I'll have to double check the directions, but it seems like some of the lanterns I've purchased recently allow the use of plain gasoline vs. white gas.

starwatcher

Coleman makes it's own super fuel- runs about $5-6/ quart, main advantage is that the volume is closer to what you might need on a trip. I've had good luck with the regular Coleman fuel in my MSR stove with the exception of a very cold late fall trip- where a waxy deposition clogged my intake filter on the pump. I transport the pump inside the fuel bottle I'm using, seems like a good way to keep it clean.

I've always used the Coleman stove fuel in the gallon metal can.
I'm on the same 20+ year old Coleman Peak 1 multi-fuel stove and have never had a fuel problem.

I do use a fine mesh fuel filter when filling stove, and you should take in consideration how old your fuel is and where you live IF your filling from a metal can?

I live in MI, so condensation in metal fuel cans is a issue. Never store your metal fuel can on a concrete surface as you'll get condensation in the fuel eventually. Keep it on a shelf, or switch to plastic fuel cans.
I've used fuel that has been in storage for at least a couple of years, never a problem. I do add a few drops of fuel stabilizer to can if it's sitting in the outdoor shed over the winter, especially if it's in the gallon metal can.

Coleman also makes a Premium stove fuel that comes in a red plastic bottle. Quart/litter size? More expensive than the stuff in the can, BUT it is it's own fuel bottle, so you don't have to use other fuel cans to carry it, only one to attach to your particular stove of choice.

I think dd is right. I believe most contaminates come from the filling/fueling process, not from the original source. A little fine mesh lined fuel filter will take care of that.

Another good idea is to add a few drops/ cap full of auto carb cleaner to say a 1/4 bottle of fuel and let the stove run until it's empty. Do it before your first trip and maybe after your last one. Will clean out the sludge and keep your stove running great

Well I don't have a fancy new stove, my stove is an old Optimus Primus stove that I've used for 25+ years.  I've never replaced anything on it and there is very little to clean.  It has it's limitations, but what a great piece of equipment. 

That being said, the only fuel I've every used in it is Coleman White Gas.  The last time i bought fuel, I did buy the premium Coleman Fuel only becase I use so little of it.  I just didn't want that much extra fuel sitting around.

Quote:


Must be my day for respectfully disagreeing
I worked building/piping gas stations for about 5 years after I got out of the Army. I also set and removed gas pumps and took them in to be re-conditioned and re-sold.

We serviced Mobil/ Texaco/Shell/ among others and also many independent dealers who bought their gas from the big boys wherever they could get their best price.

I can tell you as a fact, that depending on the additives, the internal plumbing of the gas pumps, and in turn your carb/fuel injectors can be significantly affected with buildup that will effect fuel economy/ fuel filter life and overall performance.

I don't know what the " cleanest" fuel is nowadays, but then, Texaco had the best gas period. You open up the vital of a gas pump, and it was a clean as could be, others would have varnish/sludge deposits that we would use a carb/injector type cleaner to clean when we re-conditioned them.

Another thing is that on a 20 thousand gallon underground fuel tank, especially metal, you would easily get 500 gallons of water from condensation from tank and gas lines running to gas islands. We regularly serviced gas stations and pumped the water out keeping it below the suction line that is about 6" or so off the bottom of tank for this reason. If you ever read about or had water in your gas from service station, it's becasue they didn't check and keep the water below that line. Tandem gas delivery trucks especially in cold climates will have significant water in them due to condensation which ends up in the underground storage tanks.

I if you've ever seen guys with the long wooden " ruler" checking the fuel level in the tanks, you might not be aware they put a gel on the end of stick that turns purple ( at least back then), which tell the operator that the water is getting high enouhg it needs to be pumped out.

You also get particulates in the gas from various sources. On your car, the in-line fuel filter deals with it. Ever cut into a old fuel filter? You'd be amazed what you might find. Cleaner the filter, better the quality of gas your using.

Depending on your stove, fuel quality may or may not be a problem. I guess experience will tell you if your stove runs well on the cheap stuff, but why find out the hard way, when a little TLC will eliminate all doubts

I'm guessing on the newer " hi-tech" stoves that wring the most BTU'S out of the smallest amount of fuel, the purity of your fuel choice can make or break your cooking experience.

Adding some carb cleaner as I recommended may not make a difference in your stove of choice, but it won't hurt it either. Stoves are like people who gradually get out of shape. You don't even realize how your performance is affected until you go up against a " fit" model