Another Big Buddy Heater Question

[mtwalleye]

Was out fishing today and could not get my Big Buddy Heater to light. After some checking, I found that when I removed the fuel filter it would light. I run my heater off an 11lb. LP tank and hose. I bought the filter at the begining of last season and probably burned 20-30 lbs. of propane last year. How long do the filters last? Do they need to be replaced each year? Anyone else have issues with the filters?

[PierBridge]

I don't use the filters never have never will......I have not heard of a buddy failing because a person didn't use a filter.

I would think almost all of the filtered debree would be combusted with out incident or harm to the Buddy if a person didn't use a filter....

[federline]

If the propane being supplied to the tank contains more petrochemical impurities (usually light oils), the filter will plug up quicker, and you may need a new one sooner. Try a new one, or try it without, to see if that is the case. If a guy runs oily propane through a buddy heater, it will start oozing out of the heater in places, and could gum things up, but that takes time, a short run without the filter won't cause noticable damage.

It is not really concrete advice, but "replace the filter when it needs replacing"... But, for what it is worth, Mr. Heater states right on their HSOforum that the fuel filter should be replaced annually, I guess since after letting it sit all summer, it gums up.

[iafish4fun]

I called the company and told them that I only used my filter about two times last year and asked them if I needed a new one. There repsonse was that if the one that is one there from last year works you can use it. When it stops workign and gets plugged up then put a new one on. They said that the performance of the heater will let you know when its time.

[Jim Almquist]

I had almost the same thing happen with my big buddy so I tried a 1 Pound canisster and it lite up just fine so I hooked up my 20 pound with the filter and it took about a min. to lite. I think it takes a while for the gas to get thru the filter and the fact that I have a 12 foot hose.

[mtwalleye]

I replaced the filter today but still have two issues. The heater will not light with the igniter, I have to use a match to light the pilot. When I turn the knob to low, med, or high the burners will not ignite. I have to blow on it or wave my hand accross the burners before they ignite. It looks like I am not getting enough gas pressure. This happens with the 11 lb. tank (with or without the filter) or a 1 lb. cylinder. Any ideas on how to clean the lines on these things?

[Walterwontfalter]

Is there an inline regulator from the 11 pounder to the heater? If so, check that. I've had problems with the regulators doing that before.

[pathogen]

There are instructions that come wih the Buddy for cleaning the orifice too. My understanding is that it is a very attractive place for spiders in the summer months, and they can plug it. It's worth a shot if you haven't checked it.

[JRFISHBAIT]

In reference to using a 1 lb compared to a refillable 5,10 or 20 lb tank, you will find the 1 lb LP propane is a lot cleaner than the refillable ones. That's why you don't need a filter with the 1 lb tanks.

[redtrucks]

Will a Big Buddy be enough heat for a Otter Large Resort?

[EBass]

I better re-read the instructons. I haven't used a filter on mine ever. I run both 1 lbers and a 20lb tank. I never had an issue so far.

[Roscoe16]

Is a fuel filter only required for running a Big Buddy off a large propane tank? I have a regular Mr. Buddy and run it off a 20 lb tank with no filter, have had no problems.

Roscoe