Little Buddy Heater Troubleshooting Help!

[dbaio1]

My LBH is several years old. Works great once I get it lit. But its starting to take several minutes to stay lit. Anyone had this problem and found a solution ? Seems like I remember a thread but search is not coming up with anything. Thanks in advance.

[zztex]

Paging Smart

[dbaio1]

I got a notification that someone replied but when I click on it nothing is there. So frustrating 6+ later and issues all around.

And to add to the list of issues. After I posted this you can see it. Bugs galore!

[Brazos Hunter]

I had this problem on one we used to have and "fixed" it by wrapping a little piece of aluminum foil around the heat sensing probe at the pilot light.



Michael

[dbaio1]

I had this problem on one we used to have and "fixed" it by wrapping a little piece of aluminum foil around the heat sensing probe at the pilot light.



Michael

Thanks I thought about wrapping a litte emory cloth on a extra long q-tip and cleaning that a little but wanted to ask the brain trust first.

[Walker]

Sounds like the thermo couple is needing cleaning or replaced.

[LivinADream]

i had 2 do this, mine was the pilot light gas hose was partially obstructed, had a very small flame and wasnt getting enough heat on the thermocouple. i blew thru everything with an air compressor and it fixed it. if that down work, id look for a new thermocouple, theyre pretty cheap.

[Johnny44]

If you are using a big tank with old type hose make sure you use a filter. The new hoses correct the problem of the rubber residue. Otherwise use 1lb bottles.

You can clean them but might be easier to get a new one.

I only heat with the pilot and never turn the heat any higher in one of my trailers, it takes the edge off the cold just fine and it last for many days.

[dustoffer]

I just trashed my tank-top heater due to thermocouple failing—same symptoms as yours, plus the wire screen was about done. Amazing how quick and easy the new one lights.

[.243 WSSM]

Smart will be along shortly and get you fixed up

[C.Read]

i had 2 do this, mine was the pilot light gas hose was partially obstructed, had a very small flame and wasnt getting enough heat on the thermocouple. i blew thru everything with an air compressor and it fixed it. if that down work, id look for a new thermocouple, theyre pretty cheap.

Same with the one I had years ago. Plus, blow out the burner tile.

[Smart]

I wish the search engine worked as I have a write up with pics for this. Can't narrow it down with google enough to find my thread. Is this run on a big tank or small tank? Filter or no?

Cheap fix try. Emory cloth the thermocouple nipple. Run a pipe cleaner down the gas side to clear out any small bugs. When its cold, you are going to have to hold it down longer than normal to get it to stay lit because the thermocouple has to heat up for it to stay that way.

If that doesn't work then its probably time to buy a new thermocouple. They aren't too expensive and they are a quick easy replacement once you get into it.

[JFFB]

i had 2 do this, mine was the pilot light gas hose was partially obstructed, had a very small flame and wasnt getting enough heat on the thermocouple. i blew thru everything with an air compressor and it fixed it. if that down work, id look for a new thermocouple, theyre pretty cheap.

This is the fix. I had the same problem from letting it sit after hunting season in my shed. Dust and spiders get in there and clog things up. I just blew every thing out and cleaned out the fuel line. Now I store in a large garbage bag when not using.

[Dale Moser]

You can also cut partially through that bracket between the thermocouple and the pilot, and bend it, so that the thermocouple is more in the flame.


that pilot acts as the oxygen depletion sensor, so even the tiniest of cobwebs that changes the air/fuel mixture, even minutely, can cause it to not stay lit.

[Smart]

This is the fix. I had the same problem from letting it sit after hunting season in my shed. Dust and spiders get in there and clog things up. I just blew every thing out and cleaned out the fuel line. Now I store in a large garbage bag when not using.

You can also just put a 1-1/8 or 1-1/4 sheet rock screw in the gas line if you don't want to deal with or waste a garbage bag . I store mine in my blind with the screw in it . Just pull it out each use and replace so its protected all year...even in the blind.