Mr Heater MH18B Big Buddy Portable Heater Owner’s Manual

Mr Heater MH18B Big Buddy Portable Heater

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE THIS APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE GUARD INSTALLED

• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be located out of traffic and away from combustible materials.

• Children and adults should be alerted to the hazard of high surface temperatures and should stay away to avoid burns or clothing ignition.

• Young children should be carefully supervised when they are near the appliance.

• Do not place clothing or other flammable material on or near the appliance.

• Do not operate the heater in any moving vehicle.

• This heater can only be used in a recreational or commercial enclosure with a window or roof vent. It may also be used outdoors.

• This heater requires a vent area of 18 square inches
  (for example 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” opening) minimum for adequate ventilation during operation. Do not use other fuel-burning appliances inside.

• GAS PRESSURE AT THE HEATER IS REGULATED AND FIXED AT 11” W.C. WHEN USING A REMOTE HOSE CONNECTION TO HEATER REGULATOR(S), DO NOT REGULATE OR REDUCE PROPANE TANK SUPPLY PRESSURE TO THE HEATER.

• warning : ANY HOSE CONNECTION TO A QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING ON HEATER MUST BE REGULATED TO 11” W.C. PRESSURE

• THE REGULATOR(S) IN THE HEATER MUST ALWAYS BE IN PLACE DURING OPERATION.

• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing the appliance must be replaced before operating the heater

• The appliance should be inspected before each use. Frequent cleaning may be required. The control compartments, burner(s) and circulating air passageways of the appliance must be kept clean, see MAINTENANCE.

• DO NOT use this heater if any part has been underwater. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the heater and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control, which has been under water.

• When used without adequate combustion and ventilation air, this heater may give off excessive CARBON MONOXIDE, an odourless, poisonous gas.

• Some people – pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease, anemia, those under the influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes – are more affected by carbon monoxide than others.

• When a heater is placed on the ground, make sure the ground is level and keep any objects at least 24 inches from the front of the heater. THIS HEATER IS EQUIPPED WITH A TIP-OVER SWITCH THAT WILL SHUT THE HEAT-ER OFF IF THE HEATER TIPS OVER HOWEVER, DO NOT LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED OR WHERE CHILDREN MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER. NEVER OPERATE THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• This heater is safe for indoor use in small recreational enclosures, having means for providing combustion air and ventilation, such as enclosed porches, cabins, fishing huts, trailers, tent trailers, tents, truck caps and vans.
  It may be used for emergency indoor heating when connected to a disposable 1-lb. propane cylinder(s) and for indoor use in commercial enclosures, having means for providing combustion air and ventilation, such as construction trailers or temporary work enclosures.

• When the heater is cold or at room temperature, it will take a few minutes for the burner(s) tile to turn bright orange. This is normal and the heater is working prop-erly. If the burner(s) tile is visibly flaming, turn the heater off and call a qualified service technician.

• When the unit is lit, there should be about a quarter-inch border around the tile that will not turn bright orange. This is normal.

• When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT. above sea level, the unit may not burn as bright as in lower altitudes. This is normal. At higher altitudes, the heater may shut off. If this happens, provide fresh air, wait 5 minutes and re-light. Due to local atmospheric conditions heater may not re-light.

• Operating time will vary depending on the heater setting and the supply cylinder size. (One 1 lb. cylinder: 1.5 to 6 hours. Two 1 lb. cylinders: 3 to 12 hours. Two 20 lb. cylinders: 50 to 220 hours.) A heater may be operated from quick disconnect, one or both regulated inlets.

• When moving the heater when lit or bumping the heater setting it down, tip over switch may shut off the heater. If this happens, re-light.

• NOTE: THIS HEATER MAY BE OPERATED WITH (1) OR (2) DISPOSABLE 1 LB. PROPANE CYLINDERS OR WITH A RE- MOTE REFILLABLE CYLINDER(S) MAX. 20 LBS USING (1) OR (2) F273701, F273702 OR F272702 HOSE ASSEMBLIES WITH FUEL FILTERS (F273699) ON EACH HOSE ASSEMBLY. IT MAY ALSO BE OPERATED WITH (1) F271802 HOSE ASSEMBLY CONNECTED TO A REGULATED (11″ W.C.) PROPANE SOURCE OR (1) F271803 HOSE ASSEMBLY WITH 11″ REGULATOR WITH ACME NUT.

LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH DISPOSABLE 1 LB. PROPANE CYLINDERS:

WARNING : Always inspect the propane cylinder and heater propane connections for damage, dirt, and debris before attaching the propane cylinder. Do not use if the head of the cylinder is damaged, punctured or deteriorated.
ALWAYS ATTACH OR DETACH CYLINDER OUTDOORS AWAY FROM FLAMES, AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES, AND ONLY WHEN THE HEATER IS COOL TO TOUCH. NEVER SMOKE WHEN ATTACHING OR REMOVING PROPANE CYLINDER OR MAKING REMOTE CONNECTIONS!

• Use only LP-gas cylinders marked in accordance with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT).
• Use only 16.4 oz. (1 lb.) disposable cylinders that mate with the No. 600 valve connection.
• The heater and attached cylinder(s) must be in an upright position during operation.
• Make sure the five-position Control Knob is in the “OFF” position; see Figure 1.
• Screw 1 Ib. disposable LP-gas supply cylinder(s) clock-wise (from bottom) into portable heater until hand-tight.
• Check cylinder(s) connection for leaks with soapy water at the threaded connection under the domed plastic cover where the cylinder screws into the regulator. SEE WARNING! ON PLASTIC COVER DOORS.
• Depress and turn Control Knob counterclockwise to the “PILOT” position. Ignitor will spark to light the pilot burner. (If needed, repeat these steps until the pilot lights) and continue to hold the control knob down in the “Pilot” position for 30-60 seconds.
• After lighting the pilot, release the knob. Knob should return

to fully extend the position. To operate the heater slightly depress the knob and gently turn it to lock in the desired position.

• Turn the control knob to the “LO” or “MD” position to light the heater. Leave on the “LO” or “MD” position until the left burner tile has turned bright orange.
• After the left burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust the heat output by turning Control Knob to desired position (“LO”, “MD” or “HI”). Note : Both tiles turn orange only on the HI setting.

Warning:
DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB IS LOCKED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “MD”, “LO” or “PILOT”. NEVER SET CONTROL KNOB BETWEEN LOCKED POSITIONS. POOR COMBUSTION AND HIGHER LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE MAY RESULT.

• For added heat circulation turn the red fan switch to on. The fan switch is located just left of the control knob side handle support. See Figure 1.
• Installation of 4 D-cell batteries is required for fan operation. The battery box is located on the lower back panel of the heater. Follow the instructions on the battery cover for correct battery installation. See Figure 2.
• A heater can also be powered by electrical adapter F276127. Required adapter to be 6 volt DC up to 800 milliamps current with positive tip polarity. See Figure 2.
• To shut off the heater, slightly push down and turn Control Knob clockwise to the “OFF” position.
• CAUTION: After turning the heater off, the wire guard will remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing.
• Do not operate, store or remove cylinder(s) near flam-mable items or ignition sources.
• LP-GAS CYLINDERS MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE HEATER WHEN NOT IN USE!

LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH HOSE(S) CONNECTED TO A REMOTE CYLINDER, MAXIMUM SIZE 20 LBS:

warning: ANY HOSE CONNECTION TO A QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING ON HEATER MUST BE REGULATED TO 11” W.C. PRESSURE

• This Heater may be used in a Recreational Enclosure or Temporary Construction Work Enclosure with a Remote Refillable Propane Cylinder ONLY when the Cylinder is Located Outdoors and the Heater is Used with Mr Heater Hose No. F273701, F273702 or F272702 and fuel filter F273699. The fuel filter must be replaced annually.
• Mr. Heater Hose No. F271802 which includes a quick disconnect fitting and a 3/8” female flare fitting connected to a regulated (11” W.C.) propane source.
• Mr. Heater Hose No. F271803 which includes a quick disconnect fitting and an 11” W.C. regulator.
• DANGER: NEVER bring a refillable propane cylinder indoors. A fire or explosion can occur causing property damage, serious injury or death!
• Inspect the hose before each use of the heater. If there is excessive abrasion or wear, or the hose is cut, replace prior to using the heater with one of the Mr. Heater Hoses No’s. shown above.
• The propane cylinder must include a listed overfilling protection device as well as a collar to protect the cylinder valve.
• The heater must be in an upright position during operation.
• Make sure five-position Control Knob is in the “OFF” posi-tion; see Figure 1, at left.
• Screw the hose connector into the regulator on heater or con-nect to a quick disconnect and screw the connector on the other end of the hose into the LP-gas supply cylinder valve. Tighten all hose connections.
• Mr. Heater strongly recommends using disposable fuel filter F273699 to trap any oil substances when connected to a remote cylinder that can make the heater inoperable.
• The open valve at the LP-gas supply cylinder.
• Check all hose connections for leaks with soapy water at the threaded connection under the domed plastic cover

where the hose connector screws into the regulator and at the LP-gas supply cylinder. SEE WARNING! ON PLASTIC DOORS.

• Depress and turn Control Knob counterclockwise to the “PI-LOT” position and hold down for 1 – 5 minutes. This may take longer to purge air from the supply hose depending on the length of the hose being used.
• Depress and turn Control Knob counterclockwise to the “PI-LOT” position. Ignitor will spark to light the pilot burner. (If needed, repeat these steps until the pilot lights) and continue to hold the control knob down in the “Pilot” position for 30-60 seconds.
• After lighting the pilot, release the knob. The knob should return to a fully extended position. To operate the heater slightly depress the knob and gently turn to lock in the desired position.
• Turn the control knob to the “LO” or “MD” position to light the heater. Leave on the “LO” or “MD” position until first burner tile has turned bright orange.
• After the first burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust the heat output by turning Control Knob to desired position (“LO”, “MD” or “HI” setting).

Caution: Do not try to adjust heating levels by using the propane tank shut-off valve,

Warning: DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB IS LOCKED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “MD”, “LO” or “PILOT”. NEVER SET CONTROL KNOB BETWEEN LOCKED POSITIONS. POOR COMBUSTION AND HIGHER LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE MAY RESULT.

• Installation of 4 D-cell batteries is required for fan operation. The battery box is located on the lower back panel of the heater. Follow the instructions on the battery cover for correct battery installation. See Figure 2.
• The heater can also be powered by electrical adapter, F276127. Required adapter to be 6 volt DC up to 800 milliamps current with positive tip polarity. See Figure 2.
• To shut off the heater, shut off the propane at the supply tank, allow the heater to use up propane in the supply line until the heater shuts off, then slightly push down and turn Control Knob clockwise to “OFF” position.
• CAUTION: After turning the heater off, wire guard will remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing.
• When not in use, the gas must be turned off at the LP gas supply cylinder. As stated before allowing the heater to use up propane in supply line until the heater shuts off. When the LP gas supply cylinder is not disconnected from the heater, the heater and the cylinder must be stored outdoors, in a well-ventilated space, out of reach of children, and must not be stored in a building, garage or any other enclosed area.
• Indoor storage of the heater is permissible only if the cylinder is disconnected and removed from the heater. Cylinders must be stored outdoors out of the reach of children and must not be stored in a building, garage or any other enclosed area.

MAINTENANCE:

Always keep the heater area clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapours and liquids. Keep the vent areas (slots in the bottom and the top at the front of the heater) clear at all times. Visually inspect the pilot flame and burner periodically during use. The pilot flame should be blue in colour (not yellow) and will extend beyond the thermocouple. The flame will surround the thermocouple just below the tip, see Figure 3. A slight yellow flame may occur where the pilot flame and main burner flame meet. The burner(s) should be bright orange (with a slight blue color around the border, a red-orange haze that is visible on the ceramic tile is acceptable) and without a noticeable flame. A blue flame that rolls out at the top of the ceramic tile indicates an accumulation of dust, lint or spider webs inside the casing assembly and main burner assembly. If the pilot is yellow or the burner has a noticeable flame, cleaning may be required. Use the following procedure to inspect the casing assembly and main burner assembly. It is necessary to periodically check the burner(s) orifice and burner venturi tube to make sure they are clear of insects/nests or spider webs that may accumulate over time. A clogged tube can lead to a fire.

1. Allow the heater to thoroughly cool before performing any maintenance.

2. Remove the disposable 1 lb. cylinder(s) from a heater or turn OFF the gas supply at the remote cylinder valve, and disconnect a hose from the heater.

3. Remove the wire guard from the front of the heater by gently bending to remove from holes in the front cover.

4. Remove (4) screws securing the back cover to the heater. Lift up slightly to release (2) plastic hooks on top of the back cover.

5. Remove the back cover.

6. Remove (3) screws attaching the lower baffle to expose burner air openings.

7. Inspect the interior of the casing assembly for accumulation of dust, lint or spider webs. If necessary, clean the interior of the casing assembly with a vacuum cleaner or apply air pressure. Do not damage any components within the casing assembly when you are cleaning.

8. Inspect and clean the main burner orifice located at the bottom of the burner venturi tube, by using a vacuum or applying air pressure at orifice opening.

9. Inspect and clean the pilot (mounted to bracket) by using a vacuum or applying air pressure through the holes in the pilot indicated by the arrows in Figure 3.
   WARNING : Never use needles, wires, or similar cylindrical objects to clean the pilot to avoid damaging the calibrated ruby that controls the gas flow.

10. Apply air pressure into the ceramic tile of the burner(s) assembly and the venturi tube (with [2] air openings) to remove dust, lint or spider webs.

11. Reinstall the lower baffle with (3) screws

12. Slide the back cover over (2) plastic hooks on top of the heater. Make sure the rear cover aligns with the plastic side covers. Install (4) screws to hold in place

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION:

If the Spark electrode does not produce a spark.
CHECK

• The spark electrode is broken – replace.
• Igniter wire may not be attached to spark electrode – attach.
• Igniter wire damaged – replace.
• Piezo igniter on control valve defective – replace control valve.

If the Spark electrode produces a spark but the pilot does not light.
CHECK

• No gas to heater – install disposable cylinder or connect hose and turn on the valve at the remote cylinder.
• “PILOT” position not properly aligned – turn the gas control knob to the “PILOT” position and depress.
• A pilot is blocked from spider web or dirt – clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE

If the Pilot flame does not stay lit when the knob is released.
CHECK

• The control knob in the “PILOT” position is not completely depressed or held in long enough to purge air from lines.
• Pilot flame not surrounding thermocouple – clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
• Pilot Assembly defective – replace.
• Tip switch wires disconnected – connect

If the Main burner(s) does not ignite.
CHECK

• The main burner(s) orifice is blocked – clean burner(s), see MAINTENANCE.

If the Heater keeps shutting “OFF” during normal operation.
CHECK

• A pilot is blocked – clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
• Provide a minimum fresh air opening of 18 square inches (for example 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” opening).
• Tip over switch activated from bumping heater. Re-light

PARTS LIST:

SEE THE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION

reF. # iteM #    descriptiOn

1| 78402| HANDLE, ASSEMBLY, GRAY
| 78441| HANDLE, ASSEMBLY, BLACK
2| 78403| FAN, SWITCH
3| 78442| BACK, FAN, COVER
4| 78404| BACK PANEL ASSEMBLY

(Includes parts 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8)

5| 78406| FAN, BLOWER, WHEEL
6| 78407| FAN, INTAKE, COVER
7| 78408| DOOR, BATTERY, COVER, GRAY
| 78443| DOOR, BATTERY, COVER, BLACK
8| 78409| BATTERY, TERMINALS
9| 78410| DOOR LEFT SIDE COVER, GRAY
| 78444| DOOR LEFT SIDE COVER, BLACK
10| 78411| LEFT, SIDE, COVER, GRAY
| 78445| LEFT, SIDE, COVER, BLACK
11| 78412| (2) REGULATORS, MH18B
12| 78413| TIE, WRAPS
13| 78414| BRACKET, LEFT, SIDE, REG,
14| 78415| LEFT, SIDE, GAS, SUPPLY, LINE
15| 78416| FRAME, ASSEMBLY
16| 78417| BRACKET, RIGHT, SIDE, REG,
17| 78418| KNOB, CONTROL, RED
| 78512| KNOB, CONTROL, GREEN
18| 78419| DOOR, RIGHT, SIDE, COVER, GRAY
| 78446| DOOR, RIGHT, SIDE, COVER, BLACK
19| 78420| RIGHT, SIDE, COVER, GRAY
| 78447| RIGHT, SIDE, COVER, BLACK
20| 78421| VALVE, CONTROL, ASSEMBLY
21| 78422| PILOT, ASSEMBLY
22| 78423| SHIELD, HEAT, BACK
23| 78424| SHIELD, HEAT, FRONT
24| 78425| COVER, FRONT, RED
| 78448| COVER, FRONT, YELLOW
| 78513| COVER, FRONT, GREEN
25| 78426| GUARD, WIRE FACE
| 78449| GUARD, WIRE FACE, HD
26| 78427| BRACKET, BOTTOM, PLENUM, ASSEMBLY
27| 78428| PILOT, BRACKET
28| 78429| REFLECTOR
29| 73439| TILE
30| 73433| TILE, GASKET (NOT SHOWN)
31| 78431| PLENUM, BODY
32| 78432| BRACKET, TOP, PLENUM, ASSEMBLY
33| 78436| RUBBER FEET (4) NOT SHOWN

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND OWNER’S MANUAL

WARNING:

USE ONLY THE MANUFACTURER’S REPLACEMENT PARTS. USE OF ANY OTHER PARTS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY AND MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE AGENCY. MR. HEATER HOSES F273701 F273702 AND F272702 ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THIS HEATER ALONG WITH F273699 DISPOSABLE FUEL FILTER. (REPLACE ANNUALLY). USE OF OTHER HOSES MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO BECOME INOPER. ABLE

PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION:
PURCHASING: Accessories may be purchased at any Mr. Heater local dealer or directly from the factory
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE
Please call Toll-Free 800-251-0001
www.mrheater.com Our office hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. Please include the model number, date of purchase, and description of the problem in all communication.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Mr. Heater, Inc. warrants its heaters and accessories to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. Mr. Heater, Inc. will repair or replace this product free of charge if it has been proven to be defective within the 1-year period, and is returned at customer expense with proof of purchase to Mr. Heater, Inc. within the warranty period.

WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

• Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapours and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
• An LP cylinder not connected for use shall not be stored in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
• WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
  • Do not try to light appliances.
  • Extinguish any open flame.
  • Shut off the gas to the appliance.
• Service must be performed by a qualified service agency.

This is an unvented gas-fired portable heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the area in which it is used. Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided. Refer to page 2.

• WARNING:
  Every time hose or tank is connected to the unit, a connection must be checked for leaks in one or more ways: Apply soapy water to the connection, look for bubbles, listen for hiss of escaping gas, feel for extreme cold, smell for rotten egg odor. Do not use it if leaking!

• WARNING:
  Any changes to this heater or its controls can be dangerous.

• WARNING:
  Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have these signs, a heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.

WARNING:
@ If the recreational or commercial enclosure does not have a window or roof vent, DO NOT USE THIS HEATER INSIDE.

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING WARNING:

WARNING:

Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain carbon monoxide, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm).

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>