Big Buddy Frost-up

[TimBuck2]

I've been running my Big Buddy Heater out in the garage a few times lately and have noticed the right side 1lb tank frosts up. Anyone have any idea why?

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Are you running it on a big tank?

[Scott M]

Gas laws. There are physical gas laws regulating thermodynamic temperature, pressure, and volume of gases. That's why your cylinders will frost up in winter and sometimes in other situations, running the gas causes changes in equilibrium within the gas laws, and temperature drops to compensate.

Remember PV=nRT from chemistry or physics class (if you were the poor soul who had to take it?) ?

P=pressure

V=volume

n=moles of gas

R=ideal gas constant (8.31)

T=temperature in K

[fishinJohn]

Thankfully all I remember from Chemistry is the girl who sat behind me and drove me crazy. I wouldn't worry about the frost, it's like filling a butane lighter. I would use a bigger tank though, why not.

[Shack]

I would keep an eye on it! You must have the one with dual 1lber's (right and left).

I think one 1lber runs right grid and other runs left grid!

If I am correct, I would make sure it is running correct!

[TimBuck2]

It seems to be running good I was just curious why it always seems to be the right side tank that gets frosty.

I just had a couple of 1 lb tanks left over from my last trip to the pond. I do have an 11 lb pancake tank I normally use.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Quote:

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I do have an 11 lb pancake tank I normally use

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TimBuck2

Ah yes, you do know that when you hook up a line to the left side the right side needs to be free of a tank to act as a breather, and that the main line needs to be regulated because the unit was made to run off one pound tanks! I'm guessing you have smelt some extra gas fumes as well.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

You can pick up the hose you need at SAS in Mankato they stock that item 24-7.

[zamboni]

Best place I have found for the 12' hose is Menards, got mine in Katos this past weekend for $19.99, $10 cheaper than anywhere else I found them

[TimBuck2]

I have the hose. I think I always ran it on the Left side, but does it matter which side? No I don't have any 1 lb tanks installed when running the big tank.

[zamboni]

I don't think it really matters which side

[dilleyo]

I ran mine last year almost everytime I went out and it depended on where I placed the heater in the icehouse as to which side I hooked the hose up to. I always have 1lb tank hooked to the other side to get the thing lit quicker and just leave it in. I've had mine for 2 years and haven't had a problem yet......knock on wood!

[Jeremy airjer W]

You can run any combination of hoses/tanks. A one pounder on the right. A one pounder on the left. One pounders on both sides. A high pressure hose on the left with or with out a one pounder. A high pressure hose on the right with or without a one pounder. A low pressure hose, which only connects to the R.V. quick connect fitting on the right, with or without a one pounder on the left.

The high pressure hoses do not need to be regulated at the tank and a filter is always recommended (I ran mine big and small for a couple of years without and did not have any problems). The low pressure hose should come with and needs to be regulated at the tank.

As far as only one tank getting frosty there may be an issue with the other regulator. I would be more suspicious of this if you have to change the frosty tanks more often than the non frosty tanks.

For more reading on big buddies and hoses click here

Big Buddy Hose Clarification