Marine Coolers Soft Coolers.
The central burner being the main, and most powerful one which must be lit when either or both the outer two are in use. I stripped the burners for cleaning (simply remove one screw): The burners are unlike anything you’ll find on a Primus as, instead of a ‘silent’ cap with neatly drilled holes to provide all those nice jets of blue flame, it uses a sandwich assembly where alternate rings are either crinkled or plain: The tank was full of a white fuel (presumably Coleman) which I emptied and refilled with unleaded petrol (I normally use Aspen but thought unleaded would do for a flush and test lighting). I replaced the filler cap seal, oiled the pump, pumped it up, checked for leaks (none) and lit it.
It soon settled down and burned with a clean blue flame as did the two outer burners when I lit them. All was going well until. I noticed an ominous drip from the regulator: I quickly tuned the burner off (although they don’t actually go out very quickly) and took a look – the vaporiser tube was loose and after tightening and relighting all was well with nice strong blue flames: So, a very nice stove that’s a far cry from all the brass three-legged stoves in my collection but a worthy and practical addition.
Cheers, John. Great find, I imagine they're scarce there. Make sure you pressure test your tank (iE: pump up and dunk in water). I have an older 426B, it had the old cylindrical tank, but it developed pin holes, so I got a new red pressed tank from coleman.
Still a lot of parts available. IMHO, the 426 series is the best 3 burner, as is the 413 2 burner! In addition to all the other stuff mentioned above, don't forget a coleman style (filtered) funnel and a BBQ lighter(You don't want to be too close when lighting) PS: they are a thirsty lot, bring lots of fuel!