Thanks....just got back from the Sierras, and had a hard time stopping gas flow after stove was off and needle up. Had to release the fill cap to reduce pressure. That turned off the gas. So definitely need to pull it apart to inspect
The valve is still spurting gas with the needle up and also dowm. If I open the tank lid, it reduces pressure and I can stop gas. I assume there is an issue with the jet, needle or valve. But right now the vapourizer is frozen stuck. So, having a time removing from the saucepan
If the flow is not shutting off, there are two posibilities: 1. The tip of the spindle is damaged. Remove spindle and redress pointy end with emery paper. 2. (More likely). The rack with cleaning neddle is not set correctly and is bottoming out before the spindle tip seals the fuel flow. To check, remove the jet, remove the rack, replace jet, light stove. If the fuel now shuts off correctly, then the rack setting was the problem. The rack is not needed to run the stove. Terry
If the rack is found to be the trouble, as Tery says, then the rack can be set correctly to remedy that, or just be left out.
Just one addendum, although I might have already mentioned. When the needle is in cleaning position (up), gas is still spewing out. But, I will readjust the rack tonight to see if that helps. Also, one word of note......I was a bit of a novice with the 123R prior to this trip, as the stove sat in my garage since my climbs in Nepal in the early to mid-90's. But, if I remember, if I crank the valve (key) clockwise fully, the flame should extinguish? If that is the case, this is also not happening. I can only extinguish the flame by turning counter-clockwise, just prior to the cleaning needle appearing. Chris
I must comment on an oddity that I have observed here on CCS. Many people suggest the 123R or the 8R are better stoves without the cleaning needle. It is implied that the stove should not have the needle. However, I seldom hear anyone complain about the needle in the Optimus 111. I am not sure why. It sounds to me like our poster merely needs to reset the needle, which is quite simple. I personally like the built in needles on the 123R, the 8R, and the 111. I like pushing the gunk out rather than in. I also like not having to keep track of a loose piece of kit. My own 123R and 8R burn and simmer just as well with the needle as they do without. I have not tried the 111 without and have no intention of trying.
I agree with you. I was just trying to determine the cause. It may not be the needle setting. After solving the problem, one can then replace the cleaning needle, if they wish to.
I too have found that the 123 burns more vigorously than the 123R. It may be that the wicks are different as well. My 123 has the lifetime wick which is a brass gauze. The others have the wicking fabrics. My two Optimus 99's seem to burn the same. One had the pricker removed (broken).
