Help with Mr. Heater (Buddy)

[lilFEET]

So I was using my Mr. Heater this weekend and after about 15-30 min the pilot goes out on my heater. I tryed relighting it but the same thing happend with in about a minute or two. I was wondering if any could help me with whats wrong. I have no idea were to even start. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks

TB

[PierBridge]

What kind of set-up are you using? Tank/hose set-up? Filter or no filter?

[Swimmer]

If this is a new unit, made within the past 2 years, Mr Heater had fixed the problem of frequent pilot light extinguishings. Some units older than 2 years were known for this problem. Remember the engineering of these units makes for a somewhat exposed pilot flame and with gusty winds even the new units will go out occasionally. If you are in a relatively sheltered area (inside a shelter) and it goes out alot...exchange the Buddy for a new one. I assume you switched out the propane tank?

[Johnsonator]

We had the same thing happen on our buddy heaters this weekend up at LOW. We couldn't keep the pilot light lit and we had a heck of a time getting it to light. We were using 1lb cyclinders and after we switched to a hose/tank setup everything worked fine. We really think that the cold weather and the 1lb cyclinders were causing our problems. The pilot light would go out constantly and we had no wind what so ever in the house. We did have a couple 1lb cycinders work fine but the rest of our walmart generic ones wouldn't stay lit for nothing.

[zamboni]

Could be a few things-

safety tip over might be triggering it- is it level?

first time using it this year? spiders love building webs in there

no filter if using a bulk tank

gusts of wind

[TylerS]

I had this problem last season during cold weather witn 1 pound tanks. The tanks would get so cold the propane wouldn't gassify. I solved the problem by hauling my tanks around in my coat until I set up the shack and got settled in. Once the shack is warm, the propane stays warm, too.

I am honestly considering getting a hose setup, though. The only drawback is I walk everywhere and a 20 pound tank is a [PoorWordUsage]-load of weight to add to my already overstuffed sled.

[TylerS]

On another note, since when did cr*p become filter-worthy?

[Scott Stein]

ive run the tank-hose-filter set up with my big buddy since new and havent had any problems except for the one time it wouldnt stay lit,well finally found out we were low on oxygen,so I know my low oxygen shut off works,Tyler why not run a 5lb or 10lb tank? that way you still got alot of heat time with not so much weight

[TylerS]

ive run the tank-hose-filter set up with my big buddy since new and havent had any problems except for the one time it wouldnt stay lit,well finally found out we were low on oxygen,so I know my low oxygen shut off works,Tyler why not run a 5lb or 10lb tank? that way you still got alot of heat time with not so much weight

Not to sound nieve (actually I probably will) but...they make five pound tanks?! Where and how much?! I saw an 11 pound (I think) at Gander Mountain and it was 50-some dollars. Too rich for my blood. But if a five-pounder was reasonable, well, that's right up my alley!

[ad1823]

I agree with Scott Stein. My low oxygen sensor will trip once in a while, especially if I'm running a propane lantern. This has occured no matter how I run it, 1 lb tanks, 20 lb tanks and hoses with or without filters. On the cold days we try to button up the house pretty good, but then we run into the low oxygen issue. You may try to create some venting close to where run the heater as the vents at the top of the house (many portables have them near the ceiling) may not be enough venting.

[EBass]

My buddy had issues with his, but I don't know exactly what other than it didn't work. He used an air compressor and aired (is that the right term?) the heck outa it and it works again.

Just a suggestion

[jimmyjames76]

Not to sound nieve (actually I probably will) but...they make five pound tanks?! Where and how much?! I saw an 11 pound (I think) at Gander Mountain and it was 50-some dollars. Too rich for my blood. But if a five-pounder was reasonable, well, that's right up my alley!

Unfortunately the 5 lb tanks are usually about the same as the 11 lb tanks...around $50. I was at a store the other day that had a 20 lb tank for $29, and 5 and 11 lb tanks for $59. How does that work!?

[Scott Stein]

Originally Posted By: Scott Stein

ive run the tank-hose-filter set up with my big buddy since new and havent had any problems except for the one time it wouldnt stay lit,well finally found out we were low on oxygen,so I know my low oxygen shut off works,Tyler why not run a 5lb or 10lb tank? that way you still got alot of heat time with not so much weight

Not to sound nieve (actually I probably will) but...they make five pound tanks?! Where and how much?! I saw an 11 pound (I think) at Gander Mountain and it was 50-some dollars. Too rich for my blood. But if a five-pounder was reasonable, well, that's right up my alley!

i've seen them at numerous places but they are around the $30-50 dollar mark,so I guess unless you're willing to spend that you're stuck with the 1 pounders. google 5lb LP tank and then go to the shopping results

[lilFEET]

The unit I have is probably around 5 years old I usually run a tank hose setup but I thought that was the problem. I went and bought a 1 lb cylinder and it did the exact same thing. The heater is level and my shack is closed up very well so no wind could blow out the pilot. Has anyone ever call the company before? Just curious. Thanks for all the help guys. Im gonna go try a couple different things to see if I can get it to work right.

[TylerS]

Originally Posted By: Scott Stein

Not to sound nieve (actually I probably will) but...they make five pound tanks?! Where and how much?! I saw an 11 pound (I think) at Gander Mountain and it was 50-some dollars. Too rich for my blood. But if a five-pounder was reasonable, well, that's right up my alley!

i've seen them at numerous places but they are around the $30-50 dollar mark,so I guess unless you're willing to spend that you're stuck with the 1 pounders. google 5lb LP tank and then go to the shopping results

Yeah, I did just that after asking the question. Yeesh. Oh well, one pounders for me for awhile.

[zamboni]

My buddy had issues with his, but I don't know exactly what other than it didn't work. He used an air compressor and aired (is that the right term?) the heck outa it and it works again.

Just a suggestion

Bet he had spider webs in there. They love those things

[zamboni]

Has anyone ever call the company before? Just curious.

I have called them, they won't answer, but will ask you for a time they can call you back- very nice, IMO. They are very helpful