20 Most Recent Reddy Heater- Variable 75,000-125,000 BTU Questions & Answers

Here's a link where you can find what you need. But, you will need to have the Model Number, handy.

http://www.reddyheaters.net/

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samsclassics,

I have a tip at http://www.fixya.com/support/r4124129-yearly_maintenance_reddy_heaters which explains the problem, how to fix it and where to get the parts.

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hardrocko

rona, homehardware , most home DIY shops .

Bad thermo coupling

DUBEAURD- generally if a heater with a hot surface ignitor will run for 10 minutes then thats an indication that the electronics are functioning properly, so for now, eliminate "any fuel delivery problems" before trouble shooting the electronics.

Some possibilities:

1. the plastic end cover is cracked. When the room heats up the crack expands allowing the air pressure to fluctuate.
2. the air pump pressure is not correct. (instructions at www.reddyparts.com )
3. the fuel filter is restricted.
4. the nozzle is restricted or worn.
5. there is an air leak between the pump & the nozzle.
6. water in the fuel. When a droplet passes through there is a momentary flameout condition which will cause the photocell to shut the unit down.

If these all check out then it's time to move to electronics. Get back with us.

Here are some possible causes and solutions: Insufficient fuel supply: If the fuel supply is not sufficient, the heater may shut off. Check the fuel tank and make sure it is full. If the fuel tank is full, check the fuel line for any blockages or leaks. If you find any issues, repair or replace the fuel line. Dirty fuel filter: A dirty fuel filter can cause the heater to shut off. Check the fuel filter and clean or replace it if necessary. Faulty photocell: The photocell is responsible for detecting the flame. If the photocell is dirty or faulty, the heater may shut off. Clean the photocell with a soft cloth and check if the heater works properly. If the problem persists, replace the photocell. Defective motor: If the motor is defective, the heater may shut off. Check the motor and replace it if necessary. Broken ignition system: If the ignition system is broken, the heater may shut off. Check the ignition system and replace it if necessary. As you have covered some other possibilities, if the above doesn't offer relief, you may have to consult a professional technician or contact the manufacturer.

Yes Don, 3 to 4 thousandths of an inch is correct. http://www.bealsmotor.com/Desa%20Hot%20Surface%20Manual.pdf

Based on the information provided, it sounds like you have done a thorough job of troubleshooting and replacing various components of the heater. Since you are unable to get more than 2 psi out of the pump, and the pressure adjustment screw is maxed out and does not seem to change the pressure, the next step would be to check for air leaks. One way to do this is to use a soapy water solution to check for bubbles around the pump and other areas where the air lines are connected. If a leak is found, it should be repaired or replaced. Additionally, it's also worth checking the condition of the pump diaphragm and reed valves to see if they are worn or damaged. If they are, they will need to be replaced. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to consider replacing the entire pump.

Question edited for maker name. Troubleshooting videos https://www.google.com/search?q=reddy+heater+170t+will+not+start ..

dry bearings or bushings going bad

here is link to video, that will help you. If photo cell does not see the flame unit will not work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEVoUIfJraM

Sounds like the new photocell is bad or you don't have the right one

if smells like gas dont use and check for leak

You have fuel and spark but it won't ignite... The problem must either be the spark or the fuel - the ignition unit isn't an unusual failure so is the spark gap correct; if there is a failing spark there is a temptation to reduce the size of the spark gap. The fuel, paraffin or diesel isn't very volatile so it must be presented to the spark in a form that is easily burned and that means a very finely atomised spray - problems with the spray are common with older heaters, usually caused by small particles of dirt or rust either making the spinner stick or freeze or wearing the fit between the spinner and jet and the jet orifice and even if the jet is in good condition it is important to have the correct air pressure that is checked and adjusted whenever the heater is serviced. Paraffin or kerosene has a fairly high content of dissolved water and when the inside of a fuel tank is unprotected steel, the fuel can cause some rusting... A thorough internal clean and refill with filtered fuel will usually restore performance for the season.

Apparently the photocell needs to see a flame of the correct colour or it will shut down so the nozzle and spinner has to be in very good condition - diesel might be clean but is the inside of the tank clean? The fit between the spinner and nozzle is so very close it can stick with very small particles. Can't speak for the Reddy Heater but a bad spark transformer seems a very common problem with that type of heater - ensure the spark gap is correct.

bad ignitor

After 19 years of service, your Reddy heater probably is ready for replacement.

Contact Reddy directly to request the manual.

Never try and light a furnace when you have a glow coil ignitor. Even if you managed to do so it would reach high temp and limit would stop it. . trained technician can do this but why? If your glow coil is glowing constantly after start up than mast likely you have a control board problem. Call a technician to troubleshoot it

Replace the sensor,the sensor won't allow the unit to fire if it is dirty or defective,they aren't expensive.probably under 35 bucks