I have an old bluet which we used camping with my Mom in the 90's and has been her standby for powercuts etc in the meantime. We are going away at the weekend and packing light so I was going to take this for making hot drinks etc rather than the big stove and so I tested it and replaced the canister as the old one was empty.
When I attached the new canister there was a substantial leak of gas although it seems to have stopped now the canister is on and the flame seems fine considering it hasn't been used for a long time. Anyway, I can't remember if it was supposed to do this when you change the canister, and reading online I should have checked the seal whilst the canister was off.
Can anyone reassure me that this was ok and is safe to use???
If you mean Campingaz stove with pierceable C206 cartridge, yes you will get a momentary escape of gas as you screw burner onto cartridge but if its working ok now then all good.
I'd guess it may have been in a similar state to the one pictured in this thread. If it's not leaking now (and you'd smell it if it was!) it should be ok to use, but check the seal and spike before trying another cartridge.
Thanks Hacksaw Bob - the old cylinder has been in for some years in the garage and previously cellar so I wouldn't be at all surprised if the spring bit is stuck. I'll investigate next time with some lubricant to hand.
Suggest olive oil (mineral oil may damage the rubber).
(Edit) Just found silicon grease recommended on another forum. And the seal (which Campingaz call a "piston washer", should you need to replace it) is probably nitrile (synthetic rubber) which may be more tolerant of other lubricants.