The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

gd9704 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject: Sterno

I was with the family at Walmart yesterday and grabbed a can of Sterno, since I had seen others run their steam engines with it instead of Esbit. For a bit over $3 for a can, I thought "what the heck."

I had a nice, long steaming session last night with my Jensen 65. I have to say that it was a pleasant experience overall. (I'd say that 6 refills of the burner tray used about 1/2 of a 7 oz. can of Sterno)

I found that with a long, thin spatula, the sterno gel was easily molded into the fuel tray.

The best part of Sterno is that there is very little odor. My garage didn't have the Esbit stink that lasts for days and finds it's way into the house.

The residue left in the burner is a strange purple scum, easily scraped off. The residue on the boiler was wiped off as easily as the Esbit residue.

The minus would be that I dont' think it burns quite as hot or for as long as the Esbit.

All in all, I think I'll save my Esbit for outdoor steaming, and use the Sterno for "Garage Steaming," as I really like the odor-free element.

I'm REALLY looking forward to electric steaming with my Jensen 25, on it's way from parts unknown. I think once I get a taste of fuel-free steaming, I'll be hooked.

Thanks for letting me share my Sterno experience.

Greg

johnreid · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:43 pm Post subject:

You still need to find/make a Meths burner for the 65 you will like it

Any idea as to when the 25 arrives?
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gd9704 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:50 pm Post subject:

IndianaRog · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject:

Greg, if you line your burner tray with a piece of aluminum foil, the scummy stuff left from Esbit OR Sterno use will come out with the foil leaving things clean.

You can also form the aluminum into higher walled "container" within your Esbit tray and thus hold more Sterno for a longer run. Just make sure the foil tray is liquid proof...if it can leak, the liquid Sterno (flaming) could run out the bottom of the engine....not good!

Rog

ps...you will LOVE electric steaming...especially in winter when things are closed up and the stink of any fuel lingers
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gd9704 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

robertosala · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

Hey IndianaRog.

That was a good tip!!!
I use sterno for my Jensen 75. This will help a lot and will run longer, which was the low side of it.

Greg... you will love the Jensen 25. Trust me on this one.

Rob.

metalhead100 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

Even better than Sterno is a product of the same nature called Magic Heat....

Its a blue jell in a can sold at Meijer stores.

It leaves FAR less mess and is a thick smooth jell.

Jim
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Kevin Klein · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

I have experimented with making my own sterno type fuel and will go back to real sterno. The home made stuff, made by adding alcohol so a small solution of calcium acitate, does not burn as long and leaves a deposit of black soot. Gotta make me a meths burner for te's.

Rog, great idea with the aluminum foil.
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Nick · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

I made a larger burner that just fits the opening of my 65's firebox quite awhile ago. It holds plenty of Sterno:

gd9704 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject:

Nick · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:09 pm Post subject:

metalhead100 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject:

Yes Nick...thats it!

Sorry I had the name wrong....

I think its better than Sterno....leaves less residue and stinks less too...

Jim
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