Torpedo heater turns off intermittently

[MikeH]

I picked up a Reddyheat kerosene heater for pretty cheap, cheap because of this issue. When it does turn off, you can hit the reset button on the back and it fires right up, so I’m assuming that it has something to do with the photocell. This is the first one I’ve used, so I haven’t been in one before. Is the bracket at an appropriate angle, or might the problem be that it isn’t aimed straight at the hole? I just want to ask before I start bend stuff.

Also, it looks like this gasket on the blower/air pump only covers half. Is that right, or do I need to replace it?

 

[Gutman]

Not necessarily the photocell, but there is plenty of troubleshooting guidance online.

I just resurrected my almost 30 year old Master 100kbtu after about 4 years of unprepped hibernation. Google found me a decent service manual.

I had to replace the deteriorated fuel line and I replaced the air line too. Used what I had on hand. I also cleaned up the spark plug and plug wire, ang blew out the fuel filter and burner nozzle.

When I finished, I had similar issue as you. It would run for about 5 minutes and then cut out, requiring reset.
My TS guide pointed to a fuel issue, so I adjusted fuel pressure, actually air pressure, and it's running like a champ.

Your set up looks similar to mine. The gasket covers half, because the air inlet is on the opposite side. I have a foam inlet filter on the inlet side, opposite that gasket. The air pump pumps out through that gasketed air outlet filter to the burner.

Google is your friend. Best of luck. Thankfully they're a pretty simple and common design.

 

[MikeH]

My TS guide pointed to a fuel issue, so I adjusted fuel pressure, actually air pressure, and it's running like a champ.

Your set up looks similar to mine. The gasket covers half, because the air inlet is on the opposite side. I have a foam inlet filter on the inlet side, opposite that gasket. The air pump pumps out through that gasketed air outlet filter to the burner.

Thanks, I'll check on the pressure tomorrow. The lines look old, but ok. You never know though.

I see that your location is ENC: assuming that is Eastern NC, do me a favor and go eat some bbq on my behalf soon. I grew up there, and the travel restrictions have prevented me from making my annual pilgrimage back to the land of whole hog on a cooker!

 

[mobetta]

Make sure the photocell is clean

Ive wrapped the tube on the photocell with a bit of tinfoil to increase the lighting

 

[TractorJeff]

That Gasket (if I remember correctly?) should go all the way around. You can adjust the Sensor angle by pushing it in till the Shoulder meets the Bracket but I would change all the Fuel lines and clean the Nozzle. You may be able to see light through it but chances are it is slightly plugged with years of **** build up causing intermittent Flame.

 

[Gutman]

Mike H: It is and will do. Love me some good pork BBQ. Love good brisket too.

Whereabouts did you grow up?

Google: AA Desa Service Manual Spark Plug Models

You can download a copy from spaceheaterparts.com