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<p>A very common and increasing popular
source of <b>supplemental heat</b> in the last few years has been the
<b>oil filled electric radiator. </b>
<br />
<p>These <b>radiator
heaters</b> are filled with an oil that circulates through the fins
of the heater and is heated by <b>electric heating elements</b>. The
result is a steady even type of heat that has a lower surface
temperature then many <b>space heaters</b>, making them a great way
to get <b>supplement heating</b> into a room when you have pets,
small children or combustibles near by.<br />
<p><br />
<br />
<p>One of the big
questions that comes up with these <b>oil filled heaters</b> is what
to do if they start to leak. The answer is that if the<b> oil heater</b>
starts to leak then it is no good anymore and needs to be disposed
of. These<b> heaters are filled with oil</b> at the factory and then
are sealed tightly. Because of this there is no need to ever <b>refill
the heater with oil</b> again. The heaters are sealed with the proper
oil inside for the <b>best heating efficiency. </b>
<br />
<p><br />
<br />
<p>So what this means
is that if you have one of these <b>oil filled radiator heaters, </b>you
will never have any <b>maintenance</b> or worries about <b>adding oil
to the heater</b>. But if there ever is a leak then the heater is
also no good and will need to be throw out and replaced. Very few of
these <b>oil filled heat units</b> ever leak, but as is always the
case there are always some that do.<br />
<p><br />
<br />
<p>A word of caution
about heating efficiency. Always remember that when <b>heating with
electricity</b>, the <b>laws of physics</b> always apply. <b>For
every 1 KW of electric you will only ever get 3415 BTU's of heat.</b><br />
<p>There is no way to
get any more or any less than that, so if anyone tries to tell you
that their electric heater is more efficient then the next one they
are not telling the truth.<br />
<p><br />
<br />
<p><br />
<br />
As far as it being a danger is concerned ... only for a slip and fall situation. Yes, it can be repaired, but it would mean draining all the oil after finding the leak, so that it can be repaired. And of course, it would have to be refilled after the repair is made. Personally, I'm not a big fan of repairing leaks in oil heaters. As, my experience has been, if it leaks once it will leak again from another source. Replacing it, is the optimal thing to do. Plus, you will then have a warranty on the heater.
iI you decide to repair it rather than replace it, you can use a product called JB Weld. Which you can find at most any auto parts store. Follow the manufacturer's instruction on the tube when using it. Be sure to drain all the oil in a very clean container, that can be lidded, while the repair is made. You Do Not want he oil to become contaminated.
Hope this helped you to solve the problem, one way or the other.
Unless you're a welder. I don't think so. In addition, ALL the oil will have to be drained from the heater and then replaced, which could be a real headache. Personally, I wouldn't undertake it as a DIY project, with the expectation of success. Check to make sure, the heaters not still under warranty, as this leak is a manufacturing defect. Unless, you did something to cause the leak.
No. It comes correctly filled from the factory and usless it would develope a leak should never need oil. Thanks for using FixYa and for the generous rating.
The leak can be repaired, it is probably the sealant has dried and cracked.
A plumber can fix this, so can a mechanic, so can a gas engineer or experienced electrician.
Phone round your local businesses to see who will do the job cheapest.
Tell them the heater is leaking from the seal between the radiator body and the thermostat where it screws in - you just think in needs fresh sealant.
Shouldn't be expensive, its a 20minute job, unscrew the thermostat, clean up the threads, dab on the sealant and screw it back together.
It is most likely a very small leak. If there is no visible oil leakage, it may be a seam failing at the top of the unit. The fishy smell is the smell of the vapor of the oil the device uses to transfer heat to the fins. The unit may continue to work for a while, but the smell will get worse, and it may present a fire hazard. The cost of these devices is too low for repair to be worthwhile. Replace the unit as soon as possible.
The mechanic should check on the radiator and the radiator fan .Also check the cooling fins of the radiator if the cooling fins are worn out then replace them. You should also check if there is a leak in the radiator and then repair the radiator .The radiator fan ,check it also if the the pulley of the fan is working and if not then replace it or repair it.And the engine oil should be check if the engine oil is dirty or diluted then change oil because of sometimes dirty or diluted oil can cause engine over heat.
It sounds like you have a lemon. The heat exchanger tube has developed a hole somewhere. These things are designed for the small element inside to heat up the oil, and that is supposed to radiate the heat. It would be dangerous to use without any kind of oil. The element would burn out hopefully before it started a fire, but not necessarily. I don't know what kind of oil they use, but its a thin viscosity, like some turbine oil. You can patch the hole and try some pump oil or something, but I personally don't think its a good idea. I wouldn't do it.
Thanks. But you mean that it can't be emptied and repaired? I need to replace it completely??
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