So just what is the difference between a Model 9A and a Model G? I've recently acquired what I assumed is an early Model G. But, when I compare it to the Model MF that's pictured in the Gallery - https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/16782 - it's virtually identical except for the generator loop. When I compare what I have with the later Model G in the Gallery - https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/18443 - there are more differences than similarities: - body is silver like the MF (not blue like the G) - pal nut holding the striker assembly like the MF (not a hex nut as on the G) - shorter/stubbier knob on the sparker like the MF (not longer and more slender as on the G) - plastic base like the MF (not metal as on the G) - rod only in the fuel tube like the MF (no cleaning cable as on the G) - short catch wire (does not loop over the top of the pump's control valve) - no markings on the fuel line block. I will post some pics shortly, but this is making me wonder even more how you distinguish between a 9A and G?
Hi, John, Welcome to CCS, Sir! The line between some of the earlier MSR stove models is sometimes a fine one, indeed, and it's often very confusing as to which is which. I look forward to seeing your photos, and please include as many as you can, so we can help you figure out which stove you have. As the early MSR Model 9, and family, of stoves is of particular interest to me, I will give it my best to help you. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Did I hear mention of a #9? (as he trips and steps on Doc). G's can be kinda silver colored too. I have both. No generator loop over the burner, plastic bottom, short wire to hook onto the pump. Duane
Yeah, I'm thinking it's a G too - at least that's what I initially thought it was when I first got it. What got me to thinking was that if MF's and 9A's were being made at the same time, and except for the generator (and presumably the jets) this is otherwise the same - what the heck IS the difference between a G and a 9A?
Based on the pot supports, I think it's a "G" but I'm not sure. I will defer to Doc. If it is a "G," then it's an early one. It could well be a 9A though. HJ Edit: Fat lot of good I am. Doc, help us out here, would you?
Greetings, All, Well, my opinion is that John's MSR is, indeed, a Model G, albeit an early one, and not a 9A. As I understand it, the only real difference between a Model 9, and the 9A, is that the pump was improved (which I will illustrate when time permits [NOTE: picture Hikin' Jim smashing his head on the concrete sidewalk in frustration, then running into his home to swill a gallon of Pepto Bismol! ] ). MSR also added a note to the instructions for the 9A, warning against the use of auto gas, as it clogged the fuel line. That's about it, as far as I can see. There are some changes between the earlier Model G stoves and later ones, which, again, I will illustrate.... someday....soon..... I hope!! Hope that helps some, and HJ, my medical advice to you is to have a nice glass of wine, put a warm washcloth on your forehead, and lay down on your couch, listening to soft music for two hours. Should help...... I hope! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Hello, John, From what I can gather, that is the way it was. The Achilles heel of the original Model 9 was the first MSR pump, the very hard to find white version with the square regulating knob. The plastic was too soft, and very prone to extreme wear and cracking. It had some good features, however, and those were retaining in the replacement pump when MSR sent the original buyers of the Model 9, and also all buyers of the Model 9A. Again, this stuff is convoluted, at best, but I "think" I've made a little sense of it. I believe that the first 9A stoves had the same masonite bottom support as the Model 9 stoves had, and that the bakelite bottoms did not come into use until the Models G and GK were unveiled. I've talked at length with MSR, and believe me, they are just about as much in the dark about the true history of these stoves, as are we! At the OSG, last September, I did a seminar on the history of this family of stoves, as I believe it to be, and two fine Gentlemen from MSR, who had made the trip from Seattle to camp with us and enjoy our Oregon Stove Gathering, kindly attended my presentation, and gave their thoughts as we went along. When my work is FINALLY finished and put into publishable form, I will be sending it to MSR first, even before I post it here. If they are satisfied with it, then, and only then, will I share it here. Have fun with your stove, and know that it's a really fine one. Which pump do you have? How's about a photo of it, please? Remember, the pump version also tells a lot about which stove is which, ASSUMING the pump you have is original to the stove when sold brand new! See? Lots of twists and turns on this road to knowledge!! I believe that I have, or have had, every single version of the MSR pumps, and that information, too, will eventually be posted here, after MSR says I'm on the right track, which I believe I am. Hope that helps, and I look forward to seeing your pump in detail, if possible. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Thanks, Doc - very interesting! Sadly, the pump is most definitely not original (gray and black). So if the only difference between the 9 and 9A is the pump, and the burner bell on the 9 and 9A are both scalloped, would the burner bell on the early MF's also be scalloped? (In other words, was MSR using different burner bells on the MF and 9A?) Pretty interesting stuff trying to piece this all together!
Really? The 9A had a scalloped burner bell just like the 9? That's a new finding. Good work, Doc. My this couch and soft music sure are helping. HJ
Morning, Guys, Thanks for the kind words. Please remember that this is just my opinion on the MSR line, but I think that's how it was. I plan on going through all my paperwork again soon, just to make sure I have not missed any small info that would support, or refute my thoughts on this matter. John, I do not believe that the burner bell was scalloped on the MF, or any other versions of this stove other than the #9 and #9A. Sorry yours did not come with it's original pump. That's a huge part of the story, and without it, the true history of such stoves may never be know with complete certainty. I am blessed, mightily, to have bought my MSR Model 9 from a fellow who purchased it just after it was first introduced, and who kept his original white pump, as well as the direct replacement pump that MSR sent to original #9 owners! That really filled in the blanks for me on much of the unknown history of this famous stove. Thanks to Hiker Duane, once more, for putting me in touch with the seller!! Many thanks, Duane! I made a few mistakes along the way, just like everyone else, and one of them was in not keeping all of my earlier MSR pumps, unfortunately. I took two of them back to REI and got replacements, instead of keeping them for their historical perspective. So, I keep an eye out for those I've let slip through my fingers, all middle era, poorly designed ones, and will score them when I can find them, just to have them all in hand once again. Have fun with your stove, John, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
I always cringe when someone says "Oh, I'll just take my old pump and turn it in to MSR." Yes, you could do that, but there goes a piece of the puzzle right down the drain. If you ever want to look at my collection of MSR pumps, you are most welcome. I have quite a pile of "mid range" pumps (pumps after yellow but before duraseal). Unfortunately, most of my gear is used and therefore is of somewhat uncertain pedigree. Nonetheless, they may be worth a quick browse. Oh, and the big pile of pumps you saw at the Stove Gathering at Mojave National Preserve? That was only about a 1/3 to 1/2 of my MSR pumps. I swear they're breeding! HJ
Howdy, HJ, You are oh, so right! But, hey, we've probably all done the "pump dump" after one broke and we were offered a replacement for little, or not, money. Wish I had not taken advantage of that a couple of times, though.... ! In truth, I can't recall your pile of pumps, HJ. Got a photo you could share, just for grins? 8) I only need a couple to gain back the complete inventory of MSR pumps, blue and red, is one of them, and I forget the other. As you say, unless you, personally, buy the stove, it's very hard to know if the pump you get is the original, or not. That's why I was really tickled to get my #9 from the original buyer, complete with white pump AND it's direct replacement! It's wonderful that the original buyer did not "dump the pump", as that would have really cut an important line in my stove's history. Talk to you soon, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
I have one never used yeller among a bunch I've gotten with other old stoves. I need to take my MSR stoves out of the plastic bins I put them in last Spring and display them somehow so when I go on a trip, I can quickly grab one.
Revisiting the topic of the early MSRs - how were the jets marked on these early G and MF models? Thx!
I think the confusion over the model 9A has been cleared up since the time of this thread. This is clearly a 9A. It should have a solid rod in the fuel line, a small opening under the jet for a helix plug, one that will not fit a sintered brass surge protector. If that plug is clean they really roar
True, rod in the fuel line is the 9A. We also have clarified that the 9A did NOT have the scalloped burner bell.
One other slight difference between the Model 9 and Model 9A is the Model 9 had a Masonite base, which did not like being wet, and it easily broke loose from the burner bell. The 9A was the first with the plastic base with the old, original MSR logo. The one in the original post has the plastic base and looks like it got some burn damage, perhaps from over priming.
