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Freeze
04-20-2003, 11:22
I've build the Pepsi Can stove using both Pepsi and Coke cans. The Coke can has a different geometry and seems to have slightly thicker aluminum. This makes it noticeably stronger but causes it to heat up slightly slower, thus taking 10-15 longer to ignite completely. I've also noticed that the Pepsi stove is quite fragile. Have any of you "expert" alcohol stove builders gone trough this before? Has anyone compared Pepsi vs. Coke performance, durability, etc...? Is there a specific reason for using Pepsi cans in the first place?

MadAussieInLondon
04-20-2003, 11:57
i'd reply ;) but i think i just replied on trailforums! :) mm small world! :)

Freeze
04-20-2003, 12:51
yes, i posted it in both places. thanks

tlbj6142
04-20-2003, 12:51
Now you know why they call it a Pepsi can stove.
The extra deep grove on the bottom of the Pepsi cans helps hold the inner wall in place much better than other can styles.

Actually you can use any can bottled (canned) by Pepsi. Dr. Pepper, Diet Pepsi, etc. They all have the same bottom.

Freeze
04-20-2003, 13:57
I don't know. Somehow it seems the walls on the Pepsi can are thinner or they use different alloys. I'm bending the side walls in when putting it together. This does not happen with the coke cans. Maybe it’s just me.

tlbj6142
04-20-2003, 16:07
The walls may be thinner as well. But it the bottom design is why Pepsi cans are used.

Several of the stove instructions actually call out the bottom design to point out why Pepsi.

Freeze
04-20-2003, 17:25
Thanks. Finally put one together that looks good. I just had to make the top section slits longer.
I plan to test its durability by firing it up with 1oz of fuel until it gives out or i reach 152 burns.

Jumpstart
04-20-2003, 19:04
We used a Mountain Dew can (pepsi) for the top, and a Coke can for the bottom. We didn't realize it until we tried to make more using just coke cans, and didn't get similar results, but they are different in slight ways. Anyway, this worked best for us, and we are still using the stove to this day, it worked flawlessly the whole trip. Good luck!

RagingHampster
04-21-2003, 11:32
I used "Pepsi One" cans. I also used JB Weld instead of tape. By using a small bead where the inner wall is, and securing the two halves together with it, you avoid having to use tape. I read somewhere that special irish beer cans wil actually slide perfectly together with a pepsi can. This allows you to put one bead of JB Weld around the can, rather than making slits and such. Haven't tried it though. I cook on my alcohol stove at work too. It's always in my pick-up with a couple packs of Lipton's! :D

icemanat95
05-29-2003, 10:33
RH, you may be refering to Guinness cans, they are tall and thin and contain a plastic ball that releases a gas that takes the tinny taste out of the beer. Guinness is actually better from the cans than from bottles, it is actually closer to the smooth draughts. Supposedly the new bottle design is supposed to help, but I haven't tried yet.

Anyhoo, I believe the can diameter is smaller than standard cans.

Freeze
06-13-2003, 05:01
Well, just wanted to update the durability test results. Boiled water 152 times, and besides a small amount of burned alcohol residue, it looks like new.
Great little stove. It will be going with me next year.

jojo0425
07-16-2003, 14:23
This is probably a dumb question....

How do you support a pot over a pepsi stove? I own one, have a windscreen and bought 2 steel tent stakes.

The stakes are round and roll, what does everyone else use as a pot support?

meBrad
07-16-2003, 14:43
I have come to understand that my participation in this forum is counter productive. In an attempt to ammend this I am deleting my posts and have requested to have my account deleted

tlbj6142
07-16-2003, 15:11
What are the dimensions of your Pepsi can pot support? Whose V8 stove did you build? SGT Rock's (http://hikinghq.net/sgt_stove/sgt_v8stove1.html) , Thru-hiker's (http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=2&cid=8), or the one on PCTHiker.com (http://www.pcthiker.com/pages/gear/miniGstoveinstruct.shtml)?

meBrad
07-16-2003, 16:01
I have come to understand that my participation in this forum is counter productive. In an attempt to ammend this I am deleting my posts and have requested to have my account deleted

tlbj6142
07-16-2003, 17:51
Sounds more like SGT Rock's Ion Stove (http://hikinghq.net/sgt_stove/ion_stove1.html) without the mesh pot stand. Did you use insulation between the inner and outer walls?

meBrad
07-16-2003, 21:14
I have come to understand that my participation in this forum is counter productive. In an attempt to ammend this I am deleting my posts and have requested to have my account deleted

tlbj6142
07-16-2003, 22:50
Originally posted by meBrad
stiffen the pot stand This part has me a bit confused. Where is the bead you run to "stiffen" the support? Vertical lines?