Kenyon Butane Stoves

marvin4239 · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject: Kenyon Butane Stoves

While doing some research concerning my factory installed Kenyon butane stove I came across this recall on some Kenyon portable stoves http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01198.html It occured to me that some may be using these for a second or back up stove. The reason for my research is I think mine may be leaking but haven't confirmed if it is or isn't. It seems to be using a lot more fuel than it should so I suspect the bottle may be leaking slightly when not in use. In the mean time I'll be taking the bottle out between use's and storing it in the cockpit with my propane bottles. I really like the stove but I'm wondering if anyone else has had problems with them?

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject:

Hi Marvin,

We have a portable butane stove that we've used on various boats. Probably from that vintage. We're away from the boat right now, but as soon as we get home, I'll check the stove to see what brand it is (we bought it at Cabela's). Thanks for the heads up.

As far as the usage, we like the stove. Haven't noticed any problem with fuel being used too rapidly. For something quick, like coffee in the morning (especially when it's warm out), we prefer it over the Wallas.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

thataway · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject:

If there is any question about seals leaking, do not use the stove. A very close friend had a cannister type (different brand) stove leak propane, and he almost died when the leaking propane ignited: (33% 3rd degree burns, lung damage, in a coma 6 weeks and dialysis for 8 weeks). This is one of the reasons I am very concerned about cannister type of stoves below decks. It doesn't happen often, but once is enough!

SeaSpray · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:10 am Post subject:

I have a butane stove of that type I bought in Sidney when my wallas died. I know it is not a Kennyon. I have seen these stoves for as little as $15 new at a flea market.

I was under the impression that these were safer than propane because the butane is lighter than air and does not collect. Am I wrong in thinking this?

Steve

marvin4239 · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:26 am Post subject:

Thanks for the heads up Bob. I really don't think it is leaking. What made me think that was it seemed to use more fuel than I thought it should. When I stumbled across that recall it got me to thinking. I'm going to take a close look at it tomorrow. One of my neighbors is a safety man at a powerhouse here. I'm going to see if he has access to a sniffer to check it. On a related note I removed a propane canister from my grill a couple weeks ago to store the grill and the canister didn't shut off. I was anchored out and didn't quite know what to do with this potential bomb in my hand so I put it in the landing net and dropped it over board and held it under til it ran dry.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:49 am Post subject:

Will-C · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: Kenyon Propane Stove

You can check for gas leaks much the same way you would a tire. Use soapy water. Bubbles are troubles.
DD

thataway · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:19 am Post subject:

Agree with the checking for leaks, but when the seals fail it is a catastrophic failure, not just a leak before. The cannisters are inserted into the stove.

We do use the stove, but out of doors, where fuel cannot collect--good call on putting the cannister in the net!

jhwilson · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

So what is the conclusion? That in lieu of a diesel stove alcohol stoves are the safe way to go in the cabin?

Harper

K7MXE · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:04 pm Post subject: Marine stove

I had the Kenyon that came with the Ranger 21 and although I understand
why the factory uses it I found it was not for me and removed it from the
boat. Its problem was the tanks froze and took several to get a pot of
coffee brewed and then they would sit there and leak till they were empty
took three canisters to cook coffee 7 times and the last two days I did not
have any thing warm. I tried creative ways after they were iced up to get
them to go again and failed but did not kill myself either. I bought a
Coleman single burner and fitted it in the hole in the counter top that the
Kenyon had been. It is vented overboard but remove it from the cabin
when its not in use. I do need to make something to hold pots in place
when the boats a rocking. Spilled soup is no fun eh!
Bob Heselberg Eatonville Wa

marvin4239 · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: Kenyon Propane Stove

thataway · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:47 pm Post subject:

The newer alcohol stoves (wick type--like Oringo) are safer than the older pressure alcohol stove, but they heat very poorly.

We used propane built in stoves for the vast majority of our boats. The tanks were external and vented overboard. The hoses were double walled, and routed thru PVC pipes to support them and avoid chafe. The tanks were always turned off with a selenoid valve at the tank, and there were two propane sniffers: one at the stove and one in the bottom of the bilge. There was an interlock that the propane could not be turned on if the alarm had gone off.

I still prefer Kerosene--but have had very good luck with our stoves.