Help with converting 45000 mr.heater

[Earlland]

I need to convert my 45000 big maxx from propane to natural gas. I got the kit and opened up the heater. The instructions are not very clear, the regulator pics do not look the same as the one in my unit so this is making it hard for me to find the screw and spring I'm trying to replace. Has anyone out there done this conversion and if so after I replace the parts are there more adjustments to be made. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It getting cold up here in Canada.

 

[SteelHorseHD]

I recently bought a Mr. Heater 75k and converted it from nat gas to propane. I had the same problem and was getting very aggravated with the instructions. I had enough and called Mr. Heater. While on the phone with them, the guy informed me that I had a new model and the regulator that I had wasn't the same one that was in the manual. They put Honeywell regulators in the new units. I had to go and buy a new conversion kit for the regulator because the one I had purchased was for the Robert shaw valve. If this is your issue, don't buy a whole new conversion kit. Call your local HVAC guy and just order the spring and screw. Cost me $10. Hope this helps you.

 

[mitymouse]

Youll also want somebody with a manometer set gas pressures for you

 

[SteelHorseHD]

Youll also want somebody with a manometer set gas pressures for you

Yeah, that too!

 

[39portlander]

That somebody should be a licensed/insured heating tech. Your dealing with a gas heating appliance, not a toy. NFPA, and local/state codes DO apply. Be safe out there

 

[Earlland]

Thanks gents. I believe my issue is just that........newer model as I do have the Honeywell regulator. Now you are telling me my conversion kit is lacking the correct screw and spring but the other bits and pieces are correct. How will I know the correct screw and spring to buy. Steelhorse wouldn't mr.heater send you a new conversion kit free of charge. It would seem if they are selling new units but old conversion that won't work they should take care of the problem.

 

[Earlland]

Once I find someone to set the pressure for me what is to be set at?

 

[SteelHorseHD]

OKay. The orifices will be the same size so you won't have to change those out again. Did you buy the conversion kit from Mr. Heater? I purchased mine somewhere esle on the internet. All I did was call my local HVAC guy and gave him the model number on the regulator and just told him I needed the screw and spring. The local warehouse had it in stock and I picked it up that day. I don't know what the pressure should be set at but it's in your manual. I'll look around and see if it can find it for you.

 

[SteelHorseHD]

For NG it should be at 4.0 Inches of water column.

 

[surferstick]

I'm also converting my Mr. Heater 45000 NG to Propane, and I am also caught in the Honeywell, not RobertShaw regulator fiasco (even the label on the heater says RobertShaw, but it's clearly a Honeywell.

Anyways, from what I've Googled, this is the conversion kit for the honeywell VR8205M :
http://www.pexuniverse.com/honeywell-393691-ng-to-lp-conversion-kit

I don't see this kit containing any additional orifices though, like the RobertShaw kit had. I think I need to order both kits now... unless anyone knows where I can get the orifices I need. This $5.00 kit includes " a new cap screw, pressure regulator adjustment screw, spring and conversion label."

Thanks

 

[Earlland]

I tried to reply directly to your email, not sure if you got it. I have the old parts from my convertion. Where are you?

 

[surferstick]

I want to publicly thank EARLAND for his generosity and help getting the propane conversion kit, for the HONEYWELL type of valve.

I wish Mr. Heater had done a better job on this (ie, even the sticker on my unit says its a Robertshaw, and has the startup instructions for the Robertshaw, but when you open the heater, it's a Honeywell. I bought the RS conversion kit, but it was no good. Earland helped me out by donating his used LP parts.

Again, props and thanks to EARLAND!