buddy problem

[bmc2b]

When I run my big buddy off of a 5 or 20lb tank(with filter) it won't run on high. Two one pounders will get it to go on high. The filter is new. Any suggestions?

[Mainehazmt]

if you bought an el cheapo hose it may not be getting the best flow I run the ones from mr heater rated at 75000 btu and havent had an issue

[zamboni]

Run it on the other side. Maybe it will run different

[Jeremy airjer W]

Or get the hose with the R.V. quick connect fitting. No filter is needed and it makes disconnecting the hose from the heater a snap. This hose is considered to be "ideal" by Mr. Heater since it is a low pressure hose with its own regulator. Also I have found that it takes much less time to "purge" the air out after the tanks are filled.

[bmc2b]

Its a Mr. Heater hose, and I have tried it on both sides.

[shnelson]

I had the same problem, turned out to be the hose. I had purchased the mr heater branded hose and I couldn't get the heater to run on high (or low) for more than 30 seconds before it would sputter out and shut off.

Picked up the same hose as a replacement, and everything works fine now.

[WTN4ICE]

I have the right tool to fix a buddy that won't work.

[toughguy]

I had the same problem. It runs fine without a fliter. Now I just run it without a filter.

[bmc2b]

I might try the disconnect hose and see what happens. Seems like it would be easier to connect when it is -20.

[Northlander]

I have had 3 different buddy or big buddies and not 1 would work right. I quit trying.

I hear this year they have a new one out and Im anxious to see how they run. Hopefully they are good and Ill go to the big buddy.

[stifler51]

everyone complains about their buddy heater, i havent had a single problem with mine, from the hard water of mille lacs to the mountains around yellowstone, even in a duck boat. i havent ran into any problem with 1lbs tanks to the bulk 20lbs with a filter.

[gatorhunter]

everyone complains about their buddy heater, i havent had a single problem with mine, from the hard water of mille lacs to the mountains around yellowstone, i havent ran into any problem with 1lbs tanks to the bulk 20lbs with a filter.

I haven't heard of too many complaints related to Buddy Heaters. In fact it's the opposite. My BB works like a charm regardless of the connector or bottle size.

[stifler51]

I haven't heard of too many complaints related to Buddy Heaters. In fact it's the opposite. My BB works like a charm regardless of the connector or bottle size.

idk ive just heard a bunch of hear say about the buddy, ive heard it from ppl at cabelas to guys at work, my BB works great. and i LOVE how the vex makes more noise then the heater or in my case the elk walking outside my tent in yellowstone this past summer.

[FishGuru]

I'v had that problem too with the original Mr buddy hose where the flame would lite up about 20 seconds and shut off . I return that one and replace it with a hose from Mills Fleet farm and now it works like a champ.

[walleyvoyager]

Big buddy is the best. I love fishing in a t-shirt when its 30 bellow out.

[Bobberboy]

I've had the same issue. I blew compressed air through the filter and it cured the problem.

I'm not sure if it's a fix all but probably worth a try.

[JimBuck]

Originally Posted By: gatorhunter

I haven't heard of too many complaints related to Buddy Heaters. In fact it's the opposite. My BB works like a charm regardless of the connector or bottle size.

idk ive just heard a bunch of hear say about the buddy, ive heard it from ppl at cabelas to guys at work, my BB works great. and i LOVE how the vex makes more noise then the heater or in my case the elk walking outside my tent in yellowstone this past summer.

What were you using your vex in a tent during summer for? Ice dreams?

[stifler51]

What were you using your vex in a tent during summer for? Ice dreams?

we got snowed on in yellowstone in june, so yea it was cold so i did use heater in summer

and i was just saying u can hear things over the heater like a vex or elk walking past the tent

[zamboni]

everyone complains about their buddy heater, i havent had a single problem with mine, from the hard water of mille lacs to the mountains around yellowstone, even in a duck boat. i havent ran into any problem with 1lbs tanks to the bulk 20lbs with a filter.

I agree, either people are getting lemons, or I have gotten some real good ones, as I have both the Little Buddy and the Big Buddy. Only problem I had with mine was the time I almost started my Pak Shack and myself on fire, but that was my own fault, I put my 20lbs tank hose on with gloves on and didn't get it tight enough, hit the ignition and *WOOF* whole thing went up. Runs fine other than that

[JimBuck]

Just razzin' ya man. Yellowstone is on the list, I'd love to get out there.

As for my buddy heater. I'm on my 2nd one in under a year. My original buddy had a problem with the ignition. I carry a 20lb. tank most of the time and that green hose is an absolute nightmare to setup right. I'd love to see something come out that I can quickly clamp and unclamp to my shack frame and keep off the floor or out of harms reach.

[Sonicrunch]

My little buddy rocks!!!

My big buddy is temperamental.

[Ed Carlson]

Is there a regulator on the tank or on the hose your trying? If so...remove it....you do not need it and it may be the issue.

If you connect a hose with no filter or quick coupler or a in-line regulator ..a straight hose used on grills ...to your unit...does it still not want to not run on High?

I would barrow a Buddy Quick Connect hose and see if it behaves then. If not, there must be a slight restriction on that side going in...a bugger in a valve someplace.

The Mr. Heater Bubby site gives instructions on how to clean the system of contaminants if that looks to be the case.

[Mainehazmt]

I have 3 big buddys (actually tough buddys) and 1 small buddy heater and have never had an issue!

[ozzie]

1 little and 1 big buddy heaters and they both seem to work fine. the little buddy is a little beat-up after 3 or 4 seasons but last time I tried it fired right up.....If I have ever had a problem it has always been fixed by either disconnecting the hose and reconnecting both ends or bringing the tank into a heated area to warm up. Good Luck

[jigeye]

I am in the market for a Buddy heater for ice fishing. I have a Clam 5600. Which heater should I buy? I have used the same sunflower heater since 1987 and have only needed the medium setting once or twice. It looks like the Buddy will direct the heat lower to the floor instead of directly at chair height. I have it mounted on an 11 pound tank.