I was preparing a reply to a different thread and decided that this info would be easier to find as a new topic...it's mostly a rehash of other discussions.
After living with my Wallas for over 15 years I can report that FRESH FUEL is the most important thing to keeping her running.
Some tips that I've learned along the way...
I use Klean Heat (preferred) or 100% mineral spirits and carefully search for the clearest fuel on the store's shelf (my stove's a '93 and is *kerosene only*). As it ages it takes on a cloudy appearance (and produces a noticeable odor). The folks at Klean Heat told me that their product will keep for a year but you never know how long a jug's been sitting in the store or in a warehouse.
Once I've purchased my fuel I date it with a Sharpie and store it unopened in the house where the temperature and humidity are constant.
Dispose of old, unused fuel, especially from the tank in the boat.
When my stove starts misfiring (popping, roaring, etc) I can usually buy some time by running some 99% isopropyl alchohol through it which cleans the wick(mine has a fuel return line to the tank, newer ones don't ? so this wouldn't apply to them).
Carry a spare wick and glow-plug (fuel vaporizer and glow-primer in Wallas-Speak) and be prepared to service it in the boat, out on the water.
Only attempt to start it when there's sufficiently high voltage. I like to either be running the motor or the battery charger with batteries paralleled in the all or both position on the battery switch. Mine draws 10 amps @ startup.
After living with my Wallas for over 15 years I can report that FRESH FUEL is the most important thing to keeping her running.
Some tips that I've learned along the way...
I use Klean Heat (preferred) or 100% mineral spirits and carefully search for the clearest fuel on the store's shelf (my stove's a '93 and is *kerosene only*). As it ages it takes on a cloudy appearance (and produces a noticeable odor). The folks at Klean Heat told me that their product will keep for a year but you never know how long a jug's been sitting in the store or in a warehouse.
Once I've purchased my fuel I date it with a Sharpie and store it unopened in the house where the temperature and humidity are constant.
Dispose of old, unused fuel, especially from the tank in the boat.
When my stove starts misfiring (popping, roaring, etc) I can usually buy some time by running some 99% isopropyl alchohol through it which cleans the wick(mine has a fuel return line to the tank, newer ones don't ? so this wouldn't apply to them).
Carry a spare wick and glow-plug (fuel vaporizer and glow-primer in Wallas-Speak) and be prepared to service it in the boat, out on the water.
Only attempt to start it when there's sufficiently high voltage. I like to either be running the motor or the battery charger with batteries paralleled in the all or both position on the battery switch. Mine draws 10 amps @ startup.