Svea 123R camping stove

[@Isaksson9915]

I have had my Svea 123 for a very long time and it is reliable as all hells. I absolutely cannot imagine going camping without it, and as a backup at home it is perfect. For "indoor" use you should keep the room very well ventilated ofc, and use as clean a fuel as you can, but it can run on regular "dirty" gas no problem. Its just not good to breathe that stuff in. Its easy to pick apart and clean however, so no issues there. For me, the design is a thing of beauty. The look of the brass and also the weight of it simply speaks to me somehow. I do pack earplugs though as when nature gets quiet in the evenings, the sound can drive you nuts, haha.

[@TheSaltedDog]

I agree with everything you've said. This thing has a feel to it. It has really grown on me. Engineer something simple and you've done your homework. It's in no way like a modern appliance. I want(!) to use it. Years ago I was gifted (thanks Linda/Mike!) a titanium cup that is a perfect fit over the 123R. It's well used and has been on every canoe, bicycle, backpacking trip since. I'm making a cozy for it and the 123R. I'll skip the earplugs though. For now, that kind of noise is music. Heading to vacation in BC? Let me know, we have space...

[@heberfarnsworth]

Love my Svea 123R. You can get away without priming when the temps are around 20degrees or colder. Holding it in a warm hand at that temperature will create enough pressure to cause fuel to flow. Warmer than that you need a primer.

[@TheSaltedDog]

I've heard this and may give it a try but holding on to a cold piece of metal doesn't have much appeal I have to say. Thanks for confirming the technique works!

[@kudlakp]

I use a small syringe that fits into the fuel tank so I don't need to bring any extra fuel on a 2-3 day trip.

[@TheSaltedDog]

@@kudlakp Great idea! I like your thought on not having a separate fuel container to keep track of. Maybe a small piece of wick on a handle in lieu of the syringe. Hmmm... Thanks!

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. a great little stove and I'm sure that it will give you many years of reliable service. I have it's cousin, the Optimus 8R Hunter which shares the same Burner Mechanism .. just in a metal 'box' housing. Bought mine new, back in the late 70's / early 80's (?) and it's still in use today. During this time, I've replaced the Graphite Seal / Washer in the Burner Control Valve Stuffing Box (about 12 years back) and recently put a new gasket into the Fuel Tank Cap. The cap had not started leaking, but I decided on a new one rather sooner than later. My experience .. As already commented on, an eye dropper / similar works well for priming the stove. I use a small flat plastic 'squeeze-type' container. It has an extended snout and I think that it was originally some type of Ointment Dispenser of sorts. TIP .. and from a Swedish Army Instructor. Apparently the SVEA 123 is/was standard issue to Military Recruits and according to the Instructor, more than a few got 'chase parades / pack drills' 😏, for not following instructions as follows: When the Burner is still very hot (when switching off), DO NOT activate the bult-in Jet Cleaner Needle. It 'can' become heat-fused in the Jet, thus rendering the Stove inoperable .. necessitating dismantling and replacement of the entire assembly. After use, I leave the stove 'as is' and use the Jet Cleaner the next time before lighting up. Spares to keep on hand .. some Graphite Seals / Washers and a Gasket or two for the Fuel Tank Cap should keep the stove happy for many years to come 😊.

[@TheSaltedDog]

Thanks for commenting! There's some great information in your note. I had no idea the cleaning wire could fuse in the jet. So glad I learned that in time to save me the grief of figuring it out the hard way. I'll have to assemble the appropriate spares for this little stove. I can see no reason why, with care, it shouldn't outlive me. Cheers,

[@Traveling-Lite]

Get yourself an eye dropper for priming.

[@TheSaltedDog]

That's a great idea given my lack of pouring skills!

[@kennethwilson8633]

Sounds like a German Buzzbomb … I’m staying with the Colman

[@TheSaltedDog]

Can't go wrong with a Coleman. What model do you have?

[@kennethwilson8633]

@ I have the single dual fuel I think 502 and a double dual fuel I bought both around 2000 and both work great.

[@TheSaltedDog]

@kennethwilson8633 Nice! I have a 500 that I cleaned up. Might show that one off in a video some day.