Mr Heater thermocouple

[Dave]

Was on Mille Lacs last weekend. Wow, what a rough ride. I had the Mr. Heater in the Otter Sled. The thermocouple broke off right at the valve. The places I've checked, so far, are out of them. Any way to repair this one or can I just remove it and not use this safety option.

[Guest]

I had this happen to me once. In an emergency situation on the ice I took a piece of string and tied it around the base to the safety "plug" or whatever you call it, the button that you push to warm up the unit before it works on its own.
I then took duct tape and permanently taped the button shut and used the on/off, low, high switch until I bought a new unit. Seemed to work just fine without the thermo. I couldn't see a way to fix it as I obviously could not weld the thermo base back one to the sunflower head.

[The Chemist]

My cousin was working on a heater and he used tie straps. But this is only a quick short time fix. The problem he had was that the thermocouple that was installed was rated higher than the heater itself - it wouldn't stay lit. So when you get one make sure that it is the proper rated thermocouple.

[Dave]

Ah, ok, thanks guys.

[Guest]

The thermocouple is what allows the gas to flow through the gas valve which is the button valve you are refering to. If your getting gas to flow without using the t-couple or holding the button down, then your gas valve is faulty. If the flame were to go out, you will be dumping raw LP. Take the old t-couple to any menards,home depot or hardware store and match the proper length. They are around $6-$10. Depending on how old your heater is you may want to buy a new heater.Walmart in Fridley had them last week for $36.00 Good Luck

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[This message has been edited by D-man (edited 01-30-2002).]

[Dave]

Yea, FleetFarm were out of replacements and they were $5.79. Maybe I'll just delete the valve like in the olden days.

[Guest]

I broke my thermocouple at the end of last year when they were off the shelves for the season. I just taped the button down and ordered one directly from Mr. Heater. When I got it I never ended up fixing it. I just left it the way it was. I'm never in a situation to worry about having the safety feature of the couple.

[hunt4food]

Dave, I have an extra one hanging in my garage. Brand new in the package. I would be happy to send it to you. You could then replace it when more come available. Let me know.

[Dave]

Thanks for the offer hunt4food but, there's a gas place down the road that should have one. I'll go there tomorrow and if I'm out of luck on finding one, I'll let ya know.