Buddy Heater flame question

[Corey Bohn]

I own a couple Buddy Heaters, one works great, the other doesn't. With the one, it almost appears as though there's an air lock, or the ceramic plates behind the metal protector grate are plugged. I get a blue flame and it's erratic. Propane doesn't appear to be burning or heating up properly as the ceramic plates do not turn red. Any ideas before I tear it apart and can't get it back together, or wreck it. I hate to spend $$ on a new one if this is a rather simple fix. **The pilot lights up when you turn the knob and hit the igniter switch, and it's getting propane, it just doesn't seem to be getting air or burning properly. Thanks in advance.

[goose89]

Corey,

There was a lengthy thread not too long ago regarding a special tool that "fixes" buddy heaters. (12# sledge hammer).

I had one that did the same thing you're talking about. I think the problem was I put it on a 20# cylinder last year, w/o a filter, and thus the problems. The filter is a must I guess, after reading many a post regarding similar "buddy" issues. Seems Buddy hasn't made that real well known in the operating instructions / directions. I never read them, but that's what I've learned recently.

Sorry, do't know how to fix it. I'm back to my bullet proof "cooker." I may not wake up some nite, but I'll be warm!!

"

My Buddy, My Buddy, Whereever I go... he don't!!"

[MNice]

They are easy to take apart and clean, read the manual. Mine is older but one screw off the bottom and the burner assembly comes out. Air compressor works well to blow out any dust, cob webs etc. Good luck

[buddha]

If you are running off a 20lb tank may take minutes to hold the pilot lite down before all the air gets out of the line and it will stay lit. I have never used the filter like mentioned above but I haven't had any issues either.

[Maverick]

I've posted this before, I had the same problem and I found that you really, really have to tighten the fitting at the tank. There is a valve in there that keeps gas from flowing until an appliance is hooked up. My buddy who is 3 years more ancient than me was not able to tighten it enough by hand. I suggest using a wrench instead of the little black thingy. It could also be the filter, so try a new one.

[JimBuck]

Be careful attempting to troubleshoot & ignite the heater too much....I had the same problem last week and ended up having a big fireball shoot out of the front. Luckily I wasn't in the shack or close enough but it went back to the store after that. I figure I'll give the buddy one more shot before I introduce him to my other buddy, Mr. Sledgehammer (Queue up the Peter Gabriel).

[Sandmannd]

I really don't understand how there are so many problems with these things. They are made by Mr. Heater correct? Other products of there's are great. How can they not fix these after all these years?

[Maverick]

I have two, the small one and the big one and have never had a real problem. The loose fitting at the tank was due to a limp wristed Norwegian. When I put Bohunk to it it worked just fine. I have had my small one for a number of years. I'm thinking there is much more user error than folks want to admit.