Hello! One of my nicer ebay deals was a SVEA 123, without integral cleaning needle, with pump and original box for $25! I don't know if it is or is not an R. Maybe someone can give me a run down on the nomenclature? Anyway, it will not fully shut completely off so I suspect crud on the needle and/or seat. I did a search on the forum and found a previous thread with the same topic. My question relating to this is if I take the stuffing nut out and remove the needle valve, will the packing be reusable? Is the packing the same for the R and non R? I recall seeing rebuild kits for the newer version with the cleaning needle, but not for the older version. Where might I find a replacement packing for it if I need it? I would like to get this one going properly so I can give my brother back his. I've only had it for about 12 yrs... Thanks in advance for any advice you may offer! CB
$25, nice find. No needle = Svea 123 Cleaning needle = Svea 123R There is an older version of the 123 where the Svea 123 is stamped into the windshield. If you are careful the packing may still be useable. Sometimes it just crumbles..... I beleive that the 123 and 123R have different packings. I have used old plumbers graphite rope. Old plumbing stores may still have it. Works great as a replacement. Otherwise basecamp or A&H can probably help you out. -franco
The graphite packing on a 123 is a different diameter to the 123R. The regulating spindle and regulating keys are different sizes on the two versions. The plain 123 is considered by many to give more heat than the 123R but I do not know whether this perception is correct or whether the apparent deficency in the 123Rs may be caused because the internal cleaning needle has been wrongly installed which would restrict heat output. Regards Bryan
I've got both versions and they both put out lots of heat. I can say I see (or feel) a difference. Though the 123 is more adjustable than the 123R. Either one is a great little stove. -franco
Morning, CB, Bryan is absolutely spot-on in his assessment of the 123R. I recently wrote here about an almost brand new 123R that I bought, many years ago, for $12. The thing fired up nicely, but didn't seem to work properly to me. It's flame seemed too low, and the spindle had very little "throw" to it. I took it apart, and found that the cleaning needle had been installed at the factory, one click too high. Once I'd reinstalled it properly, the stove roared to life with a new, and heretofore unseen, lust!!! That stove still works perfectly, even after all the passing years. So, I'd say that the biggest difference between the 123 and the 123R is that the cleaning needle makes simmering a little more of a touchy thing on the 123R, and that the 123 will simmer easier. Otherwise, both stoves seem to work pretty much the same. If I HAD to make a choice, I'd probably take the 123, "just because"..... call me a sentimentalist!! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc Mark
I fired it up again and It does work lovely! Quick to preheat with a nice stronge flame! I see what everyone means about adjustablility, quite a bit better than my brothers 123R that I have in my possesion! Unfortunately, it still runs on after shut off so I will pull the valve apart and fix it up right! I may have an offer on some packing from a kind member, but just incase I don't go that route, How is the shipping from A&H? I see there website states $10, but a repair kit for a 123 could just be thrown into a padded envelope for a buck or two? Are they flexible? Thanks! CB
C.B. I can't answer to the shipping question, but I just bought a bunch of spares & repair kits from A&H, and Shirlene there was a real pleasure to deal with- knew the stoves & lanterns in question inside and out. ...Just a general plug for A&H. To my way of thinking, important to support that sort of business. Someday, they'll pack it in, and all those priceless bits will end up in a dumpster headed for the landfill, no doubt.
Good to hear. If I do order, I would probably make it worth while and oder a viriety of items. Some items would be replacements for bits already missing from some of my "dog" stoves while others would probably be "just in case" spares. I'm sure I could live with the $10 shipping if need be. The other option is of course, Base Camp. Both are equally as far away from me, just in one case they are separated by a body of water and in the other case a land mass! Base Camp makes a point on their website about trying to keep shipping costs down! At least I have options... Thanks for the good word fiveanddimecowboy!
