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

Disassemble and unclog a Mr buddy Heater. Clean it up and restore to like new condition. Now It works.

[@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 😊

[@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

[@TNPFan]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@alanmcrae8594]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.!!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍😃😃😃😃😃

[@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!

[@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. 😊

[@sergioaleman1512]

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

[@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"😁👍👍

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@georgemoore7196]

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

[@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.....

[@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.

[@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.

[@AXNJXN1]

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

[@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

[@walteranson9551]

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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@kevinboyle3927]

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

[@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.

[@leoc6255]

Must give a warm welcome back to the channel

[@altahoe7]

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

[@user-il7hf1ey3d]

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

[@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?

[@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.🖖🏻🧔🏻‍♀️🐕🇺🇸

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@JimiJameson]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@scottgorman7166]

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

[@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,

[@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 !

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@alexanderbowen4968]

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

[@earlunderwoodjr.6766]

When removing a fitting on tubing. Match-mark the fitting prior to loosening it. Then, when reinstalling the tubing fitting, tighten the fitting just past the match-mark line . It’s not necessary to over tighten the fittings.

[@patrickdurham8393]

Best heater repair video I've found.

[@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.

[@danthehoseman]

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

[@barbaraadams8219]

Thanks. Excellent video

[@DrJoe1]

You are welcome! Thanx for watching

[@davidmckeen216]

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

[@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

[@adrieneanders0n998]

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

[@wg7644]

Always try the other SIDE of the heater. Should be obvious but if you don't have time to take it apart connect your tank to the opposite side it should work just fine especially if you are connecting this to a 20 pound tank. Then later clean out the other side. Blowing the pilot line is always good too. But even if you don't have the pilot working try the other side.

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@djphx0001]

Dr Joe has a striking resemblance to Sylvester Stallone

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@lespr52]

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

[@jeffkirkland3028]

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

[@objuan6]

There is also an orifice in line to pilot, seems prone, On mine to clog, likely with same mystery goo that you found. I think it could be traces of different additives that suppliers add to ease handling. Orifice is tiny, barely the tip of a needle. Sickly little pilot is the first clue I get. Outstanding video.

[@m9ovich785]

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

[@objuan6]

@@m9ovich785 thanks for info, Every little bit helps. Just finished with a round of Goo. Haven’t had heat in the shop for three days, stay warm, happy heat season!

[@lainemann1421]

You need to run an oil free 20 lb hose like Mr Hearer Buddy says their hose is oil free and make sure you use the $13 aluminum filter also

[@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.

[@dougadams9419]

If you have the Big Buddy, then you need this hose with the regulator, no filter needed. Hose is does not leach oil into the Propane. Mr. Heater F271803 12ft Big Buddy Hose with Regulator. Quick Disconnect to the heater. I've been using one for over 4 years and no problems.

[@grege9862]

Great video. Don't know why Mr. Buddy heaters are always so troublesome. Never had other brands clog up like this.

[@johnwingate8799]

I think its because the orifice(s) are so small.

[@codyboudreau2838]

What's a good brand ?

[@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...

[@carlcapello9956]

I think you did an excellent job cleaning this heater out very well but, the hoses are recommended by big buddy to use their hoses only. Now that could be the reason for the oil in the lines by not using big buddy hoses only.

[@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.

[@delanos53]

Best way to prevent that according to the company is to use their filter especially if it's connected via a hose. They put oils and chemicals I the hoses to prevent cracking which could ruin your day. But I just leave it on and if I use it very much I change the filter. Be careful out there and God bless.

[@robertarmes4724]

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

[@Chrisedgson]

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

[@Corvette2]

OUTSTANDING presentation. Thank you.

[@charlesbakes2855]

Something to think about. What about a pipe cleaner, you know the ones that clean out tobacco pipes. Just a thought. Excellent information. 😊

[@orakelgottes]

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

[@mattwaters6987]

Great video. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@billybarty1672]

Thanks Dr Joe, way to go!

[@blatherskyt]

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

[@MHzTweaker-cb1fb]

Every single one of the aluminum tubes in Buddy heater had oil in them. I took the back and sides off used mainly a 14mm wrench on all but 1 of the fittings which is a 12mm and blew them out with my air compressor. I reattached all the fittings and it now works like new again. Problem solved.

[@brushbum7508]

THANK YOU SIR. TAKE CARE..

[@kevinburgess6112]

Thank you for the awesome video it was a big help and it was the problem on mine 👍

[@richardduydang8248]

Super helpful! Thank you, sir!

[@ridgerunner3364]

The oily residue actually comes from the propane itself