Clogged "Mr. Buddy" Heater: Failure to Fire !!!

[@patrickdurham8393]

Best heater repair video I've found.

[@jeremyhaynes6356]

After being annoyed with my Big Buddy for months I almost tossed it. I stumbled across your video today and less than an hour later my heater is working good as new. Thank you very much for this video!

[@cesarrodriguez5413]

I run into the same problem, took it apart several times and finally tossed it in the garbage, if you buy a product and need to constantly be repairing it, adding more items in order to have it working properly, it's something that is not acceptable. Then I found out that you should use a filter, and more things!!!! Buuuuu

[@lynpatnat]

Clean the pipe with automotive brake cleaner. It's a spray can with a nozzle. Then blow it clean with compressed air. Great video and information.

[@philliphall5198]

It’s the fastest fix and works 😊

[@chrisdavis5967]

I used carb cleaner. I still have a weak flame and I can't turn my regulator to low. It's locked between off and pilot. I'm sleeping in a tent with my wife and 3 year old son and it's going to get cold tonight. I'm so disappointed that I just reassembled it and I still have the same problem.

[@lynpatnat]

@@chrisdavis5967 If you can get hold of a accupucure needle then try using that to push through the jet. Take care with the needle as they will go through your flesh too. After you use it out it into a container and label it for next time. Those needles are super fine but even they are not always fine enough. I haven't tried to see if one will go through the jet if the little buddy. The next option is one strand of a stainless steel cable. They are also very thin. It sounds like you didn't clear the jet fully. It was a long time since I worked on mine. If the pipe can be removed. You can try boiling it in a mix of citric acid and water. Then boil it in clean water then blow it dry. The substance that blocks the jet is like a wax. Best of luck.

[@chrisdavis5967]

@@lynpatnat Thank you for all that. Where is the jet? My main problem was I was pushing the control knob all the way down. I only needed to push it enough to turn. 🤦‍♂️ I took one pipe out and shot carb cleaner through it and ignited it to burn any residual fluid. I did the q-tip in the pilot outlet, with carb cleaner. It started up when I realized the knob issue, but my right side burner won't glow. It's just flaming a little. There's gas going to it, but not enough. Does that mean I need to clean that line out?

[@lynpatnat]

@@chrisdavis5967 the jet is located near where you are a hole that drags air into the pipe the goes to the gas outlet. I'm just going on memory. If there is not enough gas flow from the jet then it won't run at full capacity. Or won't run at all. If the cutoff doesn't get hot enough from the flame then it will also turn off. Sorry I can't remember exactly the layout of the unit but they are terrible to work on. I removed a lot of screws that made it hard to dismantle and didn't put them back in. Apparently they were not in earlier versions so were not needed anyway it was just to make it hard to work on yourself. You may need to setup a table and pull it apart more than you want to find and clean the parts you need. Burning off the carb cleaner isn't needed it evaporates well and leaves no residue. It sounds like you still have a partly blocked jet

[@brianjamison4272]

Thank you this video saved me a huge headache... I thought I had major problems until I saw where you instructed to move it to pilot and get air out. My unit started right up after doing that. I never started it properly lol

[@gerardomojarro695]

Thank you Dr Joe! I ended up taking the whole thing apart and cleaning out all the ports. Your video inspired and gave me the confidence to do this. My heater is now working!

[@RESTLESS_ERRANT]

Thanks! Your skin is a body organ; avoid those chemical contacts; you’re a powerful being and we need you. Have a quality day.

[@TNPFan]

Best Buddy troubleshooting and cleaning vid I’ve seen to date. Especially helpful to see the disassembly! Thank you.

[@kevinboyle3927]

Simply put: Fantastic demonstration for a Dummy, like ME!!!! Thanks Dr. Joe

[@jerryshortt2479]

Very nice video. You didn’t waste alot of talk on extraneous subjects. And, you knew the names of tools and hardware. You didn’t call them thingies. Great fix!!

[@blaws6684]

Except he doesn’t know the name of the heater. ! Lol It’s company brand name is Mr Heater, and the model name is Buddy, or Big Buddy and so on. Not Mr buddy heater.

[@Pinoyphilly]

Thanks you Sir! You save us tonight as this is so helpful of all the videos on YT. God bless you and we will think of you and thank you for a warm toasty night

[@31saint31]

When storing my heater over the summer I place it in a plastic bag to keep it free of dust and debris. Good video, thanks.

[@pache2112]

THIS!

[@mattwaters6987]

Yep. I store mine in a buddy bag always when not in use. 😊

[@matthewg7835]

Great vid. Don’t forget to check for leaks after reinstalling the gas tube. Use some soapy water at the connections and like the old saying goes, no bubbles no troubles 🙂

[@AXNJXN1]

Absolutely BRILLIANT! Now I'm confident and informed! Thank you for helping me NOT have to go purchase another heater!!

[@davidparker2173]

That oil I am told is leached from out of the more flexible hoses. That is what makes them more flexible. I notice though that their filters are are not designed to be taken apart. Life is too short to complain too much, and sometimes you just have to pay into a system designed primarily to take your money. If though I have to throw a filter out, I am going to cut it into, and see if I could not just viably run acetone through it. Just bought a Dyna Glow Grab n Glo, so I am new to this. Thumbs up.

[@jamesfox8930]

Great great video, man. I live in Alaska and these Little Bastard heaters have been pissing me off for years. Thanks for sharing. God bless.

[@DrJoe1]

Thanx for watching, My niece lives in Sitka

[@patrickbodine1300]

LOVE IT! "LITTLE BASTARD"😁👍👍

[@7heRedBaron]

Excellent repair. Didn’t even have to take the whole thing apart. Half the videos on YT look like they are taking it apart for the first time. But you even gave the correct wrench size. Thanks!

[@WhiteScarsEmo]

I had a kerosene heater that was going bad on me. So I replaced the wick, getting the part from Amazon and watched related clips on YT. Looked simple enough. Two days later, I was knocked on my backside. Dizziness and nausea, I wasn't able to keep food down. Motion sickness. It was concluded to be carbon monoxide poisoning. I put the heater into storage (It got scrapped a year later) and I went with propane... with a carbon monoxide detector. Wasn't sure if the clips' info was wrong, or if I did something wrong. But I'm always extra careful when researching clips like these.

[@babersolanki7989]

The unit heats up fast and is super quiet. It looks fancy kzbin.infoUgkxl8Od2BvnGbn1ffwqsuFXW0QnmcZgMiVY and can be kept in the living room. It gets hot within a split second of turning on the unit. The build quality is exceptionally good and is safe to be around kids and pets. This one is super quiet and can be kept on while in office meetings, my wife loved it. It shows the temperature right on the unit which is very useful and adding a rotating feature helps to heat up the surrounding, so other people will not fight with you for heat. It is right as described in the description..!! Definitely recommend!!

[@MrCujo1]

I have this same unit and have been fighting it for a very long time. It died utterly this past weekend. I seems I have a job to do tomorrow !! :) THANK YOU !!!

[@MikeW-xv5xg]

This was awesome, thank you! I had watched a few of the videos where they just clean out the pilot with a cotton swab and bam!, it lights, but I had no such luck. I had been using my Mr Buddy with a 5 gallon tank without a filter, so it was completely clogged. Just a heads up for anyone who cleans out the small connector tube and it still doesn’t light, I had to take off the pilot connector as well and clean that out. There’s a small metal plate at the bottom which is easily removable so you can get to the pilot light connector. Thanks again!!!

[@donalddellett2454]

My Little Buddy was newer and had different configuration but I followed his instructions and I'm warm again. Thank you for posting this.

[@760watcher]

Disconnect the gas, turn the reg on high and lay the heater on its side or on multiple sides for a few hours. The oil will leak out and clear the pilot line. This worked for me without disassembly.

[@condor5635]

Great idea. If there is like a sequence of laying it on a particular side overnight based on knowing the orientation of that pipe that would work great at letting that oil come out naturally due to gravity.

[@superturkeylegs]

@@condor5635 lo

[@JK360noscope]

@X X well it has to be open to have the gunk spill out

[@robertfritze1844]

Thanks a lot Matt this worked for me also 👍🏻 left on its side for 3hrs just tried it out works mint

[@russelmurray9268]

Thanks I'm trying that now. I'm wondering if it isn't moisture

[@alanmcrae8594]

Thanks Dr. Joe! Easy to follow repair video that gets right down to the source of the problem. People helping people...

[@gerardgardner8218]

Thanks Dr. Joe. My Mr. Buddy was laying in the garage for over a year and could not start. Thanks to your help I learned to keep that pilot light switch down for about a minute. This simple step cured it as it was probably air in the line and it's working fine thank you again for your help.

[@DrJoe1]

Thanks so much for watching. Glad I could help.

[@scottgorman7166]

Have similar problem and I will get it on the bench in the morning and tear it down. Thanks for the informative video.

[@michaelmarquette3137]

Thank you that was one of the best how to videos I’ve seen yet . I’m gonna get busy tomorrow and service both of mine

[@SaltlifeLivn]

Thanks Doc, Been on my to do list for a year. The video really helped, now finding the time to get to it..... Enjoy your Holidays.....

[@body-compass]

Thank you for sharing. We use these all the time and they all seem to all “mysteriously” stop working! I think you found the fix!

[@garygoldstein327]

Reminded me about my dash board inside my car where I would leave my car outside in direct sun light. The Dash board vinyl plastics began off-gasing and an oily substance collected on the inside glass of my wind shield, making visibility at night a problem. If you leave a car sit for a year, the fuel in the tank and in the engine and it's components can turn to shelac. Really appreciate the time you invested putting this educational video together giving us viewers a bird's eye view how to intelligently dismantle and restore gas flow. Saving the expense of getting a new one or gettin worked up over an easy fix.

[@jamestracz5233]

Thanks for showing us the best way to do a complete cleaning, I went to use my heater today first time since last year and same problem as you had, can't wait to clean my heater tomorrow and get it back up and running.!!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍😃😃😃😃😃

[@Elizabeth-wv7tm]

I always wondered how to fix the Buddy Heater. Thanks so much for the informative video. The details and understanding of your voice as you were talking. So Awesome !!! Thanks very much.

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

Thank you for the informative step by step, nice work. I have one of these and now I know what to do if it clogs. Cheers.

[@walteranson9551]

Thank you for taking the time and doing this it's saving me money and I appreciate it

[@johnwyman6126]

That oil you find the in propane lines is probably compressor oil that comes from the manufacturing process where a compressor transfers propane from one tank to another. If the compressor is old and worn, the oil can get into the propane. I was taught this about 30 years ago during some propane/natural gas powered engine classes.

[@altahoe7]

Nicely done. No wasted time by nervous chatter. Thank you.

[@ChuckisOutside]

This is the best video explaining how to fix the problem. I have a Mr Heater Portable Buddy and hopefully I can repair it if needed. New subscriber.

[@mamamacgyver]

This fixed my buddy heater. Thank you so much for a thorough troubleshooting tutorial.

[@bluenetmarketing]

The u-shaped pipe you removed is designed to be a plumbing trap for oil that comes from the rubber hoses connected to the 20lb propane tank. You need a filter that removes the oil, Mr. Buddy #F273699. Also, always keep the Buddy heater upright so any oil that is in the plumbing trap u-shaped pipe/tube stays in there and doesn't drain into more of the inner workings of the other tubes. Lastly, since propane is heavier than air, the lighting process can be sped up by having the 20lb propane tank below the heater so air is preferentially removed first from the long rubber hose instead of a mixture of air and propane that takes longer to become combustible.

[@ddee51-g2g2]

Thank you Sir for sharing your experience and know how in this informative video.! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@danielgarvey9556]

Go point and I will do this. Thanks greatly appreciate

[@termiterasin]

they make a specific hose that does not leech oil now

[@bluenetmarketing]

@@termiterasin What is the part #?

[@termiterasin]

@@bluenetmarketing F273704

[@duaneradzwion5042]

Great video. Agree that auto break cleaner would be a better and easier cleaning.

[@5roundsrapid263]

I tried that, and it worked right away. I thought to myself, “The gas jets are just like a carburetor.” I had no idea other people had tried it before!

[@mikehay9204]

I just gave this a go. I have a different little buddy heater and the disassembly is a bit of a rubix cube. But my line was full of oil, and so was my 10' hose. I got them cleared and it fired right up. Thanks a lot for the video. I was about to throw away my second buddy heater!!!

[@mcberthoud5124]

Excellent instructional video. I have the Hunting Buddy (camo w/collapsible handle) so a little different disassemble but your video gave me confidence to conquer. Had to take apart b/c before finding this video I attempted step one cleaning and Q-tip end came off in the pipe. Cleared the cotton and the oil but still having issue. I believe it's a bad orifice on mine. Squeals while trying to allow gas through. It has always done that from new and was annoying on a hunt. Now I know how to disassemble and will replace the orifice when I have the time...and the part.

[@kpex7509]

I been using my Mr buddy heater as been working for 3 years no problem. Until now. The tube is stopped up. So that is why I watched this video. I have been using the same filter since then and didn’t see a reason to buy a new filter. I but , I do know that the supply hose does build up fluid in time. Filter do help. So thank you kindly for video.🖖🏻🧔🏻‍♀️🐕🇺🇸

[@LarryHerman-j1r]

Well made and well explained video! Thank you for posting!

[@johnthroop2092]

My pilot doesn't want to stay lit, but if I can get it to stay lit I still can't get it to stay on every time I change my 20 lb propane tank! After watching your video here I first just tried holding the start up knob in the on position with the pilot lit like you said in the video to purge any extra air out! Wow 😮 that was so sweet, works perfectly, let's just hope it keeps working Everytime I have to change tanks!

[@doormankrw]

I understand the oil is due to the hose leaching out the oil under high pressure if you use the built in regultor without the Mr Buddy filter. If you use the quick connect hose, the regultor is at the tank and the hose won't be under pressure and won't leach the oil from the rubber hose. I use the filters usually, but haven't been able to find them this year. That's why I'm watching your video. So I can clean it out when the time comes. Best video I've seen on it so far. Thanks!!!

[@m9ovich785]

Propane is a By-product of Oil refining. That is where the Trace oil comes from.

[@catherineostrom7575]

I've used the filter the whole time, yet there is oil in the lines. Why?

[@georgemoore7196]

I love KZbin. Got my Big Buddy fixed up in no time. Thanks.

[@ronjudypiette9080]

I'd say your the most knowledgeable person I have listened to . My question is why and what creates that oily substance.

[@bigbob16]

Deteriorating rubber hoses cause the oil...the Mr. Buddy hose # F273704 does not need a filter due to a lining inside the rubber hose and will not clog the heater

[@danielgarvey9556]

Amazing video thanks for sharing 👍 my heater was acting out within the end of its first year of use now I know what to do at start of year two. Thank you thank you.

[@Amer-yl4gb]

Very informative video. I've been using Bigbuddy for 2 years with 20lb bottle and that filter shown at the of the video and never had a issue.

[@lushfauna]

I just dipped a pipe cleaner in alchol and put in down the tube then did the tip of the nozzlw with a q tip- works great now

[@lolbitgamerlol5930]

Well I've seen 100 q-tip videos, that didn't work, your video save the Day!! good tips! Only if I seen this video first

[@DrJoe1]

Thanks for watching, glad I could help.

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

I'll be doing this tomorrow before my weekend trip. I have the little buddy with the single ceramic panel. On low, one edge of the ceramic panel doesn't completely hot/glow orange. It's blue and seems to struggle at that one side. On high, the entire thing will glow solid orange. I don't smell a propane leak so hopefully just a cleaning is needed. Cheers

[@jeffkirkland3028]

Great video and informative of how to clean that specific line. Thanks for sharing.

[@danthehoseman]

Thank you sir! Even though I had a different model, you gave me enough direction to fix the problem!

[@adrieneanders0n998]

Thank you. I can follow your video when I am trouble shooting.

[@kielerjim]

I tried exactly what you initially did with alcohol and air. Didn't work. I did the same thing again with the tank off while depressing the red knob for pilot lighting. Perfect!

[@spraydesignsbycharliecharl8240]

Thank you for doing this. I love to learn these things I have the big buddy and have heard about these issues. Nice to know when that time comes. Again thanks for your time on videos. Merry Christmas

[@DrJoe1]

Thank you and merry Xmas to you also

[@alexanderbowen4968]

The first step worked for me! Thank you so much for this video! :D

[@dougbeacham5930]

Thanks for the video. This morning I discovered mine would not hold a flame.... just flutters out after starting. I'll be performing this maintenance today. Now I have one more reason to get my air compressor. Looks like a trip to Harbor Freight today.

[@DrJoe1]

Thanks so much for watching, I hope it works out for you

[@davidmckeen216]

Great video, very knowledgeable. Thanks Dr. You saved the day. 🔥🙏

[@geraldcadyii5772]

Real fun. After a few times tearing my unit apart and draining the lines of oil, I put the Mr buddy filter on the unit always. I haven't used my buddy heater in years - not worth the hassle!

[@orakelgottes]

Thank you so much sir for posting this video, I will do the same probably tomorrow on my buddy heater

[@Chrisedgson]

Thank you very much. This video totally helped me fix my buddy heater!!!

[@rne143c]

Glad I found this video !!! Thanks even though I haven't cleaned the line yet cause I've done everything else. Thanks again. 2 thumbs up...

[@leoc6255]

Must give a warm welcome back to the channel

[@jimhicks579]

Got a portable MB , took it completely apart , don’t remember now which of the 3 lines goes to which outlet on the valve. The valve has 2 outlets on front side , a 3rd on back side. Which line goes on back side , which to top outlet on front side? I shoulda took pictures as I dissambled

[@aussie2uGA]

Thanks for the video but what a hassle! My Mr buddy is the one with dual 1lb tanks and clogged within 10 hours of use... Makes me want to rethink using as it for emergency heat during power outages.

[@5roundsrapid263]

I had this problem with a wall-mounted heater. I changed the regulator, got the tanks filled, and the pilot light still wouldn’t stay on. I tried using brake cleaner, since it’s basically a carburetor. That fixed it right away! I had no idea about the oil buildup.

[@barbaraadams8219]

Thanks. Excellent video

[@DrJoe1]

You are welcome! Thanx for watching

[@Mr.Innovator961]

Was about to chuck my 8 yr old MB heater thinking it was done with its serviceable life due to same 1 sec long ignition flame as yours. Good thing I saved the heater for a future repair as they now cost Almost $100 to replace with a new one, and the new ones don’t have the medium setting anymore ( just low and high)

[@nathancollins2]

Great video. One issue that did not show up in the video is the metal clip that is holding the plastic side cover on. I had a lot of issues getting this to release. It is all working now. Thanks,

[@wheepingwillow24u17]

HAVEN'T GOTTEN A BUDDY HEATER YET, BUT PLAN ON IT, I'VE BEEN INVESTIGATING THEM FIRST OFF TO DECIDE. LOVED THIS VIDEO, VERY HELPFUL IF I GET ONE. TC

[@Corvette2]

OUTSTANDING presentation. Thank you.

[@flavacreations]

Great video and detail appreciated. 👍

[@jeffthompson7046]

Very informative repair for a common problem using external tanks. Propane contains a light oil that comes from compressing process.

[@staind288]

No, the oil is from cheap aftermarket hoses. It's in the type of rubber that is used. Buddy makes a filter now to catch the oil

[@m9ovich785]

@@staind288 Propane is a By-product of Oil refining. That is where the Trace oil comes from.

[@catherineostrom7575]

​@staind288 I've always used their filter and hose, yet I have oil in the lines anyway.

[@billybarty1672]

Thanks Dr Joe, way to go!

[@mattwaters6987]

Great video. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@larryjohnson5306]

excellent video. wonder if carburetor cleaner like gum out wouldn't work as well as acetone?

[@5roundsrapid263]

Probably. I tried brake cleaner, and it fixed it right away.

[@berniebass3575]

That's for the lesson.Funny thing,l saw a filter in there what is that for ? I mean should of that stopped that problem? Thank you 👍

[@blatherskyt]

thanks, I didn't know holding down the pilot would purge the line. Just doing that (ONLY) is what fixed mine.

[@charlesbakes2855]

Thank You!!! Super Instructions!!!👍👍👍🥳

[@lespr52]

Good video thank you. Now I am prepare for my new one.👍👍

[@grom7826]

They put some sort of odorizer in the propane. A friend that worked for a propane company told me that it’s fish oil. I’m not sure. But thanks I have FIVE in my shop that need servicing. Great News Thanks !

[@JimiJameson]

Exceptional illustrations, Nice explanations, 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ s

[@asupmdr]

I tried all that and no beans. Turns out the tip sensor was bad. Still followed these instruction to disassemble. Unplugged the two connectors to the sensor (black bulb looking) and connected them together. Bingo! Also, there was another screw I had to remove to get the side panel off, near the hidden handle screw.

[@sergioaleman1512]

Haha the roach at 5:05 😮 Great vid great info

[@ohthecaptain]

Headeds up. There is a newer model now and there is one additional screw holding the side panel on. It is a few inches about the top once you remove the back plate of handle.

[@marcopinheiro2490]

Great video! Great detail on steps. Thanks for sharing!

[@richardduydang8248]

Super helpful! Thank you, sir!

[@timothyf.4543]

Yes!Yes!The Best video I found also.Even if you know your stuff,you risk fire,death with these cheap,cheap product's.

[@robertarmes4724]

Great tips 👍Thank you for all you do Brother. I hope you get through this winter as best you can. 🇺🇸🙏

[@19dominic74]

Thinking you for your video. It worked just like you said

[@DrJoe1]

Glad it helped

[@geico1975]

I'm gonna try this tomorrow, I've had the model # MH9BX for about 1.5 years and have never lit it. I've just kept it in storage in the original box and took it out today to try it out. The pilot light lit up and I held it lit for 60 to 90 seconds, but when I released it, and pushed it down again to ignite it, it would never ignite just went out. I'm guessing that feed part on the inside has the same oily residue sense it's been unused for nearly a couple years I bet. Not sure how long the store had it before I bought it.

[@Holec83]

Did it work for you? I'm in the same situation.

[@VideoByPatrick]

Possible the add-in filter failed to capture oil from inner lp cables ? Might be safer to trash non working heater for new one. Also, could that regulator could fail as well.

[@braveheartz263]

Never had a major problem with a Mr. Heater Mr. Buddy. Zero problems for 10 plus years of use. Clean, vacuum, and general maintenance = No problems!

[@philliphall5198]

I stored it in a hd plastic trash or leaf bag Never had any problems in 5 years

[@bojo8141]

Great video, thank you for your video.

[@LowJackAP]

Damn thanks Dr. Joe! this video helped me a lot. this is my second winter with a Mr. buddy and it started making a spitting sound when i primed it although my model is a little different then yours now that I know its just built up oil for now all I have to do is shake it a bit and hold the primer down longer but when it comes time to repair I know exactly what to look for. hopefully that's enough to get rid of it since ill be running it regularly now though. Much appreciated new sub on the way!! EDIT: not sure if this helped my case but I had bought a propane filter for mine and when I pressed the pressure fitting a huge cloud of smoke came out with it, propane is clear so I'm assuming it's same built up moisture/oil that's causing the issue.

[@funtimes3501]

I put air into the top portion of where you removed the line and it blew the top cap out of the assembly on the other side where the disposable tank mount is

[@catblueeye]

Good job grandpa 👴. Buen trabajo abuelo 👴.

[@mvblitzyo]

Most excellent information thanks !

[@quickcalsgarage4782]

Great video. Thanks. But I must add. Don't think all Mr. Heater hose are safe to use with out a filter. Only some are. Probably still a good idea to use a filter anyway.