I could use some insight. My Coleman Exponent single burner is having some issues. I pump it 30-50 times and then attempt to light as per the instructions. The gas sounds like it is flowing as I can hear the exhaust sound but it won't ignite initially. Then liquid fuel will begin to pool quite excessively on the pan. It will eventually ignite but of course there is a small inferno of yellow flames for 1-2 minutes while the excessive liquid fuel burns off. Once the towering inferno of yellow flames calms down a bit, I can pump it another 20 times to finally get the blue flame.

But even after a good blue flame appears, it seems to lightly cough and sputter sometimes. Not bad....but not the perfect purr of a quality burn.

I have used various models of single but we Coleman stoves over the last 30 years and I have never experienced anything quite this extreme. I know something isn't right.

I use fresh quality white gas. The stove has maybe 20 hours of usage.

I've never done it but I'm capable of a complete disassembling and reassembling of the unit (plenty of YouTube instructional available). I'm ready to dig into this but I was hoping someone could offer some insight as to which part may need cleaning or replacement. Where should I focus my efforts? Can you purchase new O rings if that is the issue? What is the best way to clean a clogged generator if that is the issue?

Any suggestions or tips are appreciated.

Yep, take it apart and do a full cleaning. Their site may have the instructions on how to do it too, along w/ Youtube as you said.

You might also try replacing the generator tube. That's what fixed mine.

jhb8426: "You might also try replacing the generator tube. That's what fixed mine."

Is it possible to clean the tube and generator somehow or was yours defective in some way? Or maybe just easier to replace that to bother cleaning?

You can dissemble the generator , tube, adjusting valve and clean them. But it sounds like the in tank fuel pickup is getting clogged.
"The gas sounds like it is flowing as I can hear the exhaust sound but it won't ignite initially"
the in tank valving mixes tank pressurized air and bleeds into the fuel pickup inside the tank.
"Then liquid fuel will begin to pool quite excessively on the pan."
this describes clogged air vent and so increased fuel delivery. This is a design feature used by Coleman to reduce the need for prime or pre-heating, and why there is a setting on a valve for lighting.
Disassembly of the stove top components is quite straight forward, not many, sometimes no, O-rings. There is a graphite packing sealing the flame adjuster valve and it is fragile. If a top cleaning works, good! But I have a suspicion the problem is in the in tank valving, I have never successfully dismantled an old one, unsuccessful yes. Similar problems with 502's 533's 400's. If the stove is as new as suggested the in-tank valving may come out. At this point a good rinsing of the tank and cleaning of the pickups could be done, what you describe seems like some gunk or chunks are in the tank and causing the clogs.
Done many top parts cleanings and replacements, never yet disassembled the in-tank valving (all my attempts were on well used some abused stoves), hence my recommendation to go with other stove brands. I know a hard pill to swallow, but MSR, Primus, are simpler and more robust, with good parts availability. Assuming you want to stay with liquid fuel.

butthead

butthead: "At this point a good rinsing of the tank and cleaning of the pickups could be done, what you describe seems like some gunk or chunks are in the tank and causing the clogs."

Would you recommend any kind of cleaner for cleaning? Could I use like a Gumout Carb Cleaner or SeaFoam or something? I think Coleman recommends a denatured alcohol. Should I just soak the tube? Swish it around inside the tank?

Yes....I know there are better options for stoves now. I actually use an alcohol stove for solo trips and I absolutely love that simplicity. I also use a Pocket Rocket sometimes as I like the quiet burn and simmer ability. I am just sentimental about these Coleman stoves. Plus, I compulsively like to have things working correctly and I want to fix this stove of mine.

Thanks for your detailed synopsis. I appreciate any further tips

Stay away from cleaners the additives can create problems with sediment. Denatured alcohol should not cause any trouble. Even a good soak in Coleman fuel should work. If you get the valve out of the tank wash it with soapy water, rinse with clean water then some alcohol to dry it out. The key is removing the valve as the tank fill port does not allow complete emptying of the tank. Generator and top parts can be replaced if damaged past repair, Old Coleman Parts is a source for hard to find items otherwise generators and a few other parts are commonly available. I have successfully brought back several Coleman single burners with top parts rebuilds.
Good rebuilding to ya!

butthead

Aaahh! Butthead the stove expert! Good information as usual!