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Kerosene Heater Questions
What causes bad odor?
Bad odor after the heater is burning is most often caused by low quality
fuel. If there is high sulphur content in the fuel you are using or
if it is lower grade kerosene it cannot be burned completely at the
temperatures reached in a portable kerosene heater. These unburnt
hydrocarbons collect on the wick and harden causing low burn and odor
problems. Also be very careful when fueling your heater to not let
any fuel drip on the heater. Fuel on the outside of the heater or
on the drip pan can cause a strong kerosene smell when the heater
gets hot. In addition, if the heater is operated at too low of a temperature
setting or with the wick installed too low, incomplete burning of
the fuel will cause odor. A heater should always be operated on high,
turned down just enough to keep from sooting. Refer to your owner's
manual for the proper wick height for your model.
Why won't my kerosene heater stay burning?
When having trouble keeping the heater burning there are
several things that you should check. Is this the heater's initial
use? If so, then the problem may be caused by not allowing the wick
to soak long enough before lighting. Because it is the kerosene vapors
that burn above the top surface of the wick, it is very important
to wait at least 30-60 minutes with the wick in the down position
in a full tank of fuel to be sure that the wick is fully saturated
and can support the burn.
If you light the heater too quickly it may light, but air bubbles
may develop in the capillaries of the wick and then it isn’t
able to keep enough kerosene “wicking” to the surface
to keep your heater burning properly. If a problem develops after
the first tank of fuel has been burned, then the problem may be fuel-related.
Poor quality or water-contaminated fuel clogs the wick fibers and
impedes the fuel flow to the wick surface. This starves the flame
of fuel. The best solution may be to replace the wick and fuel in
your heater and start over.
Why does my kerosene heater smoke?
First of all make sure that the heater is filled with K-1 kerosene.
Other fuel, such as gasoline, burn too hot causing the heater to burn
out of control. NEVER USE GASOLINE or any other fuel described as
flammable. If there is any question about the fuel in your heater
it is best to drain it and replace the wick and start with fresh K-1
kerosene. If you are sure of your fuel and your heater is giving off
sooty black smoke it is a sign that the fuel/air mix is off. Make
sure the chimney is seated correctly. If it didn’t seat into
place correctly after lighting you may be getting a very high flame
on one side. If it’s a high orange flame all the way around
try rolling the wick adjuster knob down within the adjustment range
- the wick may just be too high. If these things do not fix the problem
wait until the heater is cool and inspect the burner cylinder. If
there are any holes plugged with soot it needs to be cleaned or if
it’s dented or buckled it needs to be replaced. After you have
checked the fuel and burner you should check to make sure the wick
is installed at the correct height. Refer to the owner's manual for
exact height. If the wick isn't installed correctly or there is no
obvious defect it is best to take the heater to a service center to
determine the cause.
Why won't my kerosene heater light?
Is this the first time lighting the heater? If so, then you need to
make sure the heater has been filled with good K-1 kerosene, and that
the wick has been allowed to soak in the lowered position for 60 minutes
in a full tank of fuel. This insures the wick is completely saturated
with kerosene. Then raise the wick to the “high” position.
When you push the “ignite” button you should see the igniter
move into position to light the kerosene vapor above the top of the
wick surface. The igniter should be glowing a bright orange.
The igniter should come into position right to the top surface of
the wick but not touching the wick. If the igniter goes into the side
of the wick it will not light – only the kerosene vapors just
above the top surface of the wick will light. You may have to lower
the wick adjuster mechanism a bit to make sure that the igniter is
coming into contact correctly. If the igniter isn’t glowing
check the batteries. They may need to be replaced or the igniter filament
may be broken. If the batteries need to be replaced use only regular
duty non-alkaline replacement batteries. Alkaline batteries deliver
too strong an initial jolt and may blow the igniter).
Why won't my igniter glow?
When your igniter won’t glow the first most obvious cause is
dead batteries. The batteries should only be replaced with regular
duty non-alkaline batteries. Although alkaline batteries perform better
and last longer in some small appliances they have too strong an initial
jolt and often burn out the igniter filament. Strongest isn’t
best in this application. If you have fresh non-alkaline batteries
and it still won’t glow, the igniter probably needs to be replaced.
To prevent igniter burn-out do not let the igniter come in contact
with the side of the wick or stay in the flame after ignition.
Why won't my kerosene heater shut-off?
When you hit the shut-off knob and the wick won’t drop, it is
most likely because of tar and carbon build-up. If the heater has
been burnt too low or contaminated fuel has been used, a sticky tar
forms on the wick and it hardens. As the wick gets harder and thicker
it becomes more and more difficult to raise and lower the wick until
it will no longer slide between the wick adjuster and the primary
air tube. Bad water contamination in the fuel can also cause the cotton
fibers in the wick to swell and not allow it to move freely in all
cases. The wick should be replaced.
Where can I find a manual for my kerosene heater?
We have assembled a list of links to manuals for several popular kerosene
heaters. This list is by no means all inclusive and if you don't find
the manual you are looking for then please consult your kerosene heater's
manufacturers website or call them.
| Kerosene
Heater Manuals |
| Dyna-Glo
CV2300 |
Kero-Sun
Sunstream |
| Heat
Mate HMHC2230 |
Kero-Sun
Sunstream Type A & B |
| Heat
Mate HMHR1101 |
|
|
|
Kero-World
KC1100 (French) |
|
|
|
| Kero-Sun
Director |
|
| Kero-Sun
Double Clean 90 Type A & B |
|
| Kero-Sun
Moonlighter Type E, F, G & RB-2 |
|
| Kero-Sun
Moonlighter Type H & I |
|
| Kero-Sun
Omni Type E,F,G,H & I (Similar to KSA-105) |
|
| Kero-Sun
Omni 105 Type J & K |
|
| Kero-Sun
Omni Type L |
Toyostove
KSA-105 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni Type M |
Toyostove
KSA-120 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 105 Type N |
Toyostove
KSA-85 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 120 Type A & B |
Toyostove
LR-450 Type B |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 120 Type C |
Toyostove
LR-450 Type D |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 230 Type A |
Toyostove
RB-2 Type A |
| Keero-Sun
Omni 230 Type B |
Toyostove
RC-11 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 230 Type C |
Toyostove
RC-37 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 230 Type D |
Toyostove
RC-37F |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 230 Type E |
Toyostove
RC-41 Type A&B |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 85 Type D,E,F,G & H |
Toyostove
RC-41F Type A&B |
| Kero-Sun
Omni 85 Type I |
Toyostove
RC-41F Type C |
| Kero-Sun
Omni-15 (Similar to TSC-15) |
Toyostove
RCA-36 |
| Kero-Sun
Omni-200 |
Toyostove
RCA-36F |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 10 (Type K,L,M) |
Toyostove
RCA-87 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 10 Type N |
Toyostove
RCA-10 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 100 |
Toyostove
RCA-8 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 101 Type A&B |
Toyostove
RCA-850 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 101 Type C |
Toyostove
SC-150B |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 101 Type D |
Toyostove
SC-200B |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 101 Type E |
Toyostove
TCS-15 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 101 Type F |
Toyostove
WC-105 |
| Radiant
101 Kero-Sun |
Toyostove
WC-105R Type D |
| Radiant
101 Toyoset |
Toyostove
WC-105R Type E |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 36 |
Toyostove
WC-105R Type F |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 40 Type A & B |
Toyostove
WC-105R |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 40 Type C |
Toyostove
WC-120 |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant 40 Type D |
Toyostove
WC-120R |
| Kero-Sun
Radiant Fan 110 |
|
| Kero-Sun
Radiant Fan 111 |
Toyostove/Toyotomi
DC 80 |
| Kero-Sun
Rainbow Type B&C |
Toyostove/Toyotomi
DC 100 |
| Kero-Sun
Sunsprite |
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