Mr. Heater F232000 Instructions

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND OWNER’S MANUAL

PORTABLE BUDDY

Model #

RADIANT HEATER

READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and follow all instructions. Place instructions in a safe

place for future reference. Do not allow anyone who has not read these instructions to assemble,
light, adjust or operate the heater.

PORTABLE PROPANE HEATER
FOR RECREATIONAL,
COMMERCIAL AND
EMERGENCY INDOOR USE

MH9BX

FOR US SALE EXCEPT
MASSACHUSETTS

Use only Mr. Heater branded accessories
(See page 8 for WARNING information)

LANGUAGES INCLUDED:

•ENGLISH

•SPANISH

WARNING:

— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any

other appliance.

— An LP cylinder not connected for use shall not be stored in the vicinity of this or any other

appliance.

— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Do not try to light appliance.

• Extinguish any open flame.

• Shut off gas to appliance.
— Service must be performed by a qualified service agency.

If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion
may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

This is an unvented gas-fired portable heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the area in which it is used.
Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided. Refer to page 3.

www.mrheater.com 800-251-0001

2017 - 32045 - CB

WARNING:

Every time hose or tank is connected to unit, connection

must be checked for leaks in one or more ways: Apply
soapy water to connection, look for bubbles, listen for
hiss of escaping gas, feel for extreme cold, smell for
rotten egg odor. Do not use if leaking!

WARNING:

Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble

the flu, with headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If
you have these signs, heater may not be working
properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.

WARNING:

WARNING:

Any changes to this heater or its controls can be

dangerous.

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS:

If the recreational or commercial enclosure does

not have a window or roof vent, DO NOT USE THIS
HEATER INSIDE.

WARNING: Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain carbon monoxide, a

chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm).

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE: Not for use in a “dwelling home” in California.

CONTENTS

General Safety Instructions ............................................... 2

Odor Fade Warning .......................................................... 3

General Information ......................................................... 4

Operating with Disposable Propane Cylinders ................... 4

Operating With Hose Connected to Remote Cylinder ....... 5

Maintenance .................................................................... 5

Troubleshooting ............................................................... 6

Parts List ........................................................................... 7

Parts Ordering Information ............................................... 8

Service Information ........................................................... 8

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NO. ....................................................MH9BX

GAS TYPE ..................................................... PROPANE

INPUT BTU/HR. ..................................... 4,000 / 9,000

CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES

TOP ....................................................................... 30”

FRONT ................................................................... 24”

SIDES ...................................................................... 6”

REAR ....................................................................... 0”

Caution:

•When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea

level the heater may shut off. (Please read the GENERAL INFORMATION)

•Some carpets or linoleum surfaces may discolor if heater is
placed directly on these floor coverings.

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE
THIS APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE GUARD
INSTALLED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WARM OR COOK
FOOD ON THIS HEATER.

• Do not use non-approved attachments on this heater.

• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be

located out of traffic and away from combustible
materials. (See Specifications on page 2.)

• Children and adults should be alerted to the hazard

of high surface temperatures and should stay away to
avoid burns or clothing ignition.

• Young children should be carefully supervised when

they are near the appliance.

• Do not place clothing or other flammable material on or

near the appliance.

• Do not operate heater in any moving vehicle.

• This heater can also be used in a recreational or

commercial enclosure with a window or roof vent. It
may also be used outdoors.

• This heater requires a vent area of 9 square inches

(example 3” x 3” opening) minimum for adequate
ventilation during operation. Do not use other fuel
burning appliances inside.

• GAS PRESSURE AT HEATER IS REGULATED AND

FIXED AT 11” W.C. WHEN USING A REMOTE HOSE
CONNECTION DO NOT REGULATE OR REDUCE
PROPANE TANK SUPPLY PRESSURE TO HEATER!

• REGULATOR IN HEATER MUST ALWAYS BE IN PLACE

DURING OPERATION.

• If the wire guard is removed for servicing, it must be

replaced prior to operating the heater.

Mr. Heater | Portable Propane Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual

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• The appliance should be inspected before each use.

Frequent cleaning may be required. The control
compartments, burner and circulating air passageways of
the appliance must be kept clean, see MAINTENANCE.

• DO NOT use this heater if any part has been under water.

Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect
the heater and to replace any part of the control system
and any gas control, which has been under water.

• When used without adequate combustion and

ventilation air, this heater may give off excessive
CARBON MONOXIDE, an odorless, poisonous gas.

• Some people - pregnant women, persons with heart

or lung disease, anemia, those under the influence of
alcohol, those at high altitudes - are more affected by
carbon monoxide than others.

• When heater is placed on the ground, make sure the

ground is level and keep any objects at least 24 inches
from the front of the heater. THIS HEATER IS EQUIPPED
WITH A TIP OVER SWITCH THAT WILL SHUT THE
HEATER OFF IF THE HEATER TIPS OVER HOWEVER,
DO NOT LEAVE HEATER UNATTENDED OR WHERE
CHILDREN MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER.

NEVER OPERATE THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!

ODOR FADE WARNING
WARNING

Asphyxiation Hazard

• Do not use in unventilated areas.

• The flow of combustion and ventilation air must
not be obstructed.

• Proper ventilation air must be provided to
support the combustion air requirements of the
heater being used.

• Refer to the specification section of the heater’s
manual, heater dataplate, or contact the factory
to determine combustion air ventilation
requirements of the heater.

• Lack of proper ventilation air will lead to
improper combustion.

• Improper combustion can lead to carbon
monoxide poisoning leading to serious injury or
death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
can include headaches, dizziness and difficulty
in breathing.

FUEL GAS ODOR

LP gas and natural gas have man‑made odorants
added specifically for detection of fuel gas leaks.
If a gas leak occurs you should be able to smell the
fuel gas. Since Propane (LP) is heavier than air you
should smell for the gas odor low to the floor. ANY
GAS ODOR IS YOUR SIGNAL TO GO INTO IMMEDIATE
ACTION!

• Do not take any action that could ignite the fuel gas.
Do not operate any electrical switches. Do not pull
any power supply or extension cords. Do not light
matches or any other source of flame. Do not use your
telephone.

• Get everyone out of the building and away from the
area immediately.

• Close all propane (LP) gas tank or cylinder fuel supply
valves, or the main fuel supply valve located at the
meter if you use natural gas.

• Propane (LP) gas is heavier than air and may settle in
low areas. When you have reason to suspect a propane
leak, keep out of all low areas.

• Use your neighbor’s phone and call your fuel gas
supplier and your fire department. Do not re-enter the
building or area.

• Stay out of the building and away from the area until
declared safe by the firefighters and your fuel gas
supplier.

• FINALLY, let the fuel gas service person and the
firefighters check for escaped gas. Have them air out
the building and area before you return. Properly
trained service people must repair any leaks, check for
further leakages, and then relight the appliance for you.

ODOR FADING ‑ NO ODOR DETECTED

• Some people cannot smell well. Some people cannot

smell the odor of the man-made chemical added to
propane (LP) or natural gas. You must determine if you
can smell the odorant in these fuel gases.

• Learn to recognize the odor of propane (LP) gas and
natural gas. Local propane (LP) gas dealers will be more
than happy to give you a scratch and sniff pamphlet.
Use it to become familiar with the fuel gas odor.

• Smoking can decrease your ability to smell. Being
around an odor for a period of time can affect your
sensitivity to that particular odor. Odors present in
animal confinement buildings can mask fuel gas odor.

• The odorant in propane (LP) gas and natural gas
is colorless and the intensity of its odor can fade
under some circumstances.

• If there is an underground leak, the movement of gas
through the soil can filter the odorant.

• Propane (LP) gas odor may differ in intensity at different
levels. Since Propane (LP) gas is heavier than air, there
may be more odor at lower levels.

• Always be sensitive to the slightest gas odor. If you
continue to detect any gas odor, no matter how small,
treat it as a serious leak. Immediately go into action as
discussed previously.

ATTENTION ‑ CRITICAL POINTS TO
REMEMBER!

• Propane (LP) gas has a distinctive odor. Learn to
recognize these odors. (Reference Fuel Gas Odor and
Odor Fading sections above.

• Even If you are not property trained in the service and
repair of the heater, ALWAYS be consciously aware of
the odors of propane (LP) gas and natural gas.

• If you have not been properly trained in repair and
service of propane (LP) gas then do not attempt to
light heater, perform service or repairs, or make any
adjustments to the heater on the propane (LP) gas fuel
system.

Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Propane Heater

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• A periodic sniff test around the heater or at the heater’s
joints; i.e. hose, connections, etc., is a good safety
practice under any conditions. If you smell even a small
amount of gas, CONTACT YOUR FUEL GAS SUPPLIER
IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WAIT!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• This heater is safe for indoor use in small recreational

enclosures having means for providing combustion air
and ventilation, such as enclosed porches, cabins, fishing
huts, trailers, tent trailers, tents, truck caps and vans.
It may be used for emergency indoor heating when
connected to a disposable 1 lb. propane cylinder and
for indoor use in commercial enclosures, having means
for providing combustion air and ventilation, such as
construction trailers or temporary work enclosures.

Note: The heater can be used outdoors, but may experence

nuisance shutoffs due to certain wind conditions.

• When the heater is cold or at room temperature, it

will take a few minutes for the burner tile to turn
bright orange. This is normal and the heater is working
properly. If burner tile is visibly flaming, turn heater off
and call a qualified service technician.

• When the unit is lit, there should be about a quarter

inch border around the tile that will not turn bright
orange. This is normal.

• When operating the heater for the first time, the top

area of the reflector may discolor. This is also normal
and is no reason for concern.

• The protective grill on the front of this heater is coated
with a special high-temperature resistant paint. When
the heater is used for the first time, the grill may give off
noticeable smoke or fumes. This is normal and will not
occur during subsequent uses. The fumes are not harmful.

• When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000

FT. above sea level, the unit may not burn as bright
as in lower altitudes. This is normal. At higher
altitudes, the heater may shut off. If this happens,
provide fresh air, wait 5 minutes and re‑light. Due
to local atmospheric conditions heater may not re‑
light.

• Operating time will vary depending on the heater setting

and the supply cylinder size. Up to 3 to 6 hours on a 1
lb. cylinder. Up to 48 to 110 hours on a 20 lb. cylinder
(based on “HI” and “LO” settings). Due to the properties
of LP gas, run times can be significantly reduced when
operating continuously at temperatures below 20ºF. Use
of a 20 lb. tank is recommended in these conditions.

• When moving heater when lit or bumping heater set-

ting it down, the tip over switch may shut off heater. If
this happens, re-light.

• Due to natural operation of small tanks, condensation

may build up on tank and drip on surface under heater.

LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE WITH DISPOSABLE 1 LB. PROPANE
CYLINDERS:

WARNING: Always inspect propane cylinder and heater

propane connections for damage, dirt, and debris before
attaching propane cylinder. Do not use if head of cylinder is
damaged, punctured or deteriorated.

ALWAYS ATTACH OR
DETACH CYLINDER
OUTDOORS AWAY
FROM FLAMES, OTHER
IGNITION SOURCES,
AND ONLY WHEN
HEATER IS COOL TO
TOUCH. NEVER SMOKE
WHEN ATTACHING OR
REMOVING PROPANE
CYLINDER OR MAKING
REMOTE CONNECTIONS!

• Use only LP-gas

cylinders marked
in accordance with
the U.S. Dept. of
Transportation (DOT).

Figure 1: “Off” position.

• Use only 16.4 oz. (1 lb.)

disposable cylinders that
mate with No. 600 valve
connection.

• Heater and attached

cylinder must be in
an upright position
during operation.

• Make sure four-

position Control Knob
is in “OFF” position;
see Figure 1.

• Swivel regulator
outward for easy tank
installation. Screw 1
lb. disposable LP­gas supply cylinder
clockwise (from
bottom) into portable
heater until hand-tight;
see Figure 2. DO NOT
use thread sealant on
this connection.

• Check cylinder con-

nection for leaks with
soapy water at the threaded connection under the
domed plastic cover where the cylinder screws into the
regulator. SEE WARNING! ON DOMED PLASTIC COVER.

Figure 2: Attach fuel tank

Figure 3: Ignition

• Turn Control Knob counterclockwise to “PILOT” position

and depress to light; see Figure 3.

• If heater does not light, hold down for approximately

30 seconds; release and depress again. Repeat until
pilot lights.

Mr. Heater | Portable Propane Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual

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• After pilot lights,

hold down for 30

-60 seconds and
then release knob.
Knob should return
to fully extended
position; see Figure

4. To operate heater
slightly depress knob
and gently turn
to lock in the “HI”
position to light

burner tile. Leave on

“HI” position until
burner tile turns bright orange.

Figure 4: “Release knob.

• After burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust heat

output by turning Control Knob to desired position
(“LO” or “HI” setting)

Warning:

DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB
IS LOCKED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “LO” or
“PILOT”.NEVER SET CONTROL KNOB BETWEEN LOCKED
POSITIONS. POOR COMBUSTION AND HIGHER LEVELS
OF CARBON MONOXIDE MAY RESULT.

• To shut off heater, slightly push down and turn Control

Knob clockwise to “OFF” position.

• CAUTION: After turning heater off, wire guard will

remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing.

• Do not operate, store or remove cylinder near

flammable items or ignition sources.

• LP-GAS CYLINDERS MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM
HEATER WHEN NOT IN USE!

LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE WITH HOSE CONNECTED TO A REMOTE
CYLINDER, MAXIMUM SIZE 20 LBS:

•

This Heater may be used in a recreational enclosure or
temporary construction work enclosure with a remote
refillable propane cylinder ONLY when the cylinder
is located outdoors and the Heater is used with Mr.
Heater Hose No. F273701, F273702 or F272702
and fuel filter F273699. Fuel filter must be replaced
annually. Or use F273704 Buddy series hose. Fuel filter
not required.

• DANGER: NEVER bring a refillable propane cylinder

indoors. A fire or explosion can occur causing property
damage, serious injury or death!

• Inspect the hose before each use of the heater. If there

is excessive abrasion or wear, or the hose is cut, replace
prior to using the heater with one of the Mr. Heater
Hose No’s. shown above.

• The propane cylinder must include a listed overfilling protection

device as well as a collar to protect the cylinder valve.

• Heater must be in an upright position during operation.

• Make sure four-position Control Knob is in “OFF”

position; see Figure 1.

• Swivel regulator outward for easy hose installation.

Then screw hose connector into regulator on heater
and screw connector on other end of hose into LP-gas
supply cylinder valve. Tighten all hose connections. DO
NOT use thread sealant on any of these connections.

• Mr. Heater strongly recommends using disposable
fuel filter F273699 to trap any oil substances when
connected to a remote cylinder that can make heater
inoperable.

• Open valve at LP-gas supply cylinder.

• Check all hose connections for leaks with soapy water

at the threaded connection under the domed plastic
cover where the hose connector screws into the
regulator and at LP-gas supply cylinder. SEE WARNING!
ON PLASTIC DOMED COVER.

• Turn Control Knob counterclockwise to “PILOT” position

and depress to light; see Figure 3.

• If heater does not light, hold down for approximately

30 seconds; release and depress again. Repeat until
pilot lights.

• After pilot lights, hold down for 30 -60 seconds and

then release knob. Knob should return to fully extended
position; see Figure 4. To operate heater slightly depress
knob and gently turn to lock in the “HI” position to light
burner tile. Leave on “HI” position until burner tile turns
bright orange.

• After burner tile has turned bright orange, adjust heat

output by turning Control Knob to desired position
(“LO” or “HI” setting)

Caution: Do not try to adjust heating levels by using
the propane tank shut off valve.

Warning:

DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB
IS LOCKED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “LO” or
“PILOT”.NEVER SET CONTROL KNOB BETWEEN LOCKED
POSITIONS. POOR COMBUSTION AND HIGHER LEVELS
OF CARBON MONOXIDE MAY RESULT.

• To shut off heater, shut off propane at supply tank,

allow heater to use up propane in supply line un‑
til heater shuts off, then slightly push down and
turn Control Knob clockwise to “OFF” position.

• CAUTION: After turning heater off, wire guard will

remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing.

• When not in use, the gas must be turned off at the LP-

gas supply cylinder. As stated before allow heater to use
up propane in supply line until heater shuts off. When
the LP-gas supply cylinder is not disconnected from
the heater, the heater and the cylinder must be stored
outdoors, in a well ventilated space, out of reach of
children, and must not be stored in a building, garage
or any other enclosed area.

• Indoor storage of the heater is permissible only if the

cylinder is disconnected and removed from the heater.
Cylinders must be stored outdoors out of the reach of
children and must not be stored in a building, garage or
any other enclosed area.

Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Propane Heater

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