Won't fire up
I have a ready heater 55,000. When I plug it in, it runs and what seems like a fog comes out the front, but it won't ignite. After a short bit it turns off. I have put in a new plug.
Heating & Cooling - Reddy - Heater-30-55,000 BTU Variable
Answers & Comments
Silvercliff- since you use the word “plug” I am assuming that you have a spark plug type heater, not the new technology HSI type (hot surface ignitor) that uses a glowbar and an onboard computer.
- Cracked air line preventing correct pressure at the nozzle.
- Cracked nozzle adapter preventing the fuel from being SUCKED from the tank.
- Clogged fuel filter.
- Restricted or worn nozzle. The fact that your heater is a spark plug type heater indicates that it has some age on it. DESA recommends annual replacement of the nozzle. Are you using the original nozzle? Worn nozzles produce a SPRAY. New nozzles produce a FOG. The nozzle produces a cone shaped fog. If the cone is missing (not hitting) the spark, for some reason, then there will be no ignition.
- Finally, and don’t laugh, is your fuel 100% kerosene or diesel? Water sinks to the bottom of the tank. The heater draws fuel from the bottom. If there is an inch of water on the bottom…….., well, water will not ignite.
Reddy heaters are simple to troubleshoot, but you must understand how the system operates.
Since you state that the heater produces a fog at startup indicates that you are getting “some” fuel.
Obviously, the fuel is not igniting.
Now, you must determine if there is any spark. Is a good spark arcing across the electrodes on the plug? If not, is spark being produced by the Ignition Control unit (aka spark box, transformer) ? If not, is the Safety control (reset) sending electricity to the Ignition Control unit?
If there is a good strong spark at the plug, then you are having a fuel delivery problem, even though there is “some fuel”. Understand that the amount of fuel being delivered to the nozzle is DIRECTLY related to the air pump pressure. If the air pump pressure is not correct, then the fuel delivery is not correct. Setting the pump pressure is not difficult. Pump pressure is CRITICAL. Instructions for setting the air pump pressure can be found at www.reddyparts.com .
If the air pump pressure is correct, then check the following:
I hope this helps.
I think your right SFHBADG, except going into the garage to get away from "Old What's Her Name" ain't that bad an idea.
After having the same problem, I have concluded your best option would be to junk the entire thing. By the time you buy parts, you could buy a brand new heater without having the BS involved with a complete rip down and a nagging wife because your spending so much time in the garage.