Camping Stove Troubleshooting — Common Problems and Quick Fixes

When Your Stove Won't Cooperate

You are at the campsite, hungry, and your stove is not working. Before you panic, reach for the phone or drive to the nearest chip shop, try these fixes. Most camping stove problems have simple solutions that take seconds to resolve. This guide covers the most common issues across Campingaz, Coleman, Jetboil, Trangia and Go System stoves — knowledge worth having before your summer 2026 trips begin.

Problem: Stove Won't Light

Piezo igniter not sparking: The most common issue. Piezo elements wear out or crack over time. Check that the wire is connected and the tip is positioned near the burner head. If it still won't spark, bypass it entirely — use a lighter or match. Always carry a backup lighter for exactly this reason.

Spark but no flame: The gas is not reaching the burner. Check: is the canister actually connected? Is it empty? For CP250 piercing cartridges, was the cartridge fully punctured when you attached it? Try disconnecting and reconnecting the canister. For EN417 screw-thread, ensure the canister is screwed in fully.

Gas hissing but won't ignite: The burner jets may be blocked with debris or spider webs (surprisingly common after storage). Clean each jet hole with a thin needle. Also check the wind — a strong breeze will blow out the spark before it can light the gas. Shield the burner and try again.

Problem: Yellow, Weak or Uneven Flame

Yellow flame instead of blue: Incomplete combustion, usually caused by a partially blocked jet or insufficient air supply. Clean the jet with a needle. Check that air intake holes at the base of the burner are not obstructed. A yellow flame produces less heat, more soot and more carbon monoxide — fix it before cooking.

Weak flame on full: If the canister is cold, the gas pressure is low. Warm the canister in your hands or inside your jacket for a few minutes (never apply direct heat). If the canister is warm, it is probably nearly empty — replace it. On Coleman stoves with PerfectFlow regulators, check that the regulator is not stuck by disconnecting and reconnecting.

Uneven flame pattern: One side of the burner ring burns while the other does not. Specific jets are blocked. Clean each hole individually with a needle. On double burner stoves, compare the flame patterns between burners — if one works fine, the other has a localised blockage.

Problem: Gas Leak (Smell of Gas)

Turn off the stove immediately. Disconnect the canister. Move to a well-ventilated area. Apply soapy water to every connection point and watch for bubbles. Common leak sources:

• Worn O-ring: The rubber seal at the canister connection. Replace it — spare O-rings are cheap and available from most outdoor shops.
• Cross-threaded connection: For EN417 canisters, unscrew completely and reseat carefully, ensuring the threads engage cleanly.
• Damaged canister: Dented or corroded canisters can lose their seal. Dispose of the canister safely and use a new one.
• Valve not sealing: On CP250 piercing systems, if the cartridge was not fully punctured, gas can leak around the connection. Press down firmly while twisting to ensure full puncture.

Problem: Stove Is Unstable

Pan supports bent or misaligned after transport. Gently bend them back to their original position. For EN417 screw-thread stoves sitting on top of tall canisters, the centre of gravity is inherently high — use a canister stand (tripod base) and cook with less liquid in the pan. On double burner stoves, ensure all four feet are touching the table. A folded cloth under one foot can level a slightly uneven surface.

Problem: Canister Won't Attach

CP250: The cartridge must be pressed down and twisted simultaneously. If it won't click in, check for debris in the piercing mechanism. Do not force it.

CV470: Self-sealing valve canisters sometimes need a firm push-and-twist to engage. Ensure the valve is clean and the stove connector is aligned.

EN417 screw-thread: Hand-tighten only. If it feels cross-threaded, back off completely and start again. Forcing a cross-threaded connection damages the seal.

Problem: Trangia Spirit Burner Issues

Won't light: Methylated spirits can absorb moisture from the air. Use fresh fuel. Ensure the burner cup is not overfilled (maximum two-thirds).

Simmer ring stuck: Soot buildup. Let it cool, then clean with fine wire wool. Apply a tiny amount of cooking oil to the sliding surfaces.

Flame invisible in daylight: Meths burns with a very faint blue flame that is hard to see in bright sunlight. Hold your hand above the burner (at a safe distance) to feel for heat before assuming it is not lit.

Preventive Maintenance

Most problems are preventable with basic maintenance between trips. Clean jets, check seals, test ignition and store the stove dry. Five minutes after each trip saves frustration on the next one.

If your stove is beyond repair, find a reliable replacement in our camping stove collection. Stock up on gas and fuel and spare parts, and keep your cookware in good condition for a trouble-free summer 2026.