We have a 170t when you turn on heater the glow plug turns orange. then fan and fuel pump kick on. a mist of fuel (kerosene) sprays into the chamber where glow plug is at but, fuel will not ignite. after a few seconds the system shuts down because the fuel has not ignited

Take the top cover off of the unit. Plug it in and look at the ignitor for a bright glow or spark, depending on your ignition source. This should happen before the fan starts. Once the fan starts you should be able to see fuel spraying out of the spray nozzle. If there is no fuel, check the fuel screen, air output from the pump, air filters on the pump, and the correct air pressure from the pump. The nozzle can also be dirty. Check for air leaks on the pump by spraying soapy water on the pump while the blower fan is running.

The safety is turning it off because it is not lighting. You did not mention if it was actually trying to light, or if it was just the motor running. If it is not lighting, take the top cover off and watch the ignitor. Depending on the type of ignitor, it will either glow or spark when you plug the heater in. This should happen before the fan starts running. Once the fan starts, you should be able to see a mist of fuel coming out of the nozzle. If there is no fuel spray you may have an air pump problem, which is on the back of the motor, or the fuel screen in the tank may be plugged.
1. Check for ignition source
2. Blower motor should start, if you have ignition
3. Fuel should spray out of nozzle, if not check filter and check for air flow out of the pump.
4. If you do not have any air flow, or not enough air flow check the pump. Pressure out is critical.
5. If pressure is too low check for leaks around the pump. Spray soapy water on the back side of the motor/pump housing. The plastic pump cover is bad about cracking, and the cracks are very hard to see. The plastic cover could also be loose on the pump.
6. While on this end of the pump; the filters need to be clean, as they will affect the pump pressure and upset the whole apple cart.

This could be several problems. Check your fuel first. If it is old fuel from last year, get rid of it and fill with fresh. If it has water in the tank, your spraying water to your ignition source. If you have fresh fuel, it could be a fuel filter stopped up or your air pump is not set properly. Also check your ignitor to see if it is working properly. Some have a spark plug and some have a glow type ignitor.

Well it is getting fuel but is it atomized in very small droplet form? If so is your igniter close enough to ignite the fuel? You see these spray a very fine conical mist under high pressure, if the mist is not defined or conical it sprays past the igniter. If it is fine and cone shaped it could be the positioning of your igniter. Please check both by removing the top section of the heater and watch what is going on in there. My thoughts are a bad nozzle and if you replace it pay attention to spray angle and GPH rating printed on the side of the nozzle.

If you brought the heater to our shop, and gave the above description, the first thing that we would do is check the air pump pressure.

Then, if the pressure is correct (not just close) we would check the photocell for signs of insect nest or something similar blocking the view of the eye.

You must troubleshoot to find out if the problem is fuel related or electronics related- maybe these tips will help (click for link).

Hi,

Here are a couple of tips that I wrote that tell you how to troubleshoot a Torpedo or Reddy heater...

Reddy Heater - Troubleshooting Torpedo Heaters

Torpedo Heater Pump Pressure Adjustment

heatman101


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It shound like it could be a defective safety control or photocell, and possibly a loose wire. You can also check for restricted fuel flow--due to blocked nozzel, seal leak, or a filter needing to be replaced. You can go on www.desatech.com and they have service manuals that will help you step by step. I hope this helps!!

CAD flame sensor is bad, also check your air inlet line for the fuel mix, could be cracked.

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR FILTER AT THE FUEL TANK?

Did you set the pump pressure to specs. If not, it won't ignite.