Help with my torpedo heater

[plarval]

I'm not sure which forum this fits best, so here it is.

Last year I bought a 55000 btu reddy heater w/ thermostat from Lowes during their 1/2 off sale they always have. I haven't used it extensively, but enough to know it worked just fine. I went to turn it on today (hadn't run it for months) it ignited, ran for maybe 5 seconds and then shut off. It did this repeatedly. I cleaned the photocell, took out the fuel filter and blew it out good, made sure the fuel line was not clogged and the wiring looked just fine. Still got the same 5 seconds and then off. It's been very cold, so I thought the fuel (kerosene) may need to warm up. I took it in all day, and then tonight, same results. The only thing I can think to try is replace the photocell. Any suggestions before I try to hunt one down?

[eezlock]

torpedo heater

You might need to check the fuel filter....it may be partially stopped up.
you could have some old fuel that was left in the tank that may have gotten
contaminated with moisture and will not burn, if so, clean out tank and put in fresh fuel and new filter, clean out pump and jet nozzle and put it back together and fire it up. These heaters are basically pretty simple types...
a little maintenance before seasonal use goes a long way here. eezlock

[paulstenlund]

I have a propane Reddy 55000 that quit on me, I went to thier Web support (can't remember the URL - use google) and got very good help.

Paul

[TheRic]

I agree with eezlock. Kerosene likes to attract moisture. That would be the first place I would start.

[Pappy]

I bought a used one that does the same thing. Went through the procedures inthe manual and was thinking it might be a fuel problem. No idea how old the fuel is.

[plarval]

Thank you all for your help and advice. I got it fixed. I live near Hartville Hardware (which is a great place and is having a huge tool sale this weekend) and those guys are always very helpful. He got me a new photocell for $7 and I put it in and it works like a charm. Next time I'll just have to remember to run it dry before I store it to protect against that moisture problem you have all warned of. Thanks again.