Small heater repair

[Scott K]

My heater I have for my ice house, doesnt control the temp at all, it has a colder hotter dial on it, nad a thermostat wire thing you are suppose to mount to the wall. Well, the last time I used the heater a couple years ago, I had to literally lay the thermostat wire thing on top of the heater to make it kick off, the colder hotter dial, never made any difference. I went to try it out this year, and it wont even kick off when you lay the thermostat wire thing on top of the heater. This is heater I have

and here is the valve I am talking about, I took it off, to see if I can clean it, or something, but I havent done anything to it yet.

What can I do to fix it, rather then replacing the whole thing? Is it something that can just be cleaned? Could it be just the thermostat wire thing? Or do I need to replace the whole thing, and if so, where do I get parts for it, and about how much are they?

Is there a way to test it?

[chad austin]

I had a valve just like that on a heater in my old fish house and it did the same thing you are talking about. I was looking for a replacement valve as you are and found out that they are no longer made, they were actually recalled for being an explosion hazard. I took mine to the local heating guy to see if he could clean it up and he said he wouldn't touch it and to get a new heater.

I'm not saying it is the exact valve and you may be able to get parts/fix it but I figured I'd let you know what I found out about mine. Look up any of the numbers that you can find on the valve and the unit to see what you can find out about it.

[Scott K]

Bummer

[Eric Wettschreck]

Your thermostat wire thing is a bulb filled with liquid, and sometimes gas. As it heats and cools the liquid/gas expands very much the same way a thermocouple does. If it's not shutting off it prolly leaked the liquid/gas out.

I've seen them at local hardware stores in my area. I'll take a peek in the next few days and see if I can pick one up. Otherwise, try Johnstone supply.

Would you by chance know the make/model of the heater? I may be able to use some of my connections and find you one.

[Thermos]

These type of valves are not serviceable. I would recommend getting a new valve thats a millivolt type. Then you can use a wall thermostat. This is a much better regulated heating system. Converting a heater over to this will take a new 750MV valve, powerpile (replaces the thermocouple), some 18 gauge wire and a millivolt capable t'stat. I have converted many of these over the years. You would be amazed at how much better you can regulate the heat. A typical heater can be converted for around $150-$200.

[Scott K]

The heater is for an ice house, no power, and will be mostly sitting without heat in it.

For $200 I can buy a new vent heater, and I was hoping not to spend that much. Is there a way for me to repair this one cheaper?

Eric, I will check at my local hardware store as well.