Mr.Heater Portable Propane Heater MH18B User Manual

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND OWNER’S MANUAL

|

PORTABLE BIG BUDDY
RADIANT HEATER

| Model #
MH18B
READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and follow all instructions. Place instructions in a safe place for future reference. Do not allow anyone who has not read these instructions to assemble, light, adjust or operate the heater.
PORTABLE PROPANE HEATER USED FOR: RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL

Use only Mr. Heater branded accessories (See page 10 for WARNING information

LANGUAGES INCLUDED:
•ENGLISH
•FRENCH

DANGER:|

CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD
This appliance can produce carbon monoxide which has no odor.
Using it in an enclosed space can kill you.
Never use this appliance in an enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car or home.

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www.mrheater.com 800-251-0001

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

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, heater may not be working
properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.

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WARNING: Every time hose or tank is connected to unit, connection must be checked for leaks in one or more ways: Apply soapy water to connection, look for bubbles, listen for hiss of escaping gas, feel for extreme cold, smell for rotten egg odor. Do not use if leaking!
WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING LEAD AND LEAD COMPOUNDS, WHICH ARE KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV.

WARNING: FUELS USED IN LIQUEFIED PROPANE GAS APPLIANCES, AND THE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION OF SUCH FUEL, CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING BENZENE, WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM, FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV.

NOTICE: Not for use in a “dwelling home” in California.

CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions………………………………………… 3
General Information…………………………………………………. 4
Operating with Disposable Propane Cylinders……………….. 5
Operating With Hose Connected to Remote Cylinder…….. 6
Maintenance…………………………………………………………… 7
Troubleshooting………………………………………………………. 7
Parts List…………………………………………………………………. 8
Parts Ordering Information………………………………………. 10
Service Information…………………………………………………. 10
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NO……………………………………………… MH18B
GAS TYPE………………………………………………PROPANE
INPUT BTU/HR……………………..4,000 / 9,000 /18,000
CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES
TOP……………………………………………………………… 30”
FRONT………………………………………………………….. 24”
SIDES…………………………………………………………….. 6”
REAR……………………………………………………………… 0”

•Some carpets or linoleum surfaces may discolor if heater is
placed directly on these floor coverings.
•When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea
level the heater may shut off. (Please read the GENERAL INFORMATION)
Mr. Heater | Big Buddy

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE
THIS APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE GUARD
INSTALLED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WARM OR COOK
FOOD ON THIS HEATER.

• Do not use non-approved attachments on this heater.
• 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 heater in any moving vehicle.
• This heater requires a vent area of 18 square inches
(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 HEATER IS REGULATED AND FIXED AT
11” W.C. WHEN USING A REMOTE HOSE CONNECTION
TO HEATER TANK SWIVEL(S), DO NOT REGULATE OR
REDUCE PROPANE TANK SUPPLY PRESSURE TO HEATER.
• WARNING: ANY HOSE CONNECTION TO A QUICK DISCONNECT
FITTING ON HEATER MUST BE REGULATED
TO 11” W.C. PRESSURE
• REGULATOR IN HEATER MUST ALWAYS BE IN PLACE
DURING OPERATION.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing the appliance
must be replaced prior to operating the heater.

Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

• 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 under
water. 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 odorless, poisonous gas.
• Some people – pregnant women, persons with heart
or lung disease, anemia, those under the influence of
alcohol, those at high altitudes – are more affected by
carbon monoxide than others.
• When 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
HEATER OFF IF THE HEATER TIPS OVER.HOWEVER,
DO NOT LEAVE HEATER UNATTENDED OR WHERE
CHILDREN MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER.
NEVER OPERATE THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!

WARNING:
Every time hose or tank is connected to unit, connection
must be checked for leaks in one or more ways: Apply
soapy water to connection, look for bubbles, listen for
hiss of escaping gas, feel for extreme cold, smell for rotten
egg odor. Do not use 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, heater may not be working properly. Get
fresh air at once! Have heater serviced

WARNING:
DO NOT USE THIS HEATER INSIDE!

GENERAL INFORMATION:
• 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 properly.
If burner(s) tile is visibly flaming, turn 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.) Heater may be operated
from quick disconnect, one or both tank swivel inlets.
Due to the properties of LP gas, run times can be significantly
reduced when operating continuously at temperatures
below 20º F. Use of a 20lb tank is recommended
in these conditions.
• When moving heater when lit or bumping heater setting
it down, tip over switch may shut off heater. If this
happens, re-light.
NOTE: THIS HEATER MAY BE OPERATED WITH (1) OR
(2) DISPOSABLE 1 LB. PROPANE CYLINDERS OR WITH
A REMOTE REFILLABLE CYLINDER(S) MAX. 20 LBS
USING (1) OR (2) F273701, F273702 OR F272702 HOSE
ASSEMBLIES WITH FUEL FILTERS (F273699)(Fig. A) ON
EACH HOSE ASSEMBLY. HOSE NO. F273704 BUDDY
SERIES HOSE, FUEL FILTER NOT REQUIRED. IT MAY
ALSO BE OPERATED WITH (1) F271802 HOSE ASSEMBLY
CONNECTED TO A REGULATED (11” W.C.) PROPANE
SOURCE FILTER NOT REQUIRED OR (1) F271803 HOSE
ASSEMBLY WITH 11” REGULATOR WITH ACME NUT
FILTER NOT REQUIRED.Figure A

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE WITH DISPOSABLE 1 LB.
PROPANE CYLINDERS:
WARNING: Always inspect propane cylinder and heater propane
connections for damage, dirt, and debris before attaching
propane cylinder. Do not use if head of cylinder is damaged,
punctured or deteriorated.
ALWAYS ATTACH OR DETACH CYLINDER OUTDOORS AWAY
FROM FLAMES, OTHER IGNITION SOURCES, AND ONLY WHEN
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 No. 600 valve connection.
• Heater and attached cylinder(s) must be in an upright
position during operation.
• Make sure five-position Control Knob is in “OFF” position;
see Figure 1.
• Screw 1 lb. disposable LP-gas supply cylinder(s) clockwise
(from bottom) into portable heater until hand tight.
DO NOT use thread sealant on this connection.
• Check cylinder(s) connection for leaks with soapy water
at the threaded connection under the domed plastic
cover where the cylinder screws into the tank swivel.
SEE WARNING!

Figure 1

• Depress the Control Knob and turn counterclockwise to
the pilot position.
• Hold Control Knob down in the pilot position for 30-40
seconds.
• While holding down the Control Knob, rotate clockwise
to the OFF position and immediately turn back to the
pilot position, a spark will be generated at the pilot assembly
and the heater should light.

• If the heater does not light on the first attempt, repeat
the procedure.
• Once the pilot has lit, hold the Control Knob down for
an additional 30 seconds to heat the thermocouple. After
30 seconds, release the Control Knob and the pilot
should remain lit.
• If the pilot goes out repeat the lighting procedure.
• After lighting pilot, release Control Knob. Control Knob should
return to fully extended position. To operate heater slightly
depress knob and gently turn to lock in desired position.
• Turn control knob to “LO” or “MD” position to light
heater. Leave on “LO” or “MD” position until first
burner tile has turned bright orange.
• After first burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust
heat output by turning Control Knob to desired position
(“LO”, “MD” or “HI”) NOTE: Both tiles ignite only when
Control Knob is positioned on ‘HI’. (2) 1 LB. propane
bottles are needed to use heater in (HI) position.

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

• To shut off heater, slightly push down and turn Control
Knob clockwise to “OFF” position.
• CAUTION: After turning heater off, wire guard will
remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing.
• Do not operate, store or remove cylinder(s) near flammable
items or ignition sources.
• LP-GAS CYLINDERS MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM
HEATER WHEN NOT IN USE!

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

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
• 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 a 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
Hose No’s. shown above.
• The propane cylinder must include a listed overfilling
protection device as well as a collar to protect the
cylinder valve.
• Heater must be in an upright position during operation.
• Make sure five-position control knob is in “OFF”
position; see Figure 1, at left.
• Mr. Heater strongly recommends using disposable
fuel filter F273699, which connects to tank swivel on
heater to trap any oil substances when connected to a
remote cylinder that can make the heater inoperable.
• Screw hose connector into tank swivel or fuel filter
on heater or connect to quick disconnect and screw
connector on other end of hose into LP-gas supply
cylinder valve. Tighten all hose connections. DO NOT
use thread sealant on any of these connections.
• Open valve at 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 tank
swivel and/or fuel filter and at LP-gas supply cylinder.
SEE WARNING!
• Depress the control knob and turn counter-clockwise to
the pilot position.

• Hold control knob down in the pilot position for 1-5
seconds.
• While holding down the control knob, rotate clockwise
to the OFF position and immediately turn back to the
pilot position, a spark will be generated at the pilot
assembly and the heater should light.
• If the heater does not light on the first attempt, repeat
the procedure.
• Once the pilot has lit, hold the control knob down for
an additional 30 seconds to heat the thermocouple.
After 30 seconds, release the control knob and the pilot
should remain lit.
• If the pilot goes out repeat the lighting procedure.
• After lighting pilot, release knob. Knob should return
to fully extended position. To operate heater slightly
depress knob and gently turn to lock in desired position.
• Turn control knob to “LO” or “MD” position to light
heater. Leave on “LO” or “MD” position until first
burner tile has turned bright orange.
• After first burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust
heat output by turning Control Knob to desired position
(“LO”, “MD” or “HI” setting). (2) 1 LB. propane
bottles are needed to use heater in (HI) position.

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.

• To shut off heater, shut off propane at supply tank,
allow heater to use-up propane in supply line until
heater shuts off, then slightly push down and turn
Control Knob clockwise to “OFF” position.
• CAUTION: After turning 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 LPgas
supply cylinder. As stated before allow heater to use
up propane in supply line until 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.

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

MAINTENANCE:
Always keep the heater area clear and free from combustible
materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.
Keep the vent areas (slots in the bottom and the top at the front
of heater) clear at all times.
Visually inspect the pilot flame and burner periodically during
use. The pilot flame should be blue in color (not yellow) and will
extend beyond the thermocouple. The flame will surround the
thermocouple just below the tip, see Figure 2. 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.

Figure 2

1. Allow heater to thoroughly cool before performing any
maintenance.
2. Remove disposable 1 lb. cylinder(s) from heater or turn
OFF gas supply at remote cylinder valve, and disconnect
hose from heater.
3. Remove wire guard from front of heater by gently bending
to remove from holes in front cover.
4. Remove (4) screws securing back cover to heater. Lift
up slightly to release (2) plastic hooks on top of back
cover.
5. Remove back cover.
6. Remove (3) screws attaching lower baffle to expose
burner air openings.
7. Inspect interior of casing assembly for accumulation of
dust, lint or spider webs. If necessary, clean interior
of casing assembly with a vacuum cleaner or apply air
pressure (max. 30 psi). Do not damage any components
within casing assembly when you are cleaning.

8. Inspect and clean main burner orifice located at bottom
of burner venturi tube, by using a vacuum or apply air
pressure at orifice opening.
9. Inspect and clean pilot (mounted to bracket) by using a
vacuum or apply air pressure through the holes in the
pilot indicated by the arrows in Figure 2.
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 (max. 30 psi) into ceramic tile of
burner(s) assembly and the venturi tube (with [2] air
openings) to remove dust, lint or spider webs.
11. Reinstall lower baffle with (3) screws
12. Slide back cover over (2) plastic hooks on top of heater.
Make sure rear cover aligns with plastic side covers.
Install (4) screws to hold in place.

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION:
If Spark electrode does not produce spark.
CHECK
• Spark electrode 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 Spark electrode produces spark but pilot does not light.
CHECK
• No gas to heater – install disposable cylinder or connect
hose and fuel filter then turn on valve at remote
cylinder.
• “PILOT” position not properly aligned – turn gas
control knob to “PILOT” position and depress.
• Pilot is blocked from spider web or dirt – clean pilot, see
MAINTENANCE.
If Pilot flame does not stay lit when knob is released.
CHECK
• Control knob in “PILOT” position 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 Main burner(s) does not ignite.
CHECK
• Main burner(s) orifice is blocked – clean burner(s), see
MAINTENANCE.
If Heater keeps shutting “OFF” during normal operation.
CHECK
• Pilot is blocked – clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
• Provide minimum fresh air opening of 18 square inches
(example 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” opening).
• Tip over switch activated from bumping heater. Relight

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

PARTS LIST:
SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION

REF. # ITEM # DESCRIPTION
1……………..78402……………..HANDLE, ASSEMBLY
3……………..78442……………..BACK, COVER
9……………..78410……………..DOOR LEFT SIDE COVER
10……………78411……………..LEFT, SIDE, COVER
11……………78412……………..(2) REGULATORS, MH18B
12……………78413……………..TIE, WRAPS
13……………78414……………..BRACKET, LEFT, SIDE, REG,
14……………78415……………..LEFT, SIDE, GAS, SUPPLY, LINE
15……………78518……………..FRAME, ASSEMBLY
16……………78417……………..BRACKET, RIGHT, SIDE, REG,
17……………78418……………..KNOB, CONTROL
18……………78419……………..DOOR, RIGHT, SIDE, COVER
19……………78420……………..RIGHT, SIDE, COVER
20……………78421……………..VALVE, CONTROL, ASSEMBLY
21……………78422……………..PILOT, ASSEMBLY
22……………78423……………..SHIELD, HEAT, BACK
23……………78424……………..SHIELD, HEAT, FRONT
24……………78516……………..COVER, FRONT
25……………78519……………..GUARD, WIRE, FACE
26……………78427……………..BRACKET, BOTTOM, PLENUM,
ASSEMBLY
27……………78428……………..PILOT, BRACKET
28……………78515……………..REFLECTOR
29……………78526……………..TILE
30……………78525……………..TILE, GASKET (NOT SHOWN)
31……………78517……………..PLENUM, BODY (2 REQUIRED)
32……………78432……………..BRACKET, TOP, PLENUM,
ASSEMBLY
33…………… 78527……………..BURNER ORIFICE (NOT SHOWN)
34…………… 78403……………..TIP-SWITCH

ACCESSORIES

ITEM#      DESCRIPTION

F271802 – 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY w/quick disconnect fittings and 3/8” female flare fitting
F271803 – 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY w/quick disconnect fittings and 11” W.C. regulator w/Acme nut.
The following hose assemblies can also be used (with fuel filter F273699).

F273699 – Fuel Filter (Replace Annually)
F273701 – 5 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel 1”- 20 Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/Handwheel)
F273702 – 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel 1”- 20 Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/Handwheel)
F272702 – 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel 1”- 20 Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/Handwheel)
F273704 – 10 ft. BUDDY-SERIES HOSE ASSEMBLY (Fuel filter not required)

NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE BURNING!

Mr. Heater • Big Buddy • Model # MH18B

Mr.Heater Portable Propane Heater MH18B User Manual – Optimized PDF
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