Mr. Heater Question

[Mattman]

I've had my Mr. Heater for about 7 years now. Its just the basic one burner model that mounts on top of a cylinder. I use it enough that I generally have to fill a 20 lber. twice a year. A few weeks (29 Dec.) ago while out fishing it kept shutting off while on low. It ran just fine on medium and high. A week later it ran just fine on all settings. And this weekend it ran on low for quite some time and then kept shutting off again.

Diagnosis? Get a new thermocouple? Get a new heater? Please advize.

Thanks.

[Backwater Eddy]

Check to see if the thermocouple has been bent away from the face of the heater, if so tweek it back.

If this still does not help try removeing the regulator and blowing back through it to see if there are and abstructions that may be limiting low pressure gas flow. Do this by blowing from the gas out end and operating the valve, watch for junk to come out of the tank end.

Still no go, it may be the thermocouple, replace it.

This may sound like a no brainer but is the tank pressure low? Best try a different tank first!

:)

BE........><,,>

[Eyez]

You can test if it's the thermocouple. When it's on low, and it shuts off, quickly push the plunger back in, and if it comes on, you can be pretty sure that it's a thermocouple issue.


Dusty

[Mattman]

What is the purpose of a thermocouple? What does it do?

[EAGLE EYES]

It is a heated gas regulator. As it heated it opens and allows gas to enter the area.

[EAGLE EYES]

Mattman, Go to the Mr. Heater web site. Look up the trouble shooting page. There you will find all the possible answers to your problems. The thermocouple needs to be positioned 3/8 to 3/16" away from the screen to work properly. Simply move it with a pliers like BE mentioned. Although this may or may not be the problem, it is a very common one. Good luck! EE

[Mattman]

So the button that you push to ignite the heater bypasses the thermocoupler until it heats it up enough? Which reminds me, I've been having to hold that for longer periods lately.

Thanks for all the info.

[TRyan]

This is great information, I also just started having the same problem. Having to hold the plunger in longer and just last weekend I had to have it in all the time to keep it running.

[Backwater Eddy]

Sounds more and more like a thermocoupler going bad Mattman.

[WAeyes]

Is this Mr. Heater thingy something I can use in my tent when camping? I'm tired of waking up with a frozen face!

[Starfish]

I'd use it inside a tent only with great caution. Besides the fire danger, it puts out quite a bit of carbon monoxide, so you shouldn't use it in a confined space. After using one in my boat with full canvas zipped up for a whole day, I've had some symptoms of CO poisoning. (Not a problem now that my newer boat doesn't have such a good canvas setup... ;-)

[Mattman]

I've wondered if you could just get a CO2 detector.

I don't like using the Mr. Heater while sleeping. Makes me really nervous.

[Da Coder]

Had the same problem. I ended up replacing the regulator and it worked fine.

[Mississippi Flash]

If you are looking for a heater that is safe for indoor use, try the Coleman BlackCat or PowerCat Heaters. I've had Good Luck with both, and they are truly safe for indoor use.

Both heaters are 3,000 BTU. Both are available with electronic ignition, and they run on the small 1lb propane cylinders that are the same ones used to power propane lanterns. I have been able to get 6 to 8 hours of operation off of one 1lb cylinder.

The BlackCat is a catalytic heater that burns very little oxygen and emits very little CO. It is extremely quiet, and is flameless due to the platinum catalytic technology used. The PowerCat is basically the same heater, but with a 2D-cell battery operated fan and housing that circulates the air.

For use in an portable ice shack, it is wise to elevate the PowerCat so that the air that it draws does not come directly off of the ice.

3,000 BTU is also nice because you dont have to keep shutting it off to avoid being "cooked" out of the shanty. In extremely cold temperatures, I suppliment heat with a propane lantern(but make sure to ventilate).

As with all heaters, remember to ventilate.

You can get additional info from coleman.com

I hope that this will help.

[JimStolpa]

I saw a Powercat at a recent show and thought the fan was a great addition. You can purchase on-line at www.coleman.com $79 plus shipping and tax.