MSR Whisperlite Internationale

[WiseOwl]

A co-worker that used to backpack gave this to me today because he overheard me saying I needed a new stove but couldnt afford any of the nicer stuff. I actually constructed a small stove with dryer lent and paraffin wax in a sardine can at my desk during the boredom of 9-5....the RV business is very slow this time of year. He thought that was funny and brought me the MSR WI.
Have any of yall ever used this particular stove or something like it?
I hear it uses not only White Gas, but unleaded gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel and diesel...am I correct on this?

Any input from the forum would be great

Thanks yall

Wise Owl

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I've seen them on some hikers but never used one. here is there website and it says it uses unleaded fuel too.

http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR/Stoves/Expedition-Stoves/WhisperLite-Internationale/product

looks pretty neat!

[EX121]

I have used a whisperlite for years (mid-80s), and find it works very well. A few tips when first starting do not pump it to much, a couple is good. If it's cold out or you are at high altitude warm the stove first by carrying it around inside your coat for a while (although I have heard from friends that this isn't so necessary with newer models). It's sometimes difficult to simmer food on the stove, I find that after the pot boils, I then turn the fuel off & then back on (stove will re-light from hot burner) I can get the fuel on really low. The stove also works better if placed on something to insulate it from the cold ground or snow. Use the wind screen. I have heard rumors that MSR is going to come out with a heat diffuser to fit on the burner, like those built into the JetBoil stove, if they do it should increase the efficiency of the stove. Be very cautious about using a stove in a tent, as it is nearly impossible to tell if fuel is pooling under the burner if you turn on to much fuel before the stove lights. I always do my cooking outside.
This is a very good stove, I'm not sure but I think you made need to jets to burn diesel in the stove. But a friend who Mt. Climbs internationally carries this stove everywhere.

[ridgerunner]

The Internationale version will burn various grades of fuel. I have one that we use for hiking and backpacking purposes. They are really good at boiling water! I have never tried to actually "cook" with the stove. We just bring water to a boil for use with freeze dried meals, hot water for coffee, and hot chocolate for my son. It's really good at boiling water :) Definitely use the wind screen, even in warmer temps to conserve fuel. Priming the fuel cup and lighting the burner usually results in a black residue that easily wipes off; however we use HEET to prime the burner with no residue. I would also suggest that a repair kit be purchased which includes a bunch of O rings and a new jet.

Let us know how it performs for you.