Author Topic: Buddy heater problem  (Read 1911 times)

Offline TRT

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Buddy heater problem
« on: Jan 23, 2021, 09:10 AM »
My buddy heater works in my basement. The primer works out in the shanty but the heater is not "catching" ?  I've tried multiple tanks, holding primer
30 seconds, 45 seconds, a full minute.
Suggestions? Thanks Charlie

Offline Rebelss

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #1 on: Jan 23, 2021, 09:21 AM »
Only thing I can think of is air movement or breeze pushing LP out of ceramic. Start with a good cleaning, and blow out the ceramic heat pad with an air compressor. You'd be amazed the dust that blows out! Maybe that will help.  :)

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Offline Shepbc

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #2 on: Jan 23, 2021, 10:28 AM »
May want to try dipping a q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and cleaning the area inside the tube where the pilot flame is.  Sometimes it can accumulate dirt, soot or spider webs and can cause similar problems

Offline shawno

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #3 on: Jan 23, 2021, 10:39 AM »
I have a similar issue with mine. I always carry a lighter with me and heat up the igniter while I'm holding down the knob in the pilot light spot letting the propane flow. Once the igniter gets hot enough, the flame will light and your good to go.  :tipup:

Offline TRT

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #4 on: Jan 23, 2021, 01:02 PM »
Thanks guys

Offline SaltySnow

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #5 on: Jan 23, 2021, 03:04 PM »
+1 for the recommendations above to clean it. It seems they can get finicky as they get dusty or gunked up.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #6 on: Jan 23, 2021, 03:11 PM »
Make sure there isn't a piece of ham stuck in the pilot. Actually happen to me earlier this year.  ;D
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Offline HWeber

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #7 on: Jan 24, 2021, 07:03 PM »
Problems is the first word I think of when I hear buddy heater. Cleaned the heck out of mine that sat for years and was surprised this weekend when it didn't leave me froze like it use to. Pilot light tube loaded with gunk apparently was its issue.

Offline Gbreen

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #8 on: Jan 25, 2021, 07:17 AM »
I had a problem with the tip over switch not closing had to replace

Offline bearnoob

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #9 on: Jan 25, 2021, 07:20 AM »
I've also found that snow or ice on the ceramic will block the holes. I started sticking my heater in a remington storage box to get it out to the spot after a very cold trip in a snow storm.
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Offline Uppervalley Kid

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #10 on: Jan 25, 2021, 07:47 AM »
May want to try dipping a q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and cleaning the area inside the tube where the pilot flame is.  Sometimes it can accumulate dirt, soot or spider webs and can cause similar problems

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Offline IceAddict87

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #11 on: Jan 25, 2021, 11:36 AM »
I replaced the pilot assembly on mine a couple years ago. okey fine ever since. I tried blowing it out and a few other things but nothing worked. They are a pain to take apart but it all worked out. Ive had mine for 10 years and its the only time it let me down.

Offline Rebelss

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #12 on: Jan 25, 2021, 11:38 AM »
Lightly sand the thermocoule tip with some emery cloth, (NOT sandpaper!) and you may have to re-adjust it just a tad by moving it closer to the flame if it's bent. Make sure it's in center of flame.
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Offline ICEHOLE

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #13 on: Jan 25, 2021, 12:23 PM »
Anyone know if you can buy the plastic outter shell as well....mine  fire balled and got launched out of the shanty at one point. that was 4 years ago or so...still has been fine until this year...igniter dosnt work and pilot needs to be pressed for a solid 5 minutes or pilot goes out as soon as i release it.. so if i am going to spend money on parts  making it run good, i might as well replace the body that is falling apart.
or maybe its time for a flex

Online hardwater diehard

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #14 on: Jan 25, 2021, 12:41 PM »
Anyone know if you can buy the plastic outter shell as well....mine  fire balled and got launched out of the shanty at one point. that was 4 years ago or so...still has been fine until this year...igniter dosnt work and pilot needs to be pressed for a solid 5 minutes or pilot goes out as soon as i release it.. so if i am going to spend money on parts  making it run good, i might as well replace the body that is falling apart.
or maybe its time for a flex

Looks like the changed their website some ...try calling them pretty certain they will have what your looking for .

https://www.mrheater.com/mhuniversity/faqs

https://www.mrheater.com/parts-and-manuals
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Offline TRT

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #15 on: Jan 25, 2021, 04:25 PM »
Thankfully it worked today was cold

Online hardwater diehard

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Re: Buddy heater problem
« Reply #16 on: Jan 25, 2021, 04:33 PM »
Thankfully it worked today was cold

Oh good ..what was your remedy ?
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