IMPORTANT
Read and understand this manual before assembling, starting, or servicing
heater. Improper use of heater can cause serious injury. Keep this manual
for future reference.
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List ................................16
Burner Head Assembly........................................................18
Motor and Pump Assembly .................................................18
Warranty and Repair Service .....................................................Back Cover
SAFETY
INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, operate, or service this heater. Improper
use of this heater can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire,
explosion, electrical shock, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
resemble the flu, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you have these signs,
the heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater
serviced. Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These
include pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia, those
under the influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Make certain you read and understand all warnings. Keep this manual for
reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this heater.
W ARNINGS
!
DANGER
2
103252
SAFETY
INFORMATION
Continued
WARNINGS
• Use only kerosene or No. 1 fuel oil to avoid risk of fire or explosion. Never use
gasoline, naphtha, paint thinners, alcohol, or other highly flammable fuels.
• Fueling
a) Personnel involved with fueling shall be qualified and thoroughly familiar
with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations regarding the
safe fueling of heating units.
b) Only the type of fuel specified on the heater's data plate shall be used.
c) All flame, including the pilot light, if any , shall be extinguished and the heater
allowed to cool, prior to fueling.
d) During fueling, all fuel lines and fuel-line connections shall be inspected for
leaks. Any leaks shall be repaired prior to returning the heater to service.
e) At no time shall more than one day's supply of heater fuel be stored inside a
building in the vicinity of the heater. Bulk fuel storage shall be outside the
structure.
f) All fuel storage shall be located a minimum of 25 feet (7.62 m) from heaters,
torches, welding equipment, and similar sources of ignition (exception: the
fuel reservoir integral with the heater unit).
g) Whenever possible, fuel storage shall be confined to areas where floor pen-
etrations do not permit fuel to drip onto or be ignited by a fire at lower eleva-
tion.
h) Fuel storage shall be in accordance with the authority having jurisdiction.
• Never use heater where gasoline, paint thinner, or other highly flammable
vapors are present.
• Follow all local ordinances and codes when using heater.
• Heaters used in the vicinity of tarpaulins, canvas, or similar enclosure materi-
als shall be located a safe distance from such materials. The recommended
minimum safe distance is 10 feet (3.048 m). It is further recommended that
these enclosure materials be of a fire retardant nature. These enclosure materials shall be securely fastened to prevent them from igniting or from upsetting the heater due to wind action.
• Use only in well-vented areas. Provide at least a 4 1/2-square-foot (4,180 square
cm) opening of fresh outside air.
• Use only in places free of flammable vapors or high dust content.
• Use only with the electrical voltage and frequency specified on model plate.
• Use only a three-prong, grounded extension cord.
• Minimum heater clearances from combustibles:
Outlet: 8 Ft. (244 cm)Sides, Top, and Rear: 4 Ft. (122 cm)
• Locate heater on a stable and level surface while hot or running or a fire may
occur.
• When moving or storing heater, keep heater in a level position or fuel spillage
may occur.
• Keep children and animals away from heater.
• Unplug heater when not in use.
• When used with thermostat, heater may start anytime.
• Never use heater in living or sleeping areas.
• Never block air inlet (rear) or air outlet (front) of heater.
• Never move, handle, refuel, or service a hot, operating, or plugged-in heater.
• Never attach duct work to front or rear of heater.
(Continued)
103252
3
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Hot Air
Outlet
Upper Shell
UNPACKING
Lower
Shell
Fuel Cap
Side Cover
Burner
Control Reset
Button
Figure 1 - RK150 Model
1. Remove all packing items applied to heater for shipment.
2. Remove all items from carton.
Fan Guard
Fuel Tank
Power Cord
3. Check items for shipping damage. If heater is damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.
4
103252
ASSEMBLY
This model is furnished with wheels and a front handle. Wheels, handle, and the
mounting hardware are found in the shipping carton.
Tools Needed
• Medium Phillips Screwdriver
• 3/8" Open or Adjustable Wrench
• Hammer
1. Slide axle through wheel support frame. Install wheels on axle.
IMPORTANT:
wheel support frame (see Figure 2).
2. Place cap nuts on axle ends. Gently tap with hammer to secure.
3. Place heater on wheel support frame. Make sure air inlet end (rear) of heater is
over wheels. Line up holes on fuel tank flange with holes on wheel support
frame.
4. Place front handle on top of fuel tank flange. Insert screws through handle,
fuel tank flange, and wheel support frame. Attach nut finger tight after each
screw is inserted.
5. After all screws are inserted, tighten nuts firmly.
When installing wheels, point extended hub of wheels toward
Hot Air
Outlet
Fuel
Tank
Flange
Wheel
Support
Frame
Wheel
Front
Handle
Screw
Air
Inlet
Nut
103252
Cap Nut
Axle
Figure 2 - Wheel and Handle Assembly
Extended
Hub
5
THEORY OF
OPERATION
The Fuel System: The air pump forces air through the air line. The air is then
pushed through the burner head nozzle. This air causes fuel to lift from the tank.
A fine mist of fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber.
The Air System: The motor turns the fan. The fan pushes air into and around
the combustion chamber. This air is heated and provides a stream of clean, hot air.
The Ignition System: The electronic ignitor sends voltage to the spark plug.
The spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture.
The Burner Control System: This system causes the heater to shut down if
the flame goes out.
Clean
Heated
Air Out
Fuel
Tank
Combustion
Chamber
Nozzle
Air For Fuel
System
THEORY CUTAWAY
Spark
Plug
Fuel
Filter
Motor
Burner
Head
Air Line
To Burner
Air For Combustion
And Heating
PFA/OV 003
Fan
Air Pump
Air
Intake
Filter
Cool
Air
In
Air
Output
Filter
Electronic
Ignitor
Fuel
Figure 3 - Cross Section Operational View
6
103252
FUELS
!
WARNING
Use only kerosene or No. 1 fuel oil to avoid risk of fire or
explosion. Never use gasoline, naphtha, paint thinners,
alcohol, or other highly flammable fuels.
Do not use heavy fuels such as No. 2 fuel oil or No. 2 Diesel. Using heavy fuels
will result in:
• clogged fuel filter and nozzle
• carbon build up on spark plug
• the need of nontoxic anti-icer in fuel during very cold weather
VENTILATION
IMPORTANT:
container is clean. Foreign matter such as rust, dirt, or water will cause the burner
control to shut down heater. Foreign matter may also require you to clean fuel
system often.
Follow the minimum fresh, outside air ventilation
requirements. If proper fresh, outside air ventilation is not
provided, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. Provide
proper fresh, outside air ventilation before running heater.
Provide a fresh air opening of at least 4 1/2 square feet (4,180 square cm). Provide
extra fresh air if more heaters are being used.
Example:
• a two-car garage door [16 feet (5 meter) wide opening] raised 3.5 inches
(8.9 cm)
• a single-car garage door [9 feet (2.75 meter) wide opening] raised 6 inches
(15.25 cm)
Use a KEROSENE ONLY storage container. Be sure storage
!
WARNING
A 150,000 Btu/Hr heater requires one of the following:
Review and understand the warnings in the Safety
Information Section. They are needed to safely operate this
heater. Follow all local codes when using this heater.
To Start Heater
1. Follow all ventilation and safety information.
2. Fill fuel tank with kerosene or No. 1 fuel oil.
3. Attach fuel cap.
4. Plug power cord of heater into 220 volt/60 hertz grounded outlet. Use an
extension cord if needed. Use only a three-prong, grounded (earthed) extension cord.
Extension Cord Wire Size Requirements
Up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) long, use 16 AWG (1.0 mm2) rated cord
101 to 200 feet (30.8 to 61 meters) long, use 14 AWG (1.5 mm2) rated cord
Heater will start when power cord is plugged into outlet. If not, push in burner
control reset button (see Figure 4).
Burner
Control
Reset
Button
Figure 4 - Burner Control Reset Button
To Stop Heater
1. Unplug power cord from outlet.
To Restart Heater
1. Wait 2 minutes after stopping heater.
2. Repeat steps under To Start Heater, above.
8
103252
STORING,
TRANSPORTING
,
OR SHIPPING
Note:
If shipping, transport companies require fuel tanks to be empty.
1. Drain fuel tank.
Note:
Some models have drain plug on underside of fuel tank. If so, remove
drain plug to drain all fuel. If heater does not have drain plug, drain fuel
through fuel cap opening. Be sure all fuel is removed.
2. Replace drain plug if provided.
3. If any debris is noted in old fuel, add 1 or 2 quarts (1 or 2 liters) of clean
kerosene to tank, stir, and drain again. This will prevent excess debris from
clogging filters during future use.
4. Replace fuel cap or drain plug. Properly dispose of old and dirty fuel. Check
with local automotive service stations that recycle oil.
5. If storing, store heater in dry place. Make sure storage place is free of dust and
corrosive fumes.
PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
IMPORTANT:
heating season. Using old fuel could damage heater.
Never service heater while it is plugged in, operating, or hot.
Severe burns and electrical shock can occur.
ItemHow OftenHow To
Fuel tankFlush every 150-200 hoursSee Storing, Transporting, or
Air output andReplace every 500 hours ofSee Air Output, Air Intake,
lint filters operation or once a year.and Lint Filters, page 11.
Air intakeWash and dry with soap andSee Air Output, Air Intake,filter water every 500 hours of op-and Lint Filters, page 11.
Fuel filterClean twice a heating seasonSee Fuel Filter, page 12.
Do not store kerosene over summer months for use during next
!
WARNING
of operation or as needed.Shipping, above.
eration or replace as needed.
or replace as needed.
103252
Spark plugClean and regap every 600See Spark Plug, pages 12.
hours operation or replace
as needed.
Fan bladesClean each season or as needed. See Fan, page 11.
MotorNot required/permanently lubricated.
9
TROUBLE-
!
SHOOTING
WARNING
Never service heater while it is plugged in, operating, or hot.
Severe burns and electrical shock can occur.
OBSERVED FAULTPOSSIBLE CAUSEREMEDY
Heater ignites, but
burner control shuts
off heater after a
short period of time.
Wrong pump pressure
Dirty air output, air intake
and lint filters
See Pump Pressure Adjustment, page 12.
See Air Output, Air Intake and Lint Filters, page 11.
Heater will not
ignite, but motor runs
for a short period of
time.
Dirty fuel filter
Dirt in nozzle
Dirty photocell lens
Bad burner control
Wrong pump pressure
Carbon deposits on spark
plug and/or improper gap
Dirty fuel filter
Dirt in nozzle
Water in fuel tank
!
WARNING: High voltage!
Electronic ignitor not
grounded
See Fuel Filter, page 12.
See Nozzle, page 13.
Clean photocell lens.
Replace burner control.
See Pump Pressure Adjustment, page 12.
See Spark Plug, pages 12.
See Fuel Filter, page 12.
See Nozzle, page 13.
Drain and flush fuel
tank with clean kerosene.
See Storing, Transporting,
or Shipping, page 9.
Make sure electronic ig nitor mounting is tight.
Motor does not start
when heater is plugged
in, fan rotates slowly
or does not turn.
Bad electronic ignitor
Burner control not reset
Binding pump rotor
Replace electronic ignitor.
Press burner control
reset button.
If fan is hard to turn, see
Pump Rotor, page 13.
10
103252
SERVICE
PROCEDURES
Upper Shell Removal
1. Remove screws along each side
of heater using 5/16" nutdriver. These screws attach
upper and lower shells together.
2. Lift upper shell off.
3. Remove fan guard.
Fan
IMPORTANT:
motor shaft before removing motor
from heater. The weight of the
motor resting on the fan could
damage the fan pitch.
1. Remove upper shell (see
above).
2. Use 1/8" Allen wrench to
loosen setscrew which holds
fan to motor shaft.
3. Slip fan off motor shaft.
4. Clean fan using soft cloth
moistened with kerosene or
solvent.
5. Dry fan thoroughly.
6. Replace fan on motor shaft.
Place fan hub flush with end of
motor shaft (see Figure 6).
7. Place setscrew on flat of shaft.
Tighten setscrew firmly (40-50
inch-pounds/4.5-5.6 n-m).
8. Replace fan guard and upper
shell.
Remove fan from
!
WARNING
Never service heater while it is plugged in, operating, or hot.
Severe burns and electrical shock can occur.
Upper
Shell
Figure 5 - Upper Shell Removal
Fan
Motor
Motor
Shaft
Setscrew
Fan
Guard
Flush
Air Output, Air Intake, and
Lint Filters
1. Remove upper shell (see
above).
2. Remove filter end cover screws
using 5/16" nut-driver.
3. Remove filter end cover.
4. Replace air output and lint
filters.
5. Wash or replace air intake filter
(see Preventative MaintenanceSchedule, page 9).
6. Replace filter end cover.
7. Replace fan guard and upper
shell.
IMPORTANT:
103252
Do not oil filters.
Figure 6 - Fan Cross Section
Air Intake Filter
Filter End Cover
Lint Filter
Air Output Filter
Fan Guard
Figure 7 - Air Output, Air Intake, and Lint Filters
11
Pump Pressure
Adjustment
1. Remove pressure gauge plug
from filter end cover.
2. Install accessory pressure
gauge (part number HA1180).
3. Start heater (see Operation,
page 8). Allow motor to reach
full speed.
4. Adjust pressure. Turn relief
valve to right to increase
pressure. Turn relief valve to
left to decrease pressure.
Adjust pump pressure to 4.9
psi.
5. Remove pressure gauge.
Replace pressure gauge plug in
filter end cover.
Fuel Filter
1. Remove side cover screws
using
5/16" nut-driver.
2. Remove side cover.
3. Pull upper fuel line off fuel
filter neck.
4. Carefully pry bushing, fuel
filter, and lower fuel line out of
fuel tank.
5. Wash fuel filter with clean fuel
and replace in tank.
6. Attach upper fuel line to fuel
filter neck.
7. Replace side cover.
Relief
Valve
Pressure
Gauge
Plug
Figure 8 - Pressure Gauge Plug Removal
Fuel Filter, Bushing,
and Lower Fuel Line
Side Cover
Figure 10 - Fuel Filter Removal
Pressure
Gauge
Figure 9 - Adjusting Pump Pressure
Upper
Fuel
Line
Spark Plug
1. Remove upper shell (see page
11).
2. Remove fan (see page 11).
3. Remove spark plug wire from
spark plug.
4. Remove spark plug from burner
head using 13/16" open-end
wrench.
5. Clean and regap spark plug
electrodes to .075" (1.9 mm)
gap.
6. Install spark plug in burner head.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark
plug.
8. Replace fan (see page 11).
9. Replace fan guard and upper
shell.
12
Burner
Head
Spark Plug
Wire
Spark
Plug
Figure 11 - Spark Plug Removal
Bend Here
to Adjust
Gap
.075" (1.9 mm) Gap
Figure 12 - Spark Plug Gap
103252
Nozzle
1. Remove upper shell (see page
11).
2. Remove fan (see page 11).
3. Remove fuel and air line hoses
from burner head.
4. Remove spark plug wire from
spark plug.
5. Remove spark plug from burner
head using 13/16" open-end
wrench.
6. Remove three screws using 5/
16" nut-driver and remove
burner head from combustion
chamber.
7. Place burner head into vise and
lightly tighten.
8. Carefully remove nozzle from
burner head using 5/8" socket
wrench (see Figure 14).
9. Blow compressed air through
face of nozzle. This will free any
dirt in nozzle area.
10. Inspect nozzle seal for damage.
11. Replace nozzle into burner head
and tighten firmly (80-110 inchpounds / 9.1-12.4 n-m).
12. Attach burner head to combus-
tion chamber.
13. Install spark plug in burner head.
14. Attach spark plug wire to spark
plug.
15. Attach fuel and airline hoses to
burner head.
16. Replace fan (see page 11).
17. Replace fan guard and upper
shell.
Pump Rotor
(Procedure if rotor is binding)
1. Remove upper shell (see page
11).
2. Remove filter end cover screws
using 5/16" nut-driver.
3. Remove filter end cover and air
filters.
4. Remove pump plate screws
using
5/16" nut-driver.
5. Remove pump plate.
6. Remove rotor, insert, and
blades.
Combustion
Chamber
Screw
Air Line Hose
Figure 13 - Removing Burner Head
Nozzle
Face
Nozzle
Burner
Head
Nozzle
Seal
Air Line
Fitting
Figure 14 - Removing Nozzle
Insert
Rotor
100 ROTOR-DomesticPFA/P 059A
Air Output
Filter
Figure 15 - Rotor Location
Burner Head
Fuel Line Hose
Blade
Fan Guard
Spark
Plug
Fuel Line
Fitting
Pump
Plate
Spark Plug
Wire
Air Intake
Filter
Filter End
Cover
103252
Continued
13
7. Check for debris in pump. If
debris is found, blow out with
compressed air.
8. Install insert and rotor.
9. Check gap on rotor. Adjust to
.003"/.004" (.076-.101 mm) if
needed (see Figure 16).
Note:
Rotate rotor one full turn to
insure the gap is .003"/.004" (.076.101 mm) at tightest position. Adjust
if needed.
(Pump Rotor, continued)
10. Install blades, pump plate, air
filters, and filter end cover.
11. Replace fan guard and upper
shell.
12. Adjust pump pressure (see page
12).
Note:
If rotor is still binding,
proceed as follows.
Gap Adjusting Screw
.003"/.004"
Blade
Gap Adjusting Screw
Figure 16 - Gap Adjusting Screw Locations
(.076-.101 mm) Gap
Measured With
Feeler Gauge
Rotor
Sandpaper
13. Perform steps 1 through 6 (see
page 13).
14. Place fine grade sandpaper (600
grit) on flat surface. Sand rotor
lightly in “figure 8” motion four
times (see Figure 17).
15. Reinstall insert and rotor.
16. Perform steps 10 through 12
above.
SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 17 - Sanding Rotor
Output Rating (Btu/Hr.)150,000
FuelUse Only Kerosene or No. 1 Fuel Oil
Fuel Tank Capacity (U.S. Gal./Liters)13.5/51
Fuel Consumption (Gal. Per Hr./Liters Per Hr.) 1.1/4.16
Electric Requirements220 volt/60 hertz
Amperage (Normal Run)2
Amperage (Start)9
Hot Air Output (CFM/CMM)500/14.2
Motor RPM3450
Purchase accessories and parts
from your nearest dealer or
service center. If they can not
supply these accessories or
parts, contact DESA International at:
DESA International
P.O. Box 90004
Bowling Green, KY
42102-9004
U.S.A.
(502) 781-9600
Parts Department
Fuel Tank Filter Screen KitHA2210
AIR GAUGE KIT - HA1180
Special tool to check pump pressure.
103252
15
ILLUSTRATED
PARTS
BREAKDOWN
49
45
46
3
51
28
2
1
4
24
6
7
5
23
20
22
21
8
19
25
38
11
14
12
13
50
29
39
15
26
9
10
16
17
27
18
35
36
30
31
47
48
42
53
37
40
32
52
33
34
41
44
43
16
103252
P ARTS LIST
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, be
sure to provide the correct model and serial numbers (from the model plate), then
the part number and description of the desired part.
KEY
NO.
1098511-135Upper Shell1
2M15823-27Screw, #10-16 x 1/2"8
3098512-29Combustion Chamber1
4099229-01Photocell Bracket1
5M10908-2Screw, #6-32 x 3/8"2
6HA3019Photocell Assembly1
7 †Burner Head Assembly1
8M11084-27Screw, #10-16 x 1/2"3
9097293-01Fan1
10 †Motor and Pump Assembly1
11M50631Rubber Bumper2
12098138-02Motor Mounting Bracket1
13M12462-15Motor Start Relay1
14M12461-13Screw, #8-32 x 1/4"2
15NTC-4CHex Lock Nut, 1/4-202
16M51114-01Fan Guard1
17098557-07Ignitor Kit1
18M11084-29Screw, #10-16 x 3/4"2
19M51345-02Fuel Line1
20M51150-01Fuel Filter1
21M51151-02Fuel Line Tube1
22M10990-3Rubber Bushing1
23M50814-03Air Line1
24098511-137Lower Shell1
25M50104-03Bushing2
26M50104-01Bushing2
27M11084-27Screw, #10-16 x 1/2"6
28M11271-8Clip Nut8
29M15823-39Screw, #8-18 x 1/2"1
30098513-56Fuel Tank1
31097663-03Fuel Cap Gauge1
DESA International warrants new Products sold by it to be
free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of
ninety days after date of delivery to the first user and subject to
the following conditions:
DESA International's obligation and liability under this
Warranty is expressly limited to repairing or replacing at DESA
International's option, any parts which appear to DESA International upon inspection to have been defective in material or
workmanship when shipped from the factory. Such parts shall
be provided at no cost to the user, at the business establishment
of any factory authorized service center or the factory during
regular working hours. The Warranty shall not apply to component parts or accessories of Products not manufactured by
DESA International and which carry the warranty of the manufacturer thereof, or to normal maintenance (such as pressure
adjustments) or to normal maintenance parts (such as filters
and spark plugs). Replacement or repair parts installed in the
Product covered by this Warranty are warranted only for the
remainder of this Warranty as if such parts were original components of said Product. DESA INTERNATIONAL MAKES NO
OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW DESA INTERNATIONAL MAKES NO IMPLIED
WARRANTY AND MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PUR-
WARRANTY SERVICE
POSE. IN ANY EVENT IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY.
Any transportation charges, costs of installation, duty,
taxes or any other charges whatsoever must be borne by the
user. DESA International's obligation under this limited Warranty shall not include any liability for direct, indirect, incidental,
or consequential damage or delay. If requested by DESA
International, Products or parts for which a warranty claim is
made are to be returned transportation prepaid by user to the
factory. Any improper use, including operation after discovery
of defective or worn parts, operation beyond capacity, substitution of parts not approved by DESA International, or any
alteration or repair by others in such manner as in DESA
International's judgement affects the Product materially and
adversely, shall void this Warranty.
NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE IS AUTHORIZED
TO CHANGE THIS WARRANTY IN ANY WAY OR GRANT
ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH CHANGE IS
MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY AN OFFICER OF DESA
INTERNATIONAL AT ITS HOME OFFICE.
Printed in U.S.A.
Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating
with the factory.
We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time
without notice. The only Warranty applicable is our standard
written Warranty. We make no other Warranty, expressed or
implied.
A Service Manual is available by writing to the Technical Service
Department at: