A message to those who have used these classic bit of kit and can advise me on whether I should be concerrned, have an idea of how to 'fix' potentially or, where I can go to have it serviced (if there is such a thing).
We have a second-hand Coleman Dual Fuel 424 stove, which I've had since 2012 and used on several long holidays although not in recent years, other than an occasional outing in the garden when I needed a camping fix.
I found the 424 hard to pressurise myself, so relied on OH to do so but, as he's gone off the outdoor life, when I've been alone or with a friend, I've used the suitcase single burner.
However, for an extended family camp in July (to scatter my late sister's ashes - she loved a tent), I succeeded in using the 424 sans OH and felt very good indeed. My dodgy thumb didn't seem to hinder me as I'd feared.
Fuelled (!) by this success, I've tried the stove in the garden on days when I couldn't face being indoors to cook.
However, in use, I've noticed a very small amount of fuel on the top of the tank in the little hollow underneath the 'choke'/knob and connector to the generator.
Is this a normal thing (I can't remember if it did that in the past), or something to be concerned about?
If the latter, could something have coome loose and need tightening (if so which part ... )?
I've looked at some forums about restoring Coleman stoves but am confused about the names of the parts and even about whether there is graphite or other packing material in the joint between the generator and tank etc, and how to fix this.
Can any experienced 424 user advise?
The stove works fine other than this.
Many thanks,
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
At one time I had two of these stoves. One failed after many years of hard use and whilst I'm sure it could be repaired the thought of a tank of petrol and vapours not going where they should be saw me throw it away.
After 13 years it may be time for yours to go as any leakage of fuel isn't there by design. It is probably some of the seals on the pressurising plunger leachanism that have failed.
Is there a rubber washer at this location? Rubber perishes over time then may start to leak.
Locate and replace, there may be a plumbing supplier in town that has just the thing. Tell him what fuel you are using!
Don't know what had happened to my post yesterday!
It is not normal and it suggests there is a leak somewhere.
I would check if any of the moving parts are tight, starting with the generator, then the small lever, then the knob.
Good job the design has hardly changed since its launch, with many free to access information available via the internet.
I have not had any issue with my original 424 except to change the generator when the tip disintegrated.
I purchased a spare generator at the same time as getting a new 424 as I missed it so much after I sold mine when I changed unit from a tent to a van.
Good luck with finding and fixing the leak.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
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* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by bridgeywidge on 23/8/2025
Thanks all, I did think it was not what it should be doing!
I will have a tinker with a spanner and have another peruse of YouTube etc.
They should in theory last for years and so convenient to take away.
I was toying with buying a new gas stove but might persevere with this.
I am ditching my Weber Go Anywhere BBQ to make room for the new Coleman 424, as I had not used the GA since I got my Cobb Premier Air which is sufficient for BBQing just for myself, whereas the GA is now too big and cumbersome.
I am meeting up with friends for my next trip and am planning to cook a nice Indian meal, and the 424 will come in handy. Need to take a spare table too for the stove though.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
There is only three places it could be leaking from.
It could be from the preheating lever. Often a gentle tighten will fix it. The generator tube may be loose but that isn't common. They are notoriously difficult to get out and then the third place is the valve itself. A slight tightening may do it.
Rarely found but it could be fuel running down the generator tube if it isn't vapourising well or a blockage in the grey ushaped bit where the air and fuel mixes.
They are great when they work but a pain if something goes wrong.
Update: after buying a new Coleman 424 last summer, as I chickened out of trying to fix mine myself (yes, a bit of an extreme reaction but also glad, as it seems this might be a good move as the stoves may be discontinued). I used this for a 4-night trip away recently and after a few false starts with vapour coming out the slave burner ... and igniting briefly with a scary poof of flame ... I'd not checked it was closed properly as new, I decided I'd look at fixing the old one as it worked so well.
I googled, and found a company in Dartford (not round the corner but doable for me in person), called The Tackle Box that offers servicing for Coleman stoves. Result After some communication, I visited today and it was fixed. I had been warned I might need the generator/top bit replacing which I was aware of. Fortunately, the various fixings just needed tightening apparently, and other than that was in good working order. Mark also oiled the 'cup' on the pump so all systems go.
I thoroughly recommend them - never seen so much fishing related gear in one place, fascinating - for friendly, reponsive and knowledgeable service.
The new one, is now back in it's box under the bed, either as a spare or donor!
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
I have now purchased a total of 3 spare generators and the new stove has not even been used yet!
While spec'ing up the new VW Transporter, I knew I shall have a pull-out kitchen at the back as I do not wish to cook inside the van. This means I could use the Coleman 424 instead of having a Vango Sizzle Double Induction Hob.
Coleman apparently has stopped making the 424 due to lack of demand, concentrating on stoves that use gas cartridges. Not sure if the single version has also been stopped or not.
Hence I purchased 3 generators as back-up as I do not wish to run out!
No need to buy new pots and pans as Tefal Ingenio pieces that I have suit all stoves.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by bridgeywidge on 02/9/2026
Hi DK, that sounds a good contingency plan. Such a classic piece of kit that's stood the test of time.
Glad I have my 'spare' too .
Indeed, the design is still good in my book, and I do not particularly like to carry and use gas cartridges. In addition, the propane/butane mix cartridges are expensive compared with liquid fuels from Coleman or Primus.
I am likely to carry a Vango Sizzle Double induction hob just in case I need it as a back up!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Topic: Coleman 424 stove - possible leaky bit
via mobile 24/8/2025 at 7:03pm
After some communication, I visited today and it was fixed. I had been warned I might need the generator/top bit replacing which I was aware of. Fortunately, the various fixings just needed tightening apparently, and other than that was in good working order. Mark also oiled the 'cup' on the pump so all systems go.
Not sure if the single version has also been stopped or not.
