Big Buddy problem

[tightlines]

I have been experiencing an intermitent problem with the BB. Last night and a few ocassions before, the thing won't start properly. The pilot will light easy enough , but some times when I turn it to heat, it just wont start. This happens frequently when I have changed the bottles. Also when it shuts off due to the oxcygen sensors. I will open up and get some air and it still won't start. Last night I just left it on low with the pilot going but the burner not burning. About 10 minutes later (after the house got pretty cold) it just started. Anyone else having problems? Will going to a 11lb or 20lb tank solve these issues? Do I just have a bad unit?

[maj330]

These guys are very sensitive to the plastic bushing and the rubber o-ring on the valve of the disposable cylinder or the extension hose used for bigger tanks. If they don't seat properly when installed, they will let enough gas through to keep the pilot lit but not enough through to run the heater. I returned a big buddy heater that I thought had a problem but it was really the poor performance of these two seals on the hose I was using.

[Lazy Mike]

Tightlines, I have a BB heater and have had the same problem. Sometimes the way I get the tiles to light is to very gently blow the pilot back towards the tile. This helps to ignite the gas on the tiles. It sounds to me like after 10 minutes enough gas accumulated and pilot finally ignited the tile/gas. I have considered bringing my BB back and exchanging for another but figured I probably would run into the same issue again. I use a 5# tank which works fine once it is started, but when newly filled it gives me a bit of trouble getting the gas flowing.

[tightlines]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to switch to an 11lb tank so that should help some. I think I will start carring my self igniting torch to start when needed. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes for it to ignite gets pretty chilly when it is really cold out there. Other than those issues I really like the BB. No more burnt holes in canvas, pants and it doesn't melt the snow as much as the sunflower style. Up till the last several days I never really had a chance to see how well it would heat under single and below zero conditions. Heats great, especially on high with the fan going..

[slicerboy]

off topic (sort-of) - how much time will I get on a 5# tank. Thanks.

[PierBridge]

Tightlines it sounds like your not getting the canister screwed in all the way, it's not shutting off because of low oxygen.

Have you tried both sides? If you get the hose it will be real important to get it screwed correctly.

You may have a bad unit also.

Slicerboy here you go.

Big Buddy thread

[EBass]

I run my BB with a 20lb tank and I have never had an issue. Knock on wood.

But I didn't have an issue with the 1lbers either.

Now the lil buddy on the other hand had issues going out a lot, but it's been trashed since the BB was purchased.

[Lazy Mike]

Slicerboy...I get 2-3 whole days out of a 5# and two of them fit nicely in my Yukon and still have room for auger, beer, and everything else. I just like the way they fit compared to a 20# when you want everything contained. If driving a vehicle I guess the 20# would be the way to go.

[tightlines]

I think I may have figured out what the problem was. I did go ahead and bought the hose and filter and hooked up to an 11 lb tank. Seems to work perfectly now. I think it was acting up as I had been buying some 1 lb bottles that were not the coleman brand that were substantially cheaper. Could have been the bottles. Well I am hoping all is well as am heading to the big pond (UR)on the Wendsday. Thanks fella's..

[slicerboy]

I bought the 5# tank for the convenience of the lightweight fuel container. As I place the tank in the back of the sled, I didn't want to strain/hurt anything trying to set a bigger tank back there. I too have a yukon so there is plenty of room for all my gear with room to spare. I've used it about 12 hours and am heading out for a 6 hour trip today. I tossed a few 1 lbs in the sled just in case, but it sounds like I will make it through this day just fine.

Oh and I like the fact that it costs less than $4.00 to fill the thing and it last so much longer than the 1 lbs and is light enough for camping. It's like it pays for itself in 40 hours of usage. Remember, it costs about $25 dollars for a case of coleman or any brand propane.

Anybody else use a 5# on the big buddy? How long does it last for you?