Unlit spot on radiant heater element

[joe_padavano]

I've had a Mr. Heater 40K BTU radiant propane heater (model MH40LP) in my shop for over three years now. I turn the pilot off in the spring and relight when it gets cold. I just lit the heater for the first time this season and there's an unlit spot on the radiant element. The unit has worked with no issues up until now. The spot seems to shrink a little after it's been on for a while, but clearly part of the catalyst isn't lighting. I emailed the Mr. Heater customer service address a week ago about this, and naturally crickets so far. Any thoughts on this? It's a new one on me.

 

[PoorUB]

Is there something on top of the elecment? Some high temp insulation that fell off and landed there?

 

[fitter30]

Here's their customer service number 1-800-251-0001 (USA & Canada) 9am till 2 pm Eastern time Saturday

 

[joe_padavano]

Is there something on top of the elecment? Some high temp insulation that fell off and landed there?

Nope, nothing

 

[joe_padavano]

Here's their customer service number 1-800-251-0001 (USA & Canada) 9am till 2 pm Eastern time Saturday

Yeah, I have that also. Given their less than stellar response to a comprehensive email, I don't relish the thought of half an hour on hold to speak to someone in an offshore call center who has no clue.

 

[Walkers]

Spider webs plugging the holes on the backside of the element blocking gas flow?

 

[PoorUB]

I would take some compressed air and carefully blow out element, very carefully that is. Perhaps regulate the air pressure down a lot.