Poorly running Sunflower style heaters

[igotem]

I've owned several brands of sunflower heaters and have had the same problem with them all. After a year or two of use, they begin to run poorly. Very similar to when your tank is running out, except that the tank is not empty. Does anyone know what part to replace to fix this?

Thanks.... igotem

[JEV]

Tear it apart and give it a good cleaning. Pay attention to the little orifice where the propane comes out. If there is any little obstruction this will cause poor performance. My buddy was ready to break down and buy a new one and I told him to bring it in and let me look at it. I took it home and gave it a good cleaning with compressed air and it works like new again. Those little burners are pretty simple. I would start with a cleaning and see what happens from there...

JEV

[Surface Tension]

I'd have to say a dirty orifice as well. The opening is tiny so it doesn't take much to plug it. A very thin wire works but don't force it or you'll enlarge the hole and it'll be useless to you.

[igotem]

Thanks for the info, gave it a good cleaning last night and it's running beautifully. I may not even need it if this weather holds!

igotem

[Surface Tension]

Good to hear and welcome to FM. Hey nice avatar too.

[HARPOON-OR-BUST]

THAT AVATAR DOESN'T HAPPEN TO BE FROM THE BW? SAY DANIELS?

HEY HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION........HAVE YOU GUYS EVER HAD YOUR SUNFLOWER MAKE LOTS OF NOISE WHEN IT IS COLD AND RUNNING ON LOW? SOUNDS LIKE A HOWLING

[tashit]

Mine is new this year and it usually does that the first 5 or 10 seconds while it's warming up. Besides the fact that it's annoying, it's really nothing to worry about.

[marine_man]

Mine sounds like a trumpet from time to time... especially when it's warming up.. I've heard of some guys having good luck cleaning the orifice out and that has taken care of the problem... what I typically do (since I haven't cleaned the orifice yet) is to put my fingers over one of the air holes on the tube of the heater a couple of times and that seems to take care of it...

marine_man

[Surface Tension]

I've had a cooker sound like a trumpet too when its warming up.

I stick my finger over the air inlet also, just keep your head back because it can flame up a little.