Reddy Heater Keeps Shutting Off [8 Easy Solutions]

Reasons behind your Reddy heater keeps shutting off are no electric supply, insufficient fuel supply, incorrect pump pressure, dirt in the fuel filter, improper photocell assembly installation, broken pilot light or ignition system, and tripped overheat or tilt sensor.

Keep reading and learn how to fix when your Reddy heater won’t stay running.

Reddy Heater Keeps Shutting Off [8 Easy Solutions]

We’ve put together this list of causes and their easy solution in this Reddy heater troubleshooting guide for you. Go reading and follow along to diagnose your heater problem correctly.

1. Reddy Heater Not Getting Electricity

A 120V 60Mz electrical service is used by most Reddy heater models. Your heater’s amperage requirements will vary depending on its size. 

Using a Reddy heater with a long extension cord is a common cause of heater problems. The heater may experience low amperage due to resistance in the extension cord, and it will not function properly.

Solution:

Here’s what you can do to solve this issue:

  • Ensure that your Reddy torpedo heater is receiving the power it needs to function properly. 
  • Use the right extension cord and make sure the electrical supply where the heater is being used can give the required power. 
  • Check the heater’s wire to make sure it isn’t broken.

2. Reddy Heater Not getting fuel

Low-quality kerosene will block the orifices and leave enormous amounts of debris in the burners, which might clog them.

Water in your fuel storage can also be a problem. Your heater will probably make popping and crackling noises if you have a water-contaminated fuel tank.

Solution:

To begin, ensure that the heater is filled with the right kerosene grade. Then check for water contamination in the fuel tank.

In case there is water, you’ll need to remove the tank if possible and rinse it with high-grade k-1 kerosene. After that, wipe off the equipment with a damp cloth.

Finally, remove the wick and let it dry. For a propane-fired Reddy heater, check the propane level in your cylinder first.

A propane-fired heater’s fuel supply system has several additional critical components that must be maintained and inspected. Examine the following components of your propane system for signs of wear and tear.

  • The valve on the propane cylinder
  • Assembly of the regulator
  • All of the fittings and the delivery hose

Replace any parts of your propane heater’s fuel delivery system that have damage, cracks, splits, or leaks right away.

3. Incorrect Pump Pressure

Low air pressure or incorrect pump pressure may be the cause of your heater’s failure to switch on. Your Reddy forced-air heater may ignite as a result of this problem, but the heater’s main PCB assembly shuts it down after a brief time.

Solution:

This problem can be easily resolved by adjusting the pump pressure. Make sure the heater is set to the HIGH setting before personalizing the pressure. To begin, turn on the BTU Control switch to High.

The pressure gauge plug should then be removed from the End Filter Cover. Install an additional pressure gauge that is compatible with your heater now.

After that, turn on your heater and let it reach its maximum speed. By using a flat blade screwdriver, you can adjust the pump pressure. Set the relief valve clockwise if you wish to raise the pressure. Turn the relief valve counterclockwise to lower the pressure.

Finally, turn off the heater.

4. Dirt Build-up In Fuel Filter

Over time, dirt may accumulate on and around the fuel filter. The fuel line may become clogged if there is dirt in the fuel filter. 

Additionally, the dirt in the fuel filter has the potential to damage the power switch wires. As a result, your Reddy torpedo heater may shut off or refuse to switch on.

Solution:

To avoid unexpected problems, we recommend cleaning or replacing the gasoline filter every season or two. Follow the steps below to replace or clean the filter.

Step 1:Unscrew and pull away the side cover using a medium Philips screwdriver.

Step 2:Remove the side cover from the machine and disconnect the switch wires from the power switch.

Step 3:The fuel line must be disconnected from the filter neck.

Step 4: Remove the gasoline filter and wash it thoroughly. It may be necessary to replace it with a new one. After that, join the gasoline line to the filter neck.

Step 5:Replace the power switch’s switch wires and re-assembly of the side cover is required.

5. Improper Photocell Assembly Installation

There isn’t a flame on your heater! We’re willing to wager you didn’t correctly install the photocell assembly. Adjusting the photocell location is a simple way to solve this problem.

Solution:

You should disassemble your heater to examine whether you placed the photocell assembly correctly or not. Remove the side cover by unscrewing it in this example. Now go over to the power switch and disconnect the switch cables.

Also, make sure the connections from the circuit board and the photocell are disconnected. Place the photocell in both brackets this time. Connect the wires to the circuit board at the end.

6. Malfunctioning Pilot Light or Ignition System

A pilot light may be used to ignite the fuel in older models of Reddy kerosene or propane torpedo heaters. You can spot the pilot light should be seen near the aperture of the fuel supply system. The flame should be solid blue with a hint of yellow when it’s working.

An electronic igniter or a hot surface ignitor is used in some recent Reddy heater models. As an ignition source, the ignitor systems will produce a small electric spark. Heat is applied to an electrical surface, which ignites the fuel.

Solution:

The thermocouple may be bad if the pilot light does not stay lit. Replacing the thermocouple with the right part and retrying the Reddy heater is the best alternative. To start, light the pilot light according to the heater’s instructions.

For an ignition system, if you don’t detect a spark or the glow of the hot surface ignitor, you’ll probably need a replacement. Reddy heater parts are available online. Finding a new ignition system shouldn’t be a problem.

7. Tripped Heat Sensor Or Tilt Sensor

Overheat and anti-tilt sensors are included in Reddy torpedo heaters. For every portable heating system, these are critical safety items. They serve as a safeguard against mishaps or the breakdown of other control systems.

If temperatures inside the torpedo heater reach a pre-set level, the overheat sensor will shut it off. If the unit is accidentally tilted or falls over, the anti-tilt safeguard shuts off the fuel and the heater. The anti-tilt sensor ensures that the heater does not operate dangerously. This can be a critical safety element on construction sites.

Solution:

If any of the sensors have shut down your heater, you can restart it with ease. However, you need to figure out why the heater started to overheat and fix the problem.

8. Defective Control Board

Modern torpedo heaters, like practically all new appliances, include a control board that monitors all of these systems for proper operation. The control board functions similarly to a computer. The primary purpose of this computer is to look for a reason to turn off the torpedo heater. The heater may behave strangely or cease to function entirely if the control board fails.

Solution:

Repair the control board if possible. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace it.

FAQ

Do photocells wear out?

Photocells are light sensors that sense light. They are compact, low-cost, low-power, simple to use, and do not wear out that easily.

What causes photocells to go bad?

Incorrect or sloppy wiring between the photocell and the lighting system’s main circuitry is a typical issue that impacts photocell performance. A firm must be made between the photocell and the lighting circuit.

Does the Reddy heater have a thermostat?

Yes, they do.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a propane heater?

To clean a propane heater thermocouple, turn off the fuel supply, remove the thermocouple from the pilot assembly, and clean the accumulated debris and soot using a dry sponge or steel wool.

How do you test a photocell on a Reddy heater?

To test a photocell on a Reddy heater, first remove the photocell from the heater and connect it to an ohmmeter set to 1000 Ohms. Then place the lens in front of a light source with the photocell’s less facing the light source. The meter’s resistance should be less than 500 ohms. When the light source is turned off by placing your hand over the photocell’s opening, the meter’s resistance should be high. If no change in resistance is seen during the test, replace it.

Conclusion

Now that you know all the common reasons that can be why your Reddy heater keeps shutting off, hopefully, you can get your heater started in no time.

If you aren’t confident to DIY repair your heater, it is always better to call in a professional.

About William

William is the founder of Fireplacehubs.com. He has real life practical skills in fixing smoker & heating appliance issues. He loves to share his knowledge & helps others in fixing their appliances & saving their money. William firmly believes that anyone can repair his or her unit with the correct guidance & knowledge. See more at about us.

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