Mr Buddy fix

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Mr Heater Buddy fix

I have a Big Buddy that I've had connected to a big propane tank for about 3 years now. This past year I've been using it in the warehouse pretty much every day. The pilot light started having issues with the flame becoming weak. Eventually it started going out and the heater would cut off.

I looked for a fix online but couldn't see anything except people saying to just go buy a new one. Heck with that I fix my crap. So last week I took it apart. It's like a giant jig saw puzzle but once you get it apart it's pretty easy to get it back together. I removed all the tubes and flushed them out with mineral spirits. The main culprit was the gas valve. It was really junked up with this tar like substance. Flushed it out and put a little dab of grease on it to make it smooth again. Put the unit back together and it worked great. No issue. The units are very simple and not complicated at all. So once you get it apart nothing is hard to clean.

You could technically do this out camping if you were in a bind. All you need is a degreaser a couple metric wrenches and a phillips screwdriver.
 
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Great post, thanks for the tip. My big buddy is about 3 years old. I haven't run into any problems but don't have nearly the hours yours does. Now I'll know what to do if I have problems.
 
I've heard that these Mr Heaters tend to get finicky after a while, so I installed an inline filter to the receptacle where you would normally screw on one of those 1lb Coleman green canisters. I think I got the filter at Lowe's or HD, can't remember. I use a propane tank with the adapter hose on mine too, so the hose now screws into the filter. Hopefully this will prolong the time between cleanings, but this is good to know.
 
BMThiker said:
I've heard that these Mr Heaters tend to get finicky after a while, so I installed an inline filter to the receptacle where you would normally screw on one of those 1lb Coleman green canisters. I think I got the filter at Lowe's or HD, can't remember. I use a propane tank with the adapter hose on mine too, so the hose now screws into the filter. Hopefully this will prolong the time between cleanings, but this is good to know.
Click to expand...

I have searched with google and no success YET !

If you find a link for the inline propane filter I would be interested also.
The one's I'm familiar with are for the automotive LPG application , the filter is incorporated into the lockoff valve . Small round felt about 3" dia and 1/8 thick that filters the inside of the tanks & line.

Looks like this :
bb6b_12.JPG


But required vacuum to open the flow of liquid LPG , Your system your describing is filtering LPG in a gas form .
 
Rwhat said:
The black tar stuff is from the oils in the rubber from the hose to your tank.
Click to expand...

Yeah. I didn't know that issue until it was too late. That crap had already made it into the stuff.

I do think the funny part is that the company tells you to stuff a q-tip down the pilot hole and clean it out. If that doesn't work you must send it back. If you have some sort of blockage in the pilot tube all a q-tip is going to do is push it further down in it. The main restriction is in the gas valve.
 
I can break anything ..
No worries M8.

I have only used my heater on 1lbs as of yet.
Just to have a few filters for when I use the tank under the truck.

Thanks again ...VT
 
just noticed that Tractor supply seems to stock the "buddy" heaters and various parts / hoses/ propane tanks... if you have a store local to your location.
 
related question....

What if anything are people using to set their heater on while in a tent...potentially to assist in keeping the heater from tipping over and or burning something?
 
I use a wooden "breakfast in bed" platform. Just a tray with wooden legs that stand up about 4".
 
*NEW* Mr. Heater high pressure propane hose

I went shopping for one of those green non-plasticizer hoses on Amazon and ordered one. I had read that they do NOT release oil/tar into the line when using a high pressure 10lb or 20lb tank. I've gone through a couple standard hoses and a couple of Coleman stove regulators (the little elbow piece that connect the 1lb canisters with the stove) which kept clogging up.

I also ordered another inline filter (#F273699). Both items were branded Mr. Heater, so I figured they would be good. They arrived yesterday and much to my dismay, the hose was not the green one pictured on the Amazon site. I was about to ship it back when I noticed at the top of the package, in tiny black print, it said, "Oil Free Hose helps reduce oil problems. Most commonly used with Buddy or Big Buddy Heaters as well as other low pressure appliances connecting to high pressure propane."

The name in bold print on the left side of the packaging just said, "10' Buddy Series Propane Hose Assembly".

So I googled the part number (F273704) and found it on the FAQ on Mr. Heater's site. It is apparently a new product in their line that replaces the harder, green hoses which were known for being difficult to uncoil and manipulate when in extreme cold weather. As of yesterday, however, if you try to search their site for the product, it does not show up. So I am assuming this is a fairly new product. I got mine at Amazon (click on the part numbers above) for $36. This new hose is not difficult to coil up, its softer and more flexible than the standard black rubber hoses.

Just thought I would pass it along.
 
Elbert said:
related question....

What if anything are people using to set their heater on while in a tent...potentially to assist in keeping the heater from tipping over and or burning something?
Click to expand...

This is how I do mine: an L-board. The holes are already in the back of the heater IIRC. You just make the board, the place then screws so that they're where they need to be. I you get the boards just right, they can help protect the grill on the trail when packed tight with other stuff.
MrHeaterB2.webp
 
I usually make new or special hose from #2 or 3 SS braided hose with teflon liner.. The hose is a lifetime hose with a very small OD. Use steel fittings and connect to the reg and appliance.

We are lucky here in SoCal, as we have many sources of surplus hose that is pretty darn cheap. BUt even if you buy the parts new it would be $35-45 dollars depending on length and options. Many hose shops sell inline filter that will work with propane.

Just an idea if you need a good forever hose.

Doug
 
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