Mr Heater Buddy - I ruined mine using this

[@dsmguy4158]

My name is neill, and I’m the Senior Tech at Enerco Mrheater. The oil substance is called plasticizers, this is added to all rubber to give it its flexibility. The buddy heaters are unusual in a way because they’re regulated at the unit, instead of being regulated at the fuel source (propane tank larger then 1lb cylinder). Because of this you have tank pressure in the fuel line, which ranges from anywhere around 60-190 psi depending on outside ambient temperature. That pressure squeezes and contracts the hose causing the "plasticizers" to leach out. This is the oily residue you will find coming out of the fuel lines, or possibly see it puddle up underneath the heater. We make our hoses out of a special kind of rubber that has a very low amount of plasticizer. This is why our hoses are pretty stiff and not easily bendable. This only affects the buddy line of hoses, so this is why we designed and patented our propane fuel filter so these oils can be caught before entering the heater. These are portable radiant heaters, designed to be used with 1lb throwaway propane cylinders, but we know we need longer run times. This is why we make accessory hoses to connect to larger tanks. Now with all this being said the 10ft hose (F273704) is the only hose not required to use the fuel filter, unless you have a big buddy and you can get our 12ft (F271803) regulated quick disconnect hose. Any questions related to this, just ask. I’ll be happy to answer.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thanks for taking the time to chime here I am going to pin this comment to the top and hopefully it helps a lot of folks👍 Jason

[@AB-nb2ic]

How do we know when to change the filter? I heard of this problem and only used my Buddy heater with your filter in place (did not know your hoses were of better quality and ok to use without a filter, thank you for that info) Recently my Buddy heater went out, as if the tank was empty, but it wasn't. I thought the filter was finally clogged so I replaced it. Within a few days the same thing happened...it went out as if it was empty, while there was still gas in the tank. Is my heater now ruined? Can it be cleaned or fixed? And again, how do we know when to change the filter?

[@Ranger_k16]

@@AB-nb2ic mine was doing the same thing so I googled it and found several videos here on youtube that show and explain what to do. you need to either take a cotton swab and clean out the orifice next to the pilot light. Or, if that doesnt solve the issue, you'll have to take the heater apart and disconnect the fuel line from the regulator and blow it out with compressed air. in the video I watched it blew out a decent amount of oil. then run brake cleaner/alcohol/acetone through it the line to remove any excess oil then blow it out again with compressed air. reassemble and you should be good. hope this helps and good luck!

[@slowlydimming4320]

I have had one die from the same thing. Are the hoses available in Canada never seen them.

[@darenunlimited]

After some research, I thought I had a handle on this topic; now, I'm not so sure. I recently bought the large Buddy heater and two small Buddys. I ordered and just received three (3) of the F271803 hoses; was under the impression these hoses did not need filters but if I understand you post, you're saying the two smaller heaters do need a filter. Is that correct? How much do those filters run and where can I get them? I do not want to ruin my new heaters. Thanks.

[@danielthompson9503]

Thank you for 1) not being clickbait 2) being direct and to the point 3) giving useful information

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thanks, Daniel.

[@richard4542]

Agree! Thanks hottie

[@Tipster49]

Daniel Thompson 👍🏼

[@EvilTwin123]

4)!showing cleavage

[@brodavidb]

And not playing weird background music.

[@bigginspd]

Lol,,, Easy fix and no guessing,,, I use my big buddy mh18 on all sizes of tanks up to 100 lbs and run it 24/7 throughout the winter,,,5 months,,, I had the same problem and found the solution after I replaced the pilot assembly,,, a pain to do and do not recommend unless you really know what you're doing,, anyway been running great for 5 years now,,, the fix is simple and can be used with any hose,,, mr heater has a built in low pressure regulator so you are running high pressure from larger tanks to the heater through the hose to the heater and that is why leaching occurs and pilot assembly gets clogged,,, To fix this problem just add a low pressure regulator to the tank connection or use any hose with a low pressure regulator already installed,,, mine has a quick connect on it so I just removed it from the hose that came with the heater and attached it to another one I had laying around from a grill or lp stove,,, does not interfere with the mr heater lp regulator,,, so now the propane going through the hose is low pressure and no leaching occurs of any consequence,,, problem solved,,, hope this helps

[@jkco4300]

Is there one you recommend? I'm a girl. #SOS lol.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

It does help. Thanks for the idea. I ran a 15 foot hose from a 100 pound tank for about six months, almost 24/7. The hose was this luxurious soft plastic (lots of plasticizer in it). Right away I noticed oily plasticizer oozing out of the plastic and immediately bought a filter. It's the high pressure that causes the oozing. Knocking the pressure down before the hose would make a big difference and maybe eliminate the problem entirely. Out of curiosity, do you know what pressure you knocked it down to? I suspect the heater has a low pressure cutoff so there's probably a minimum pressure that it requires.

[@marktwain368]

Gosh sounds complicated but you explain it so well, so thanks, man!

[@rafterL78]

I was wondering if that would help. Thanks

[@sixpackbinky]

I bought a generic regulator, how do I know if it is low pressure? It really didn’t say when I bought it through Amazon.

[@williamhoenstine5057]

FYI - I've used propane hoses purchased from Lowe's for over 5 years as well as the filter. I replaced the filter after two years since I don't use the heater constantly during the cold months. Thanks for letting us know WHY it's important to change the filter and why it's necessary.

[@scoffroad]

I had the same thing happen as well. The oil completely filled the system from where you screw in the cylinder/filter all the way to the pilot light. I changed the fitting on my new hose and blew through with 10psi air connected with the pilot light button pressed. I was amazed at the oil that came out at the pilot light. With filter in place the heater ran 2 more years and I upgraded to BIG buddy. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@sharpenflat6002]

I took my little buddy completely apart--took off all the lines and blew them out. Blew out the pilot orifice. Blew out anywhere I could blow. There was oil everywhere on the inside. Put it back together and it works perfect. I was using one of those long hoses and a 20lb. tank for 2 years and then it quickly started running bad. I couldn't believe it. Now it works just great. No more long hoses unless I put one of those filters on you were talking about. There was so much oil in the tubes, I had little puddles on the floor. Thanks to Primal Outdoors.

[@alanosborne1947]

Glad you covered this topic of using the filer. I use a Big Buddy heater in a 10 X 14 Springbar tent and connect the hose to a #20 propane tank outside of the tent.I was told by some other "arm chair experts" I did not need to use the filter. When I first purchased my heater I knew two 1 lb. tanks wouldn't be enough to get me through the night and that was when I came up with the idea of using the #20 tank. Long story short Mr Buddy strongly suggested I use the filter due to the contaminants in the #20 tank and I've been doing it for 5 years now and my Big Buddy is keppin my fat ass warm just fine!! Good job covering this issue!

[@terekmarlow2200]

This made me laugh and was informative I appreciate it

[@billrose2083]

I do civil war living history in some cold weather. Our tents have no floor and a gap of 2-4 inches all around. Lets that cold air in brother !!! Anyway, we block the gaps and the heater does a great job. It would be difficult for us old guys to be comfortable without our heat.

[@brianflatter3519]

@@billrose2083 ml

[@braveheartz263]

I’ve been running the same Mr. Heater for over 10 years, and I’ve never had any problems with my heater - ever. I have given heaters away and bought extra. No problems!! Mr. Heater rocks!!!!

[@Dirty_Farmer_1977]

Mine worked 2 times after I bought it brand new..hasn't worked since and I've tried everything..what a waste of 250$

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Thanks for the heads up on this. I have just purchased my first Buddy heater and was looking at options to have a bigger gas tank. You have saved me from damaging my heater.

[@donfarmer4020]

I had this problem and destroyed my first heater buddy trying to clean the lines. Then figured out how to fix my second heater buddy. All you have to do is take an air hose and blow the lines out. Just put the high presure air nosel in the pilot hole and blow it out and problem fixed. My uncle had heater buddy and a propane heater that was similar to the heater buddy we did the same to his propane heaters and it worked on both. So don't throw your heater buddy away till you try to blow it out.

[@AB-nb2ic]

Thank you!

[@SVMSICE]

Yeah I’ve cleaned mine a couple times now. I’m not afraid to use the hose. Great 👍 information about the air compressor, I used pipe cleaners to clean mine but your way is probably quicker.

[@hermit1620]

Thanks, I've got 3 heaters I thought were ruined.

[@donfarmer4020]

@@hermit1620 you can buy a filter that helps. And make sure you use a heater buddy hose. A regular hose let’s out a little oil over time and causes the lines to get oil in it. At least that is what I have read.

[@hermit1620]

@@donfarmer4020 thanks

[@greywolf97883]

I was a AmeriGas service man for over 15 years I have seen this happen a lot. the oils do leach put of the rubber in the softer rubber hoses. MR Heater is correct.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thanks its good to get a second opinion. Jason

[@Doobiiie710]

I have 2yrs with amerigas still have a lot to learn

[@ryandavis4689]

Only in high pressure hoses. In hoses with regulators it becomes low enough pressure as to not eat the hoses. Thou I prefer a double high pressure set up myself, low pressure may save you hoses and fillters

[@hookeye2]

Wrong! The use of "exchange" propane cylinders is the cause. They put oil in the cylinders to prevent rust. DO NOT use EXCHANGE cylinders!

[@misters2837]

The problem with the regulator low pressure hose is....on very cold days, if the tank/regulator is outside of the heated environment...they freeze up. I run MH High Pressure hose and filter and have no issues with exchange tanks or otherwise...been using my BigBuddy like that for 7 years...and not yet needed to replace filter.

[@Iwaswrong578]

I’ve had the exact same heater and all of this info is in the instruction manual. Change the filter every season and use the remote hose like that. In the instructions it specifically says that if you use that remote hose it says you must use a filter. The oil does seep from the hoses but as long as you use a filter you will not have a problem. The instructions for the mr. heater portable buddy are extremely good! Always read the instructions even if you know what your doing.....

[@canesser1]

Who knew? Nothing like hard experience to teach us different. Thanks for putting the word out Jason, there are countless of these heaters up here in Canada.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

I knew! I was a bit confused about the hose situation-3rd party houses were in some cases MUCH cheaper, although the filters are a little price in my region, when they’re in stock. I finally checked the Mr. Heater website and then contacted customer service. They explained everything pretty thoroughly, and I went ahead and bought the heater and the 10-foot hose. Once you figure the yearly filter replacement cost, the higher cost of the 10-foot hose doesn’t seem too bad. Besides, I generally want to get warm right away, not troubleshoot in the cold. There was one issue at a later date where the hose’s built in valve got stuck (from opening the tank too quickly) and I had to call customer service again, but the fix was easy-a couple of light taps against the floor got it unstuck. I know many people don’t bother contacting a company and asking questions BEFORE they buy (I usually don’t), but I’m glad I did. Also, the customer service response was an additional factor in my decision to purchase the heater and the hose.

[@michaelconder3488]

I am a retired HVAC repairmen and I use a hose from my manifold gauge set . I made a adapter for it . This is the second year with no problems . Propane is a refrigerant .

[@ericbukley2140]

Thanks for the video. Got mine last year when my gas was shut off for a while. It was the ONLY heat I had. SAVED MY LIFE! I tried the smaller rounded one. It failed on me in a month. So I UPGRADED. BEST MONEY I spent all year. Thanks again for the heads up on the issue.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

Yep. All this is exactly correct. The oil you refer to is the plasticizer added to the plastic to make it flexible. We tend to think of plastics as flexible. However, all plastics, PVC, polypro, nylon, etc., are very hard and stiff in their pure form. Pure PVC is rock hard. To make them flexible for things like hoses and wire insulation, a plasticizer is added, usually a pthallate chemical. The more wonderfully soft and flexible the hose, the more plasticizer it has. Over time and under pressure, this plasticizer will leach out of the plastic as an oily liquid. If that gets into the heater, it will gum up the burners. What's more, as this substance leaches out, your hose will become stiffer. You're actually better off getting a hose that not so wonderfully soft and flexible. The Mr. Heater filter doesn't actually contain a filter in the usual sense. It's simply an empty chamber where the oil collects by gravity, and it will fill up eventually. As an engineer, I wanted to understand what was going on, and now you know.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@8Truth Seeking Probably. Or you could just buy the proper filter from Mr. Heater. It works by gravity. Any liquids in the gas stream fall by gravity into the filter's outer chamber and don't make it to the outlet of the filter.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

Though I admit the filters are overpriced in my opinion. Thinking more about your idea, yes, I think it ought to work fine. The liquid is heavier than the gas so it falls out of the gas stream and you simply catch it. If the outlet of your device makes a slight turn upward it seems it would have to work. It's kind of like a sediment trap.

[@AaronRankin]

The oil filter I had could be taken apart with a socket and cleaned with carb cleaner.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@@AaronRankin That would be nice.. I suspect that Mr. Heater goes with a one piece design because if it can be taken apart there's yet another opportunity for leakage. Lawsuit avoidance drives a lot of business decisions.

[@marktwain368]

Thank you, sir!

[@freddychrisdijanto6588]

With high humidity here in Georgia mountain and we're always camp next to the water, I have to deal with condensation inside the RTT and Mr. Buddy heater make it even worst during winter month. Two week ago I try using Chinese diesel fuel heater and really happy with the result. Dry hot air, no open flame to worry about and the most important is no more condensation inside the RTT. Outside was 32*F and inside the RTT keep 67*F all night on low setting and only consumed half a gallon diesel.

[@craigtegeler4677]

Just how big is the heating space inside of your RTT that you are able to provide that kind of warmth inside your RTT??

[@jesseleighbrackstone852]

Craig Tegeler What does RTT stand for? TIA. Jesse.🌹

[@craigtegeler4677]

Good question Hon! I don't even know! I was just inquisitive about the amount of heated area or space that alowed for the chinese diesel heater to only use a half gallon of fuel! @@jesseleighbrackstone852

[@coasterbrookie]

Jesse Leigh Brackstone RTT is acronym for Roof-Top Tent

[@Struthio_Camelus]

One of the products of propane combustion is water vapor, which is why your condensation problem is worse when running a propane burner.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Thanks so much for the straight forward info pal. Here's a quick tip to help keep those stiff hoses from cracking, take some heavy duty grease, slather it all over the hose, then wrap it with pipe insulation. It will be a bit bulkier of course but the grease will keep it as flexible and strong as the day it came from the factory. Best to ya🙏

[@larrywallace3637]

I agree with changing the filter once a year. The second year my Mr. Buddy developed a bad, unpleasant, oily smell. Changed the filter, smell was gone. My heater worked fine. Apparently unwanted "stuff" is captured by the filter. Good information. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Gsnyder201]

I’ve been using the Mr. Heater quick connect hose that has a regulator built into it to be used when connecting your Big Buddy up to a 20# propane cylinder and it has worked great for the last several years. According to Mr. Heater this hose does not require a filter on it because the regulator drops the pressure in the line that it doesn’t cause the oil in the hose to leech out. It works, because I’ve been using that set up for about 3 years with no problems.

[@bucmeister7713]

Seems like one could use an adjustable regulator such as would be used with a fish cooker setup to drop the pressure some at the tank then send lower pressure gas to the Heater regulator.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@bucmeister7713 I've been using mine for 6YEARS PAL...

[@davidgribble263]

@@bucmeister7713 I was wondering the same ????

[@TheDenisedrake]

Great information! We will be replacing that filter every year. The Mr. Heater makes cold weather camping 1,000 times better!

[@jesseleighbrackstone852]

TheDenisedrake Agreed! We spend approximately 10 months of the year on the road (concert tours) in our RV, and we run our Mr. Heater Big Buddy 24/7 in wintertime. We’ve been doing this for 2 years now, while touring in Northern climes - not while driving, of course! Blessings! 🙏🏻 Jesse.🌹

[@scottyagodich7319]

TheDenisedrake Very Good Review

[@joesphschramm3754]

Thank you for the tip. Also, thank you for not making this a 35-minute video and just getting straight to the point.

[@Gunge-vq2ik]

Had two of them over the years they both failed prematurely never got reply or feedback from mr. Heater customer service. Needless to say I'm disappointed because when they did work they work good. Great video thanks.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Clean em out. Keep on using.

[@TheOkeyone]

I have had three Big Buddies they all failed. I changed pilot assembly ect blew them out bought new hoses laid them on their sides and rotated them and they still fail. I guess I bought the only three that failed. Customer support has been no help say we sent parts sorry they didn't arrive. I'm very disappointed being a full time RV person it gets used 12 hours or more in the winter. They only last about 1 to 1 and a half seasons. They just fail always and there is no fix except to buy another one or I'm looking at another brand. Good luck.

[@Dirty_Farmer_1977]

Got mine brand new and it worked 2 times..hasn't worked since...alot of wasted money!

[@tonyfourpaws4511]

I have had several over the years and I've learned how to repair all the issues . Keep the line clear with canned air. Use a small piece of sandpaper to clean the thermo coupler and you should be good

[@alcopower5710]

You should do a short video. Would be good information to share

[@larrysheets2508]

I have rebuilt my buddy heater as per mr.heater instructions. The problem comes from the propane left in the hose under pressure, not the actual use. The regulator fills up with the oils, and stops working. You can avoid the problem almost completely, by turning off the gas at the tank, and using up the trapped gas. The filter is an add on item that did not originally come with them. It's a extra safety item, not the solution. Drain the line of gas, and the issue stops.

[@elmeradams8781]

I want to test your theory.

[@Znew07]

It doesn’t stop completely because the oil still seeps out during use also when the line is under pressure especially during extended periods of use. Which is also why you should release all gas pressure when not in use because the stretching of the rubber under pressure is what forces the oils to seep out. The reason it seems like much more when it’s under pressure but not in use is because the gas is not in motion and pushing the oils through, so it ends up collecting in the gas line and then when you turn your appliance on again it gets a large rush of the oils all at once and clogs. But this can also happen over time with just normal use even if you empty the pressure immediately after every use.

[@Znew07]

@@elmeradams8781 this theory is already debunked

[@tribulationprepper787]

@@Znew07 My theory is that My Buddy heaters are inefficient, short lived and "designed to fail". (Flashy paint job however) Many negative reviews will support my point.

[@carlapierle8623]

@@tribulationprepper787 We bought a Big Buddy Heater 10-15 years ago that we've NEVER had all these problems with. Last winter I decided to purchase an additional one and within weeks the pilot light wouldn't stay lit. No matter what my husband did (cleaning, blowing out lines, etc) we couldn't get it to work. I returned that one and just recently purchased another one for this winter. Right off the bat the pilot light won't stay lit so I'll be returning this one also. I wish I knew WHICH one to buy as to avoid these issues.

[@rockdog2584]

What I have found is that oil collects in the pilot light tube and the pilot light would no longer burn. I took my buddy all apart and used carb cleaner spray to blow out the steel gas line and orifice. It worked for a while and then crapped out again. Took it ALL apart and washed out ALL the steel lines with carb cleaner (and blew them out with compressed air). It's been working just fine ever since.

[@bobbrawley2612]

Send Mr heater a bill for your labor. I'm not dismantling my heater blowing out tubes replacing thermocouple, swabbing out the pilot light tube on a 2 week old unit with less than thirty hours of use

[@bucmeister7713]

How many hours since that process. If it has worked fine for many hours since the cleaning I would highly suspect internal contamination from the factory.

[@johnvalencia9927]

@@bobbrawley2612 I disagree. I see value in learning how your shit works, how to take it apart and fix it. Good for rock dog.

[@everettcrabtree3156]

It was oil from the rubber hose under high pressure, or possible rust from tanks. I have found that a regulator hooked to a big tank prior to the 12' hose or 10 ' then using the quick disconnect option instead to prevent oil clogging of the "small bottle" built in regulators on the unit. Connected this way drops pressure in the LP prior to reaching the majority of the rubber lines preventing cracking and oil leaching into the pilot and steel lines. The regulated pressure also lengthens the units serviceable run time before cleaning or maintenance. A in line filter isnt needed in this set up but if using the screw in "regulated bottle" hook up points I would definitely use a filter changed yearly.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

@@bobbrawley2612 Good luck on that. Mfgrs don’t have liability when you use their product out of spec and/or recommended limitations. The unit is designed to use 1# propane bottles. The company also offers accessories to adapt the unit to larger tanks, but it makes no guarantees if you use 3rd party accessories not built to their specifications.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend. Hopefully, the heater problem has now been resolved to your satisfaction. Take care out there and always be safe. 🤗

[@dalebrooks4633]

Since contaminants can feed from your small tanks or the various hoses, I've always used a filter. My BIG Buddy has never failed going into the 6th season. I change the filter annually.

[@davidlarson3980]

Sorry to hear about your issues Jason. I've used Mr. Heater for over 20 years and no failures (both Buddy and Big Buddy). You do have to follow their recommendations about hoses and filters and I don't think you'll have any further problems in the future. They make a quality, safe product in my opinion. Thanks for your videos!

[@STBRetired1]

I just went through HUNDREDS of questions on Amazon for the Big Buddy heater before I found out this information. Could have saved myself half-a-day if I had just seen this video first. Thanks for taking the time to post this information. Hopefully everyone else will see it before reading all those questions on Amazon.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

I started reading the Qs and As and the reviews, too, but I threw up my hands and went to the company website. From there I got the customer service number, called it, and got all the information I needed before making the purchases (heater and hose). Straight from the horse’s mouth! It’s just starting to get cold enough to take the heater out and hook it up for cold mornings (21 December, 6,000’ elevation, the middle of Mexico). This will be my second year of using the Buddy. Last year I used it on 12 different nights/mornings for a few hours (an hour before bed, maybe two in the AM). My 20# tank still had some propane by the time spring rolled around.

[@forrestyoung6588]

A good way to prevent any issues is to turn off the propane tank first and not leave high pressure in the line. That is why the oils leach out. Not from regular use.

[@struckus]

exactly what I do but I also have a filter just in case..

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Thanks! This was my thought, too. Thank you for confirming.

[@tribulationprepper787]

That's what I have been doing for many years. Seldom a problem with propane equipment.

[@garyklomp4525]

Our group of hunters use 6 different Mr. Heaters in our deer blinds. We started using Mr. Heater filters years ago. Regardless of what brand hose we use, we have had no problems in 10-plus years. For a $12-$15 dollar investment per heater, it is worth replacing the filter every 1-2 seasons, depending on hours of use. The MR. Heater tech wrote about the oils in the after market hoses. He obviously knows what he is talking about. I have a friend that owns a propane company and he says that bulk propane can be a little dirty. That's why we always using Mr. Heater filters.

[@ronmoore3987]

Filter every 1-2 seasons thank you Sir

[@rodgerrugeresiliencecoach772]

I switched to a steel braided hose, which from a safety perspective is also a bonus as they are virtually indestructible. Appreciate this tip!

[@promovideophoto6510]

Great warning video and a thumbs up to DSM Guy for his explanation of the cause. Anyone who has these heaters need to see this video and take your advice along with DSM Guy. Very good info, sorry you had to experience it the hard way $$$$$.

[@frogknees4643]

I bought another brand extension hose , not a Mr heater hose. I had it for 6 yrs. and not had a single problem with oil. I thought at first it wasn't going to going to work , buy i learned it takes a few minute for the gas to get through to the burner .Once it gets started it work great.

[@markgigiel2722]

Good info. Was thinking about getting a Mr Heater for my garage. It's great that Neill replied too, with the facts.

[@Vgp-rp4iu]

I used the big buddy Mr heater when I lived in north Dakota and was tired of buying the 1lb tanks so I ran a 20 ft hose off my 1000 gal lp tank and never had any issues. I worked at a co-op and we made custom hose lengths for people and I made my own hose. That heater ran for 10 plus hours a day. I never had a filter on it just the regulator off the main tank.

[@johnwyman6331]

Back in the 90s when I worked on propane powered equipment, during training we were taught that the compressors they use to transfer propane from one tank to another many times are worn to the point they leak compressor oil into the propane. Whenever I broke open a Propane fuel system I found at least some oil inside. Most of the time it didn't cause any problems, but sometimes it was so clogged up I had to replace some of the components. Rebuilding them would have cost more in labor than replacing them.

[@streetgliderichie9724]

I use the Mr. Heater hose AND filter on my Big Buddy heater. Hopefully that’ll keep it going a long time. Thanks for the info on what can happen.

[@reyscottm9]

Thanks for the heads up. I just got my Mr Heater Buddy, and then bought the hose later after burning through three coleman canisters in one night. Just double checked...I got the Mr Heater series hose.

[@TrinityRidge1959]

I always turn my propane tank off first it burns off components cleanly. I never had a problem with mine. I love it along side my mini cubic grizzly stove for my vintage RV. Good info thanks

[@sharpenflat6002]

Me too. Been through the same thing years ago. Once I figured out the hose and filter thing, I have had 0 problems. Lights on the 3rd click every time. I use the hoses from Mr. Heater that claim you can use this hose without a filter, but I use filters anyway. Do this and it is very unlikely you will ever have a problem. Great video. Thanks.

[@nerdgoingoutside1049]

Great tip Jason, thanks. Keep us posted on how well the Mr Heater hose works in terms of flexibility on those cold mornings.

[@dogfood2525]

Thank you so much. I just purchased a Mr. Heater Buddy with an off brand hose to work off my 20 lb tank. I am now going to purchase a filter thanks to you.

[@practicemakesbetter7132]

Good video, the oil is coming from the large propane cylinder it is very common for oil to be mixed with propane; perhaps it is to help prevent the cylinder from rusting internally. To help prevent oil from clogging your heater make a drip loop in the hose by shaping it to form the letter U. Oil will accumulate at the bottom of the drip loop. After you disconnect your hose drain any oil out of the hose before storing it away.

[@gixxerbundy]

If you use an off brand hose, or any hose without a filter, the tubing inside the heater become full of oil, then the propane can not flow. It's a very easy to fix, there is videos on youtube that explain the repair process. I took mine apart, blew out the oil, reassembled and the heater has worked ever since! The total time to do the repair was 15 minutes.

[@manie3232]

IMPORTANT NOTE: Those filters can leak fuel after a couple years at the seam. I had flames coming out of it just yesterday. It was almost 3 years old though. If you can turn them DON'T use it. It's a fire hazard.

[@ReconScoutMedic]

Best tidbit of info that I have heard on Mr.Heater trouble shooting. You have prevented any issue as I am about to go to Moose Camp and was going to purchase a hose for a 5 gallon tank. 😀👍 much thanks 🙏

[@donh4750]

Wow, I just got my first mr buddy and was thinking about getting a hose. Now I'll make sure to get the mr buddy hose. Thanks for the heads up.

[@bellatalker4462]

Thank you!! I have the little buddy and big buddy heaters. Learned the hard way the little one caught on fire inside the house hooked to a 20lb tank got lucky my friend put it out. Its a necessity to have the fuel filter and a mr buddy hose attached will save your life. Take no chances, thanks for posting the public is very uneducated about propane as I was. Thanks again.

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Thanks for the heads up, Jason! I have a Mr. Heater Buddy on save at Amazon and now I will go ahead and order it along with the hose and extra filter; also will order the carry bag. I've never used a heater on any of my camping trips and getting out of my bedroll into the cold to restart my campfire was a bitch (sorry)! Looks like I'll also have to buy a large fuel tank as well as the small canister will empty on high in only three hours. At 72 I recently converted from backpacking to overland camping and love learning from you and venture4wd, so thank you!

[@garyc9030]

I’ve had my Big Buddy for 10 years now.... tent and trailer camping and keeping me warm at football games. Always works, never an issue. I’ve only used the 1 pound bottles though

[@jamesfrench941]

Same here! I refill them from my 20 lb propane tank! Cheaper and easier than running hoses!

[@SanFranciscoFatboy]

interesting..... my fuel filter is kinda gurgling. and after I closed the tank valve the pilot light continued to burn for 5 minutes!!!!! my unit was bought last fall... a buddy, w/ a 12 ft hose and the required filter...... it did run fine all this past cold ass winter.... in my overgrown RV....... thumbs up and a subscription added, sir......for this good video n the cool comments.... I NEED that heater to work .... I own the big buddy also and I could not live here in rural northern cal w/out them..... the part where they r safe to burn indoors is everything :). cheers mr buddy, and thanks primaloutdoorslife.... great vid

[@randyt58]

Very interesting. My first Big Buddy started having issues after a year. I took it apart and got all the oil accumulation out of the fuel tubes, put it back together, and it worked fine. Thats when I started using the filter thingy. Still got oil in lines. May have been leftover from before I put the filter on. I did see somewhere that someone used air compressor to blow out lines. Awesome units. Use it in my houseboat every winter. I did buy a second one but that was because unit got dropped a couple times and cabinet started breaking. So I have a newer unit and spare parts. PS... I have had 2 regulators go bad.

[@Trucker-Belly]

Look into a diesel parking heater. Keeps combustibles away from your breathing. They work just like a furnace and its very cheap, has thermostats, remotes, etc. they run about $180 and some are easier than others to install.

[@tbxtroll]

I have had buddy for 3 years only use the 1 lb cylinder and no problems. Just use it during hunting season in NewYork and no worries. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@captlynhall]

I'm new to camping, and I purchased a Mr Heater Buddy. After going thru 3 of the small canisters one night when it got down to 23 degrees, I decided to go with the 20lb tank. I did buy the filter, but did not know that it needed to be changed out every year, so I do appreciate the heads up.

[@captlynhall]

Me either. I need to order another filter.

[@johnboylong40]

Appreciate the info but this is a “read the directions” thing. When we purchased ours 2 years ago it had no hose and we began the search. It listed the Mr Buddy hoses and serial numbers to use and if you didn’t use one of those a filter was required. We finally found one hose on the shelf at Walmart of all places that matched the serial number we needed. No problems with it since our purchase. Stay warm and safe folks!

[@RenegadeThrifter]

Surprising how the heaters failed and what caused it. A cold day sure isn’t the best time to find out your heater isn’t working. Thanks 🙏

[@williamsmardo1240]

Just ran into the same problem with one of these hoses , from the large tank. So, I went on KZbin, and found your video.( Thanks for the video. ) I took mine apart and blew the lines out with compressed air , and other product. Now I'm on my second small bottle of propane and it is working fine. I'm only going to use the small bottles , and refill them.

[@dennisc8664]

Thanks for this! My dad ruined his Mr Buddy this last season the same way, off brand hose, no regulator and no filter. Love your channel btw!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thanks, Dennis.

[@99wallygator]

They can be fixed. My brother had the same issue. We have a guy in our area that repairs them, cheap.

[@GodsMount]

I had the same problem even with the filter. Went and bought the 10 ft Mister Heater hose and it has worked great ever since.

[@patriotgrandma7970]

Good to know, the store where I work sells many Mr. Heater products, this is good information.

[@paulharwood1281]

Great info to know I bought my Mr. Heater approx. 5 yrs. ago & bought the hose & even a electrical adapter I believe for the fan & have never even tried them. I just used my heater to kick the chill off in my truck camper when fishing in Michigan.

[@86bigred]

Seen this when working on RV's. Oil come from the propane tank. Always fill up at a reputable filling station. Try to save a buck or two at discount filling station. You will pay for it in the end.

[@nancybryson5488]

Thx much for the info. Some insist that what messes up one's Little Buddy is that the propane itself, not the hose, is "dirty". But in your case it seems to have been the hose. Great info.

[@DonziGT230]

I run a 30 PSI regulator at the tank. It's high enough for any regulated appliance to work and I think it should be low enough to keep the hose from leeching plasticizers (aka, the oily stuff).

[@marktwain368]

Where can we get such a device? Sounds great.

[@DonziGT230]

@@marktwain368 I got mine on Amazon. I've been using it about a year and it still works great.

[@billrose2083]

Just an issue I had.......where the pilot light comes through, I clean that little "cup" with alcohol on a q tip. Let it dry for a while before lighting. Works wonders. I have used the long hoses on a 20 pound tank and they work great. Been using my two heaters for about 6 years. (I have both a little buddy and a big buddy). Haven't cooked with them yet but will. HAPPPY CAMPING !!!

[@1995dresser]

This was in the instructions that came with my Mr Heater Buddy about using anything other then their hose because of the oil issue and about using a Filter to prevent oil and moisture . mine is about 5yrs old and still works Great I guess it pays to read the instructions sometimes because I don't most times

[@DrTHC]

I always read the manual of anything I purchase, and I also purchased the Buddy manufactured hose for the same reason.

[@codycastro8083]

This is the price you pay when not reading the instructions. I hate when that happens.

[@walter24148]

Hell ot tells you on the box it's self. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I guess some people can learn to speak without learning to read. 😂

[@codycastro8083]

@@walter24148 some of use don’t read or write for a living or sit by a computer all the time. People actually do work for a living. SMH.

[@walter24148]

@Earthmovin Cody I actually do work for a living, I've worked in a factory for 16 years of my life, that's no excuse to be an idiot.

[@shredders3881]

Just got a new Buddy heater, and winter is just about to hit here in the Rockies. So glad I saw this video. Thanks for posting!

[@arrowshot3000]

The Mr Heater Buddy is a game changer when it comes to cold weather camping. My buddy brings his when we go out and it's amazing

[@kayakchrispy]

arrowshot3000 they’re great til they fail I’ve had three as well Gotta replace the filter

[@dr123hall]

Two Little Buddy fails and now I believe I found your channel by no coincidence. Thank You very much for the research and field experience share! Tear down no luck, Thought the oxygen sensors were failing, now I believe you nailed the plasticizer hose problem! Lucky to have rescued my MG2TiR ProComm wall hang unit, cleaned brass gas feed tube ( takes LNG and Propane). I use as a portable with a 20lb tank hose ( -9 in Kentucky last night). Fired up the RedStone Kerosene 10K unit for garage and plugged in the Soleil electric heater for upstairs. The Big Buddy seems a better deal to me and might give it a go USING CORRECT HOSE! Thanks Buddy!

[@bruceall-malty7212]

RV Geeks did a video on this issue a few months ago, turns out the problem is with a long hose under high pressure. If you put a regulator at the tank end to reduce pressure near operating levels (but a bit higher, because the heater has its own regulator), the hose doesn’t leech crud nearly as much.

[@bruceall-malty7212]

A slight clarification... the crud does not really leech out of the hose, but precipitates out of the propane, almost like condensation. The high pressure and long hose combine to magnify what is usually a minor, but always present, effect. Just the facts, ma’am.

[@kirk2459]

It is to bad RV manufactures do not put a simple gas "drip leg" with a clean out in the line as is standard on all home gas furnaces, water heaters and stoves. Apparently another $5 in parts is to much for them to do, and it makes people keep coming back for service and repairs. That was one of the first things I did after getting my RV.

[@GunnisonUndercover]

I had same problem. I started losing the pilot light and eventually the heater would shut off and not work. I took the heater apart and discovered the feed tubes inside were clogged up with oil. I used brake clean to rid the tubes of oil. That resolved the problem. I then installed the filter. Then the igniter broke and I junked the heater. The theory I ran with is the propane in the typical exchange tank has some oil within the gas. I have read the 1lb screw on tank is filtered propane. The hose I used was a Mr Heater hose. Whether its a hose issue or dirty propane, you have to use the filter. The $10 filter will resolve the oil residue clogging up the inside feed tubes. My second Mr Buddy Little Buddy with the filter has been keeping me warm all thru the winter trouble free. One added note. Be mindful of CO gas emissions when using heater on low setting. Ventilation is necessary. On the high setting the heater seems to burn more efficiently and theres almost no CO emissions. Low setting triggers my CO detector which shows the level. High setting has never produced a reading during my testing. I cant stress the necessity of buying a CO detector with meter on it.

[@scottgorman7166]

I had the same problem with a Mr. Heater hose, the company told me the propane could have oil in it as well. Bought 2 filters due to it takes 2 bottles of propane and the unit only worked sporadically. Will not invest in another unit.

[@roxane7432]

Thank you thank you and thank you. I just bought a Mr heater and never bought a filter. Its on my bucket list today

[@starlitopensky1]

Good to know. The company should state this in the instructions so that people won't have the same problem as you.

[@totallyjonesin]

They just want to sell more heaters.

[@hotspringscyclist2231]

It's all over the box. Lol.

[@jaydenb7515]

On my heater it’s all over the box

[@Blakehx]

Thanks for the info! FYI, Rub some 303 protectant on that new hose and it’ll last a lot longer!

[@CityPrepping]

Good to know.

[@glen1arthur]

funny running into you here. lol

[@cuteone1702]

CP 🤝👍

[@judee00]

I've had a big buddy heater since they first came out. Bought the filter for it. I've been using long hose on 20lb or 100lb cylinders since then. Get the propane filter for it. It works.

[@riverrat1149]

Interesting. My little buddy is maybe twenty years old. All I have ever had to do is clean the pilot light jet once. I am surprised I have never had to replace the thermal coupler. I run both an aftermarket hose made for me and a Mr. Heater Hose.No filter. Did not even know they had one. That said I just disconnected the Mr. Heater hose for mine yesterday with pressure still in the hose and got a nice smelly puddle of oil on my workbench. Propane was from my local RV dealer.

[@briandarazs6620]

I'm not understanding the problems so many seem to be having their buddy heater. I have had mine now for 8 years,problem free, and under heavy use. On one of my rocky mountain trips my buddy heater ran for 88 days problem free. On fact all my trips are cold weather as I don't like the heat. Not one trip has been under 21 days. I also have a cabin that I use it in, never had a problem. Every now and then I clean the pilot assembly, that's it. I got the proper hose as I saw in a buddy heater video, on the website that came with the instructions. I love this heater. Low but periodic maintenance on the pilot, good to go.

[@TheChrislewis1989]

Glad I watched this. I'm homeless and wouldn't be able to afford to replace mine. I got lucky and was able to buy one that was on sale plus i had a discount code. Thank for the tips. I appreciate that!!

[@DrywallMorty]

Just got my first one for my tent(homeless as well) stay warm

[@waynedavis2505]

My heater worked fine last year. took it out of storage this year and the pilot wouldn't light. Did a google search and found out about the oil in the line. I attached the hose to the propane bottle and opened the gas. Then went to the other end of hose and pushed the little valve in the center with a pencil Oil, air and gas came out. reattached it to heater and it worked just fine. I'm getting a filter but bear in mind that will only keep the oil out of your heater. Oil can still build up in the hose and prevent heater from working. Best to use the hose recommended for it by manufacture. A filter is still a good idea.

[@danwhiting4399]

Be careful, the filter could also catch contamination from your propane bottle or sources other than the hose. Thank you for the info, definitely fill us in on the cold weather, and for that matter the all weather, performance of the Mr. Heater hose.

[@toddhendricks8239]

My Mr buddy has worked for 3 years now . Like you said change your filters 1 time a year . Good item to have plenty of in your preps

[@craighanson2983]

You can disassemble the pilot orifice and burner orifice an simply blow out the oil and reassemble and the thing will work.

[@pokerface22222]

I had to disassembly and clean the whole heater cause the oil was in everything. Put a filter on it and so far no further problems.

[@nunyadamnbiznez3522]

@@pokerface22222 Good to know... Thanks.

[@mikesworld2019au]

hi craig

[@patrickbodine1300]

Yes. It will work. For maybe a day.

[@sx20Ramar]

I actually use my Big Buddy with a 20lb tank in my living room in the winter. Have so for last 6 years. I use the Mr. Heater hose with the low pressure regulator built in. Hook it to the quick connect fitting on the heater and have no problems at all. I have a gas sniffer to check all connections every time I get one of my 2 tanks refilled. I run it on medium & helps keep my oil bill down a bit . When I got to bed, of course, I turn it off.

[@itruck96]

I shut off my propane tank first, than wait for the heater to burn it's self out. I was told that would help.

[@TrinityRidge1959]

Definitely helps

[@gregflores8959]

itruck2009 That’s what the instructions say to do.

[@tfoley7553]

This is funny because if I let my propane run out in the house the propane company has to do a leak check in the little pamphlet they give out it say that you can create a vacuum and collapse your incoming line mine is 1/4" copper. But Mr Heater says to burn the gas off in the line! I prefer to do that any way unless I am just switching tanks. then I just turn off the tank unhook the hose attach it to the new tank and turn the tank on. Do not even have to relight the heater. Oh before someone says I could blow myself up the Heater is inside a trailer and the tanks are outside at the end of a 12' hose.

[@blondbowler8776]

I run a Heater Buddy 16-18 hours a day from a 100lb tank (outside) all winter. Weeks on end, and have for ten years. I have an extra in the back room I've yet to fire up this year (been using a lot of wood), and another new one in the box out in storage. I pick em up in spring at half price. Just found another one today. 12' generic hose, no filter. Hot summers and icy, snowy high desert winters (6,000'. Never had a problem with any of them. We swear by em out here off the grid.

[@smokenjoe4022]

Just bought a Mr big buddy watched a video on KZbin first! They said on no uncertain terms use the filter at all times! So yeah you messed up! But I'll give you a 👍 For effort!

[@GripFreak]

Never fails! The consumer doesn't follow instructions. Most consumer complaints with nearly any product is user error. At least you admit that you are going with what the manufacturer suggests.

[@lgwjrwhite588]

Most beneficial to all. Great vid more like this as time goes on

[@davidparker2173]

I just bought a new 18000 BTU Dyna Glow Grab and Go heater, and their hose with a filter. I have not used it yet, but your information is invaluable to me. Makes me think about getting the Mr Buddy hose next year, and still put a filter on it just to be sure; that is, if their fittings are universal enough. Makes me want to cap off the receptors when not in use if these systems are that sensitive to corruption. You would think there would be a way to clean a dirty passage way out. Beats me. Better to learn sooner than later. Thank you.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks for the tips!! Great info

[@dodgeramsport01]

Here’s the deal! People talk crap! If you use components made by or recommend by the manufacturer then you should not have a failure! Look at it this way, it’s like spark plugs! Why do you think there is so many brands of spark plugs and every car has different brands! It’s be cause the manufactures test each and everyone and each and every brand to see which ones work better with their engine. Same with this! The hose that is recommended is what you should use! Great video

[@WhatisReallyGoingOn]

I had a similar problem with my propain coffe maker. I got a bad Bach of propain from an tank exchange. My built in regulator clogged up and could not get it open. There was a puddle of oil in the burner area! I ended up breaking the regulator and never ordered another one.

[@isaactaylor5936]

Take that protective screen off the front. While you are in your shop near your air compressor, blast air pressure in to where the flame comes out. Light your little buddy. It will whistle a little while if it lights at all. Blast it out again. It took six hours but I finally got all the residual oil out. Now it works just fine. And I know how to keep this from happening again. Even saving two other little buddies that I had thought were ruined but I did not throw them away. Doing the same procedure. They work fantastically now. One I even went to the dumpster and pulled it out. As I was realizing what I needed to do. Hope this help somebody. Don't throw yours away.

[@falcon7350]

HERE IS THE FIX FOR THIS many stop working from oils in the LP tanks get into the unit . all ways keep your LP take lower then the heater so the oils have a hard time going up . this is still going to happen and this oil keeps the pilot light from staying on . to fix this can take up to 10 mins or more. get a grill type LP lighter and put the flame on the temp probe why pushing the button for the pilot light to come on . your added heat to the probe so the unit thinks the pilot is on when it is not but this keep the system on so LP can keep flows to push the oil out and it well look very black when doing so . from time to time see if the pilot light well stay on and if it well then its fixed

[@lyndallriedel4565]

Going to give it a try

[@csenior10]

I didn’t know about this but I just came across the filter and ordered one. Then found your video. Hopefully I haven’t done too much damage to my heater. Thanks for the video

[@mopar_dude9227]

Pretty sure that there are recommendations in the user manual about only using their lines, I can’t remember what it says exactly, it has been awhile since I bought mine. I also want to say there is something about filters too (or I might have read it online somewhere). Just another reason you should read your user manual.

[@shannonsizemore438]

The ethyl mercaptin is the odorant added to propane so you can tell if there is a leak. This odorant is an oil based product and will migrate in the line especially if it is at high pressure going to heater. The filter is a MUST if going this route.