Original Type Svea 123 Demo (Stove Demonstration)

[rainbowhiker]

Can't wait to use my dollar 123 I found at a second hand store last week. Look like a fun little cooker. A bit too heavy to use all the time, but as a curiosity, I like it.

[hikinjim]

@rainbowhiker -- actually they're not THAT heavy. They're about the same weight as something like an MSR Whisperlite once you factor in the Whisperlite's fuel bottle. They're a fun little stove. One of my favorites.

HJ

[rainbowhiker]

@hikinjim Hi Jim. I was thinking more on the lines of the kind of stove I normally use. My Sub-Three once cook set, stove, pot, windscreen spoon, lighter, is under 3 onces. (See my video.) I can recall when this Svea was 'thee' stove to have and was one of the lightest out there, but time moved on and guys started experimenting with alcohol stoves and aluminum cans. They changed everything. I did rediscover the pot size, used here. A BlueDiamond almonds can is almost the same size. Thanks.

[rmstudio]

@rainbowhiker I often see and its my opinion that individuals look at the weight issues with a very narrow view of "Numbers" and not the big picture. HikerJim is right.. Its not any different that a MSR stove etc.. Also I love the alcohol thing too but honestly trying to "Simmer" or plan on cooking a full varied meal your limited with a alcohol stove. You have issues with wind and trying to refuel in mid cooking etc.. These little stoves pack a big punch for their size and weight.

[rainbowhiker]

@rmstudio You know I've had the same problem in the past, concerning a simmer stove with alcohol fuel. The way I solved it was making several kinds of simmer stoves, some with pop-cans, some with aluminum inhaler cans. I have a stove I quit meassuring the time on after an hour and eight minutes, last year. It kept things simmering without buring on less than 1/2 once. I've threatened to make a video on it for some time, but haven't as of yet. A lot is just experimentation with these little guys.

[hikinjim]

There's some truth to that, but a Svea 123 has a natural pulsation to it that is normal. You have to play with them for a while, but after a while it becomes reasonably easy to tell when a Svea is just being a Svea and when it's having a true problem with surging fuel.

HJ

[Delta8559272]

I was told that if the svea is chugging that the stove is not hot enough to completely vaporize the fuel.

[1NICKADAMS]

Nice review Jim.I have an older 123r and need to adjust the cleaning needle-can not

regulate the flame with the key. I just get a steady flame which can not be regulated with the key--help

[hikinjim]

Part 1 -- @1NICKADAMS, what I would do with a Svea 123R is first open the tank cap to equalize pressure (don't do this if the stove is hot). Then I would unscrew the burner bell. I'd then unscrew the jet. I'd then open the stove's valve as far as possible. The cleaning needle should rise up. Pull the cleaning needle out, but pay attention to which way the needle is oriented. You will need to put the needle back in facing the same way. Now, close the valve all the way. (Continued)

[hikinjim]

Part 2 -- @1NICKADAMS , with the valve closed, put the needle into place, taking care to insure it is facing the same direction as when you took it out. Now, slowly open the valve, listening carefully. You should hear the "click" of the needle seating itself as you open the valve. Listen for three such clicks, then close the valve. Now, with care, try firing up your stove. Three clicks is usually about right for most Svea 123R's. Some times it takes four, but that is infrequent. HJ

[hikinjim]

Thanks, guys. I'll definitely have to try the priming wick idea. I've seen how priming wicks work on other stoves; it does make a difference. HJ

[rikuk3]

Nice one Jim, cracking little stoves (even better with SIGG Tourist pots). Like Protuberant I wrap a little fibre glass around the the burner which gives a much better prime.

[protuberant]

A very good review, Jim. I have a few 123s myself, and one of them tend to chuff, even though plenty of preheating is given. It has been overhauled, yet the condition persists in the beginning. Once get going, the pulsing escalates into that sound that mimics the prop engine. I wrapped a length of fiberglass rope (wood stove door seal) around the base of the burner stem, and it gives positive priming in any weather.  It did mitigate the pulsating.