I was thinking that there may be a way to track down more of the same version of stove. I suggest that people look at their owners manuals if available to see if there is a plain old hose or a hose with cross hatching. If we can establish a change then it could suggest that those with the diagram similar to my repair kit or the manual posted that was uploaded by another person are the original version.
My stove's line is like Doc's, the instruction manual like the one posted above. I got this one as a virgin, fired once by me. My user has no instructions, but same line as my once fired one. Duane PS: The virgin also had the "MODIFIED FIREFLY STOVE MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS" sheet.
I just want to make sure I understand, it sounds like they did not add cross hatching on the diagram even though your original hose had the fabric. Is that correct? If so, I sounds like it will be very hard to spot original versions of the stove after they were modified with the cloth fuel line. I will take some very hi res pictures of my FF to compare to other versions and try and spot any small variations. My gut tells me that if someone has more than say 5 Firefly stoves one of them has a higher than average chance of being an original as it appears the fuel line repair was a common occurance at the time.
Hi, Guys, Fun quest for more info, that's for sure!! I have five Firefly stoves, and all of them have fabric-covered hoses. I have quite a few FF Maintenance kits, and most of them are the later ones which I now call Version3, with one being what I now call Version2, which would make Pstm13's info. Version1. I continue to seek out a V1 FF, but so far, no luck. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. I am thinking that Bill Sumner, the original designer of the FF, is probably not going to get back to me, even if he did receive my query, which I sent to his friend, Jim Whittaker. He could surprise me, though, and I very much hope he does!
I am kinda the new guy at this so forgive my ignorance. But would the numbers on the clamps help ID the date of manufacture? I think I remember seeing some.
I do not believe those are anything more than the clamp numbers. The date codes have always been on the square block. (That I know of)
Thought I'd chime in. Have 2 MSR's with fabric covered hose that leaked. Replaced with 3mm ID nitrile fuel line, and new red high temperature fiberglass covering, https://www.heatshieldproducts.com/powersports/powersports-heat-shield-sleeving/hp-builders-kit, 3/8th inch (9mm) ID sleeve. Shrink tubing and 9 to 11mm double eared clamps. Clamp numbers indicate size range, 7 to 9mm clamps fit without shrink tube. These are in use so I have a new pump block on the Firefly (swing arm fits Duraseal pump better). Old style non-shaker Whisperlite simmers almost as low as the Firefly. Ken
It looks like the American Alpine Club published a recall notice back in December of 1983 for all stoves manufactured prior to June 17, 1983. It lists 2 issues but I cannot pull up the original text to see what is listed.
I an new here. I also bought a very used Firefly. Lucky me, my fuel line is holding, however the yellow fuel pump was cracked. I used an older standard MSR pump then upgraded to a new standard. I will double check when I get home, but I am sure its the regular pump...not like the Dragon Fly Pump (diff dia on parts) mine runs great. Though I am worried about the fuel line. I too contacted MSR and go absolutely no help....they said they do not and will not support that old of stove. I have a whisper, Dragon/Firefly, XGK...so I will need to verify which pump I used. I have a small collection of old MSR pumps from previous models. I will follow this post...thank you... Vance
The Firefly is a great stove. The fuel line is easy to fix if it ever fails. FYI: The Firefly beats the new XGK EX with white gas by a long way and is within 15 seconds when the XGK runs kero.
Just a pic of the three archived MSR pumps. My firefly came with a unusable pump. Just used a standard pump. Kept the old ones for ref.
I came across this forum while looking for some replacement parts for my MSR Firefly and was surprised that almost no mention of that stove exists on the web (except this forum). It seems that you are also looking for info on these Stoves. To the best of my memory, I bought this stove new in '83 (but if someone told me it was early '84, I wouldn't argue) and used it extensively through the mid '90's and probably haven't used it at all since '03. It is 100% original and has never been repaired or had any parts replaced. It has a manufacturer Stamp "033" on the main stove body and it has no stamps or other markings on the rectangular housing that connects to the fuel pump. It came with the yellow fuel pump (which also has no markings other than MSR Seattle USA on the black push rod) and a windscreen. I may still have the windscreen but I am not sure because I meant to throw it away several times. It is a good lightweight stove that is loud and I never had problems cooking without the wind screen. If it was too windy I just stacked rocks around it. My question to this group is that seeing that there are apprently very few of these in the original unrepaired/ unmodified condition should I just leave it as is and use as it a conversation piece or go ahead and replace the fuel line which is coming loose? The only reason I got it out was to show our scout Troop how to use a liquid stove. My camping lately has been more conducive to canister stoves.
I would use it. From my tests it out performs the current MSR XGK EX (on white gas), can simmer as well as the current Dragonfly, and uses the standard MSR pump like the Whisperlite. The fuel line fix is super easy. Just check it for leaks now and then. Canister stoves are great in the summer. However, when you are melting snow for water in February on a Winter E camp out with the scouts there is literally nothing I know that does a better job (the old (X) GK models burn about the same) from what I understand but I have never owned one. In short I recommend fixing the fuel line if it is leaking, service your pump or buy a new one, and enjoy it on camp outs. Be careful. I started with a Firefly last year and have since purchased several white gas stoves. You may want to check on old yellow pump safety issues. Mine works ok but there may be issues with some models.
I've never done anything to my two, run great, simmer too, although I'd run with the DF if simmering long. Still use a yeller pump also with the FF. Duane
