Paulin Mini heater problems

[slick814]

This is the second one that I've had. I returned the first one because it wouldn't stay lit, they gave me a new one, saying that the first is obviously defective.

Well, I took it out with me on Friday... same thing.

It would lite, run for about 15 - 20 minutes, then cut off. Wouldn't stay lit for more than 5 minutes at a time after that. I realise that it was -10 or so, butwouldn't that be when you need it to work the most?

Anyone else had this problem? If so, what did you do to fix it????

[guts]

Last year I know of several fisherman that had problems with both Paulin and Mr Heater units when it was cold. As it turns out, I think it is related to the new style propane tank valves know as OPD's. To determine if its the unit or the new vavle causing the problem, next time it fails warm up the propane bottle in your car or heated building. If the the heater works then, than you know its because of the new valve on your propane bottle. NOTE: this only applies to those heaters using refillible propane bottles, ie; 5, 6, 10, 11, or 20# cylinders.

There is no cure to this problem I know of, the feds require the new valves, but they don't consistently work at sub zero temps. guts

[Moose-Hunter]

Hi slick814...

Is this the 5500 heater? If so, it seems as if the thermocoupler isn't staying hot enough to allow gas to keep flowing. You may want to try a slight tweak to bring it closer to the heating element. I've done this countless times to Mr. Heater/Cookers with great success..

I think guts nailed it with he words of wisdom concerning bulk tanks. I've run into this same scenerio this year with the new Big Buddy heaters. I have three tanks (1) 11# and (2) 20#. I think I lucked out with two out of three tanks working properly. The third, a NEW 20 pounder (purged twice and properly filled) even though it was almost identical to the other 20, it just wouldn't let the heater run. Both 20's are OPD valved, stored the same, and used the same. But the one just ain't gonna fly.

My thinking is that when the new style OPD valves were first built, sub zero ice time was not of primary concern in their design criteria....

[TV BOY]

Slick,

Your're talking about the small one that fits on top of a disposable bottle with the plastic base that goes on the bottle. I have also had problems with mine when its cold out in a portable (especially when the bottle is less than full).

Try getting it off the floor. I attached one of those lantern poles to a 10lb tank and used my "mini sunflower" on the top. No problems that way!

[slick814]

Yup, it's the 5500. The one that sits on top of a disposable propane bottle. I went back to Sportsman's, and the guy there said that he's had a lot of them getting returned for the same problem.

I did try moving the thermocoupler closer to the element, but that didn't work either. Finally just asked for something else. They gave me a choice between 2 styles of coleman's. Hopefully that'll solve the problem...

Thanks for the input, guys.

[Disco Stu]

I just returned mine the day after I bought it for the same problem. I was going to pick up another one but after reading all the problems with them I think I am going to reconsider. Anyone know of a more reliable heater?

[slick814]

Mr. Heater used to make one called a "Junior", which was about the same size as the Paulin, but I can't seem to find it anymore.

I went with the Coleman Black Cat.. it was $10 more than the other one, but it's got electronic lite, and I haven't had any problems with it the 4 times I've been out since I got it. The Sport Cat looks pretty nice, too, pretty much the same heater without the electronic start...