International Thermal Research Trekker User manual

20060828 Rev 4-20
International Thermal Research
www.pioneerspaceheaters.com i
Installation and
Installation and Installation and
Installation and
Operating
Operating Operating
Operating M
MM
Manual
anualanual
anual

ii International Thermal Research
Table of Contents
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................ ii
Overview....................................................................................1
1. Safe Operation ......................................................................1
2. DOs and DO NOTs .................................................................2
3. Components..........................................................................4
4. Installation ...........................................................................7
5. Operation ........................................................................... 1
6. Oil Control Valve.................................................................. 12
7. Maintenance ....................................................................... 14
8. Trouble Shooting ................................................................. 16
READ THESE I STRUCTIO S A D SAVE THEM FOR FUTURE REFERE CE

International Thermal Research
www.pioneerspaceheaters.com 1
Overview
OverviewOverview
Overview
Thank you for purchasing International Thermal Research’s
(ITR) Trekker space heater.
The Trekker Heater is a vaporizing pot burner type space
heater with a simple, effective design that produces radiant
and convection heat through the efficient combustion of
liquid fuel. With regular maintenance and proper operation
your heater will function satisfactorily for many years.
The Trekker heat output ranges from 4, to 12, BTU’s, sufficient to heat garages,
small workshops, cabins, ice fishing shacks, or tents. The heater may also be used for
supplemental heating in larger spaces.
Table 1: General Information
Oil Consumption Chimney draught
Nominal heat
output Min max min Max Weight Flue diameter
12, BTU/Hr . 6 US Gal/h .12 US Gal/h . 3” W.C. . 45” W.C. 2 Lbs Ø3 inches
3,5 kW ,24 Litre/h ,48 Litre/h 7,5 Pa 11.25 Pa 9 kg 76,2 mm
1.
1.1.
1. S
SS
Safe
afeafe
afe Operation
Operation Operation
Operation
Proper installation, operation and maintenance procedures laid out in this manual, as
well as local government requirements, must be followed to insure the safe operation of
your Trekker. CSA standard B139, Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment, UL896,
or NFPA#31 are standards that apply to this equipment.
Make sure you read, and understand these instructions and save them for future
reference. If you have any questions or don’t understand anything in this manual,
contact your authorized ITR dealer.
Make sure you read and
understand this manual
before installing and
operating your TREKKER.
If you have any questions,
or require any explanation,
please contact your
authorized ITR dealer.

2 International Thermal Research
2.
2.2.
2. DOs
DOs DOs
DOs and
and and
and DO NOTs
DO NOTsDO NOTs
DO NOTs
All heaters must be installed according to the installation rules mandated by local,
state/provincial, and federal government authorities. These regulations deal with
various matters including heater and flue set backs and fuel storage. DO determine
what regulations apply in your local area. DO OT install the heater or flue unless
the installation conforms with the regulations governing your location.
All heaters and stoves, whether they burn solid or liquid fuel, exist for one reason –
to produce heat. Therefore, common sense says that all heater parts will be hot when
the unit is operating. DO OT touch heater parts if the heater is running. You’ll get
burned.
Your heater is designed to burn clean #1 and #2 diesel fuel. If you burn any other
fuel or burn contaminated diesel, you will void your warranty, cause damage to the
fuel control valve (Toby) and may cause a fire or even an explosion. DO use only the
right fuel. DO OT use any other fuel, under any circumstances.
Fuel delivery from the tank to the heater is important. Any fuel leaks can result in a
dangerous fire. DO inspect the entire fuel line for leaks before firing the heater. DO
OT start the heater until any leaks are properly fixed.
All fuel burning heaters require oxygen to operate and they get that oxygen from the
air. DO inspect the space below the burner to make sure there are no blockages and,
if there is any dust or dirt remove it. DO inspect the exhaust flue (stove pipe) to
make sure it is not blocked. DO OT start the heater until blockages have been
removed.
Oxygen for combustion comes from the air in the same space as the heater and as
that air is used in the combustion process it goes up the exhaust flue. Since you are
also in the same space as the heater, if the air in the room is not replaced, all the
oxygen needed to keep the heater burning, and you alive, will run out. DO make
sure that you have a window or door opened a bit to allow fresh air to enter. DO
OT operate the heater in an air tight room. To do so will lead to oxygen deprivation
and, if the condition continues, will result in death.
If, after the heater has been fired, you smell smoke or exhaust fumes, shut the
heater down immediately and examine the stove pipe for leaks or sloppy fittings. DO
OT continue to operate the heater until any leaks are repaired. The fumes are
poisonous. DO vent all exhaust gases outside.
DO OT ever attempt to relight the heater when it is hot. If the unit is shut down for
any reason, DO wait until it cools down to room temperature before re-firing.
DO mount the heater securely to a non-combustible floor. If a heater is not solidly
secured, and it gets knocked over, it will spill the burning fuel all over the floor. This

International Thermal Research 3
will create a serious fire hazard that could burn down the building housing the
heater. DO OT start the heater until it is properly secured.
All liquid fuel heaters run best when they are level. DO make sure your heater is
level before you start it.
All heaters, regardless of the type or make, can malfunction and all manufacturers
recommend that heaters are not left running unattended. DO OT leave the heater
running unattended. The Trekker is mechanically capable of operating unattended,
but if there is a malfunction, ITR accepts no responsibility or liability for any damage
caused, regardless of the type or extent of the damage. THIS PARAGRAPH
CO TAI S LA GUAGE THAT LIMITS THE MA UFACTURER’S LIABILITY.
DO install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the same room as the heater;
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has some additional consumer tips for
space heaters which ITR agrees with.
Some of those tips are:
DO OT hang wet clothing above the heater to dry it. The clothing can catch
fire as it dries
DO supervise young children when in the same room as the heater
DO OT keep gasoline, solvents or other flammable or vapourizing liquids in
the same room as the heater.
More tips can be found on http://www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_tips/.

4 International Thermal Research
3.
3.3.
3. Components
ComponentsComponents
Components
A.) Trekker major external components (see Figure)
Heater Shell (1) – The heater shell assembly is the area of the heater containing
the burner shell.
Top Lid (2) – Contains a sight glass to observe the flame.
Flue Collar (3) – To attach a Ø3” Flue Stack
Toby Oil Control Valve (4) – Located on the side of the heater and controls the
amount of fuel supplied to the burner. Turning the control knob will allow more or
less fuel to enter the burner. See sections 5 & 6.
Fuel shut off valve (5) - Opens or closes the flow from the fuel tank to the Oil
Control Valve. Fuel line connection: ¼” NPT female threaded fitting
Legs (6) – To level the heater and mount it to the floor

International Thermal Research 5
Heat shield (7) – Perforated shield surrounding the Trekker Heater prevents
accidental contact with the hot heater shell during heater operation.
Primer Bulb/ Fuel dispenser (8) – To put fuel in the bottom of the burner base
before lighting the heater.
Reamer Tool (9) – To clean the Up-Tube from soot and carbon built up.
Draft Regulator (1 ) – To maintain a stable draft.
B.) Trekker major internal components (See Figure)
Up–Tube (2 ) – Receives fuel from
the oil control valve and permits fuel
vapours to flow into the S-Tube (25)
during operation.
High Fire Ring (21) – Clean below
High Fire Ring periodically, remove any
build up of soot or hard carbon
deposits and vacuum.
Burner Shell (22) – Area of the heater
where combustion occurs. The
perforated Burner Shell contains an up-
tube (2 ) welded to the base of the
shell and a removable, capped S–Tube
(25) which sits over the welded up-
tube. The Burner Shell is permanently
mounted inside the Burner Shell
Assembly and can be accessed by
removing the Burner Lid.
Burner Base (23) – Bottom of Burner Shell (22). Periodic cleaning of soot and
carbon build up required.
Heat Shield (24) – Heat insulator to keep heat inside the Burner Shell and away
from the bottom of the Trekker Unit.
S-Tube (25) – The large capped tube in the center of the perforated Burner Shell
is the S-Tube. The S-Tube is positioned over the welded Up-Tube (2 ) and is fully
removable through the top burner lid opening. During operation, fuel flows
through the Up-Tube (2 ) where its level is gravity maintained with the Toby
Control Valve (4). Fuel vaporizes due to combustion heat and is expelled from the

6 International Thermal Research
up-tube, down through the S-tube and into the perforated burner shell where it
ignites.
Note: If any parts appeared damaged, do not operate the heater. Contact your
authorized Trekker Dealer.
When unpacking the heater, remove any packing material from the side of the
burner canister and around the air intake area.
C.) Trekker Exhaust kit (Optional) for tent or portable building
The exhaust kit for the Trekker comes with two pieces of Ø3 inch diameter x 36
inch length flue stack, a rain cap and three guy lines.
D.) Trekker Fuel Line kit (Optional) for tent or portable building
The Fuel line kit comes with an inline fuel filter, 1 feet of hose and a fitting to
connect to the oil control valve.

International Thermal Research 7
.
..
. Installation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
A.) Location and Mounting
The Trekker heater may be placed on a flat level surface made of material that
can resist heat. Hardwood, plywood, concrete, etc. are acceptable. The Trekker
should not be mounted directly on a carpeted floor. Use a solid platform or rigid
heat resistant material between the carpet and the heater.
Ideally a large open space would best suit the heater. The surfaces of the heater
and the flue stack will be generating heat and should be taken into consideration
when mounting the heater.
The minimum standard clearance between the heater and any building
construction other than the floor is 16 inches (4 cm). The minimum standard
clearance between the exhaust vent pipe and any building construction is 16
inches (4 cm).
An unlevelled heater will not operate properly and could be dangerous. Adjust the
heater perfectly level in all directions before mounting.
The heater should be securely mounted to the floor. The legs contain a ¼” hole
for directly fastening the heater to the floor.
B.) Exhaust Flue Stack (General application)
OIL BURNING APPLIANCES MUST BE CONNECTED TO FLUES HAVING SUFFICIENT DRAFT
AT ALL TIMES TO ASSURE SAFE AND PROPER OPERATION OF THE BURNER.
All heaters must be installed according to the installation rules mandated by local,
state/provincial, and federal government authorities. These regulations deal with
various matters including heater and flue set backs and fuel storage. DO
determine what regulations apply in your local area. DO OT install the heater or
the exhaust flue stack unless the installation conforms with the regulations
governing your location.
The Trekker does not come with an exhaust flue stack. Blue stove pipe or All-
Fuel “L” type vent capable of continuous use for flue gas temperatures up to
1 ˚F may be used. Always use flue stacks that are at least the same diameter
as the flue collar on the heater. Appropriate parts for the appropriate flue stack
must be purchased at your local heating and ventilation companies. As all
installations differ, it is necessary that you follow all local, state/provincial, and
federal guidelines in selecting the type, method, and location of the exhaust flue
stack for your particular situation.

8 International Thermal Research
Before the hooking up of the Trekker to a chimney, check to make sure the
chimney is in good condition and that the flue pipe will allow sufficient draft. A
maximum horizontal length of 6’ is allowed. Make sure to have a ¼” slope per
foot minimum. Do not use more than two 9 ° elbows for connecting stove to
chimney.
The recommended draft for the Trekker is between . 3 -. 45 inches water
column. This is measured 18” (45cm) up the stack and before the draft regulator.
The minimum flue stack height is 6 ft (1,8m).
The chimney flue should extend at least
2 ft ( ,6m) above the highest roof
surface or structure within 1 ft (3, m)
horizontally of the chimney to prevent
down drafts.
Attach the female part of the flue pipe
to the heater using 3 self tapping
screws space equally around the pipe
Install the included draft regulator
which is necessary in order to maintain
stable draft in certain conditions.
Read the installation and adjusting
instructions which are packed in the
carton of the draft regulator before installing.
The Trekker emits very little carbon and soot into the flue system. However it
may be convenient to design your flue system so it can be brushed clean if
necessary.
For safe operation, it is highly recommended that the installed exhaust system be
inspected by a qualified professional to ensure the suitability of the type and
method of the installation.
C.) Exhaust Kit for Tent or Portable building O LY (Optional)
The trekker can be installed in tents or portable buildings (both heat and/or fire
resistant) using the optional exhaust kit. The exhaust kit is designed for
exhausting through the roof of the tent or portable building. The following are
general guidelines for venting through this type of structure.
Some tents and portable buildings have a stovejack or protected opening in the
roof for the passage of an exhaust flue stack. This opening and the surrounding
area is protected from damage by heat by either insulated material or heat
radiation shields. Only structures with these devices installed should be used. The

International Thermal Research 9
optional exhaust kit is supplied with two, three foot sections of 3 inch diameter,
single wall flue stacks and a rain cap. When assembled, the exhaust stack is
inserted into the opening and the rain cap is installed and secured on top of the
last section of stack. Tie one end of a guy line through the loop on one of the
three wire ropes located on the rain cap. Use an overhand loop to secure the wire.
Lower the assembled stack with the attached rain cap and secure it onto the flue
stack adapter on top of the heater. Position the stack vertically and secure it in
place by attaching each of the three guy lines to the ground or building.
Always place the Trekker a safe distance from the tent or portable building wall
on a certified fireproof mat or bricks. Swivel the legs outwards for a stability.
Overhand Loop
Note:
•
••
•The exhaust system must develop the recommended draft.
•
••
•When going through combustible material, all local codes for insulated
stacks, protective shield clearances, etc. must be met.
During operation, the heater produces harmful carbon monoxide (CO) and other
gases. To prevent CO poisoning, ensure the exhaust stack sections fit together
snugly and that the exhaust gases are properly vented through the roof of the
structure.
D.) Venting and Air Supply
The heater consumes about 4 ft3 of air per 1 US gallon of oil. This air enters
the heater through the air inlets and exits the chimney as combustion gas.

10 International Thermal Research
The Trekker should be installed in a well ventilated area that allows the entrance
of outside fresh air.
E.) Connecting to Oil Tank
The external oil tank is to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and the Standard to which the tank has been manufactured.
Make sure that the tank outlet is 12 inches (3 5mm) higher than the inlet of the
oil control valve. (Gravity fed)
A good quality filter should be placed at the tank to ensure a good clean supply of
oil to your heater.
When the tank is installed outdoors, it is preferable to use oil #1, to avoid any
viscosity problems.
DO NOT use an oil/fuel tank inside a tent or portable building.
The fuel line can be connected to the oil control valve using a ¼” NPT male fitting.
INSTALLATION OF THE HEATER, FLUE STACK AND FUEL TANK MUST BE INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION OF AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION, NFPA
#31, CSA STANDARD B139. AND UL896.
5.
5.5.
5. Operation
OperationOperation
Operation
The Trekker requires a break-in period between 1 and 2 hours. During this period,
some smoke and fumes may be generated from the outside burner case; make sure
there is enough ventilation for the smoke and fumes to escape the living or operating
areas.

International Thermal Research 11
A.) Starting the Trekker Heater
To start the Trekker Heater:
DO NOT USE ANY UNAUTHORIZED FUELS OR MIX DIFFERENT FUELS. ONLY CLEAN
UNCONTAMINATED DIESEL #1, #2 FUEL IS TO BE USED. USING ANY OTHER FUELS
COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION. DO NOT USE GASOLINE, CRANKCASE OIL,
OR ANY OIL CONTAINING GASOLINE
•Check for any leaks in the fuel system. Locate and repair any leaks and/or clean
any spills before igniting the heater.
•Check the exhaust flue stack for any blockage or anything that might obstruct the
exhaust gases. The flue stack must be vented outdoors. Do not let any exhaust gas
flow into any living or operating areas.
•Check the exhaust flue stack and the attachment point to the heater for any leaks.
Correct any problems before igniting the heater.
•Check the airway around the base of the heater to ensure that the heater receives
a clear, unobstructed supply of combustion air.
•Open the fuel shut-off valve from the fuel tank.
•Lift up on Toby Valve Actuating Lever to let fuel run into the float bowl of the valve.
•Open the glass lid on top of the heater.
•Suck the fuel into the primer bulb by squeezing the rubber bulb and then placing
the steel tube into a cup with fuel. When the rubber bulb is released it will suck fuel
into the dispenser. The fuel should then be directed toward the Trekker burner
base by inserting the steel tube through the top lid and squeezing the rubber bulb
to expel the fuel. Maximum 1 squeeze with the bulb is enough to start-up the
heater.
•When the burner is being lit, it is usually desirable to use a match and a small piece
of tissue paper for lighting. Place the Tissue paper in the lid opening. Light the
paper and use the auger to drop the tissue down into the base of the burner.
•Securely replace the top lid.
•Place the control knob on the Toby control valve to the first raised “I” mark setting
(LOW) next to the “O” mark.
•Wait ten to fifteen minutes for flames to settle down and turn blue before turning
the control knob on the Toby control valve counter clockwise to your desired
setting.
•If the flame dies out, wait for the heater to cool down to room temperature before
repeating the starting procedures.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START OR RE-IGNITE THE BURNER WHEN THE BURNER IS HOT.

12 International Thermal Research
Do not leave a heater running unattended. ITR accepts no responsibility for any
damages caused by leaving the heater running unattended.
B.) Turning off the Trekker Heater
To turn off the Trekker Heater:
•Turn the control knob on the TOBY Oil Valve to the OFF position marked “ ”.
•Turn off the Fuel Shut off Valve from the fuel tank to the heater.
•The flame will die out in about five minutes.
ALWAYS KEEP THE OIL VALVE TURNED OFF WHEN THE HEATER IS NOT OPERATING.
6.
6.6.
6. Oil Control Valve
Oil Control ValveOil Control Valve
Oil Control Valve
A.) TOBY Oil Valve
The TOBY Oil Valve is a continuous flow level control valve designed for controlling
fuel flow to the Trekker heater.
TOBY Oil valves are factory preset to work with your heater. Do not tamper with
it. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your authorized Trekker
Dealer.

International Thermal Research 13
The key parts to operating a TOBY Valve for the Trekker are the Control knob
and the Actuating Lever. The control knob controls the fuel flow rate and can be
rotated counter clockwise from the off position, which is the “ ” marked on the lid
to the high fire position, which is the last raised “I” mark on the lid. The Toby
Valve Actuating Lever allows fuel to run into the float bowl of the valve when it is
placed in an up position.
The TOBY Oil Valve has two safety features incorporated into the design of the
valve.
•High temperature fuel cut off system. If the temperature of the fuel
exceeds 1 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), fuel will be shut off
at the outlet of the valve. Once this occurs, the valve is no longer useable
and a new valve is required for the heater to operate.
•Tilt levelling switch. The Toby Oil valve will shut off at the outlet of the
valve when the angle of the valve exceeds the following: lengthwise 5
degrees, width wise 15 degrees.
Toby Valves are ULC and DIN approved. The Toby valve requires no maintenance
and has no user serviceable parts.

14 International Thermal Research
7.
7.7.
7. Maintenance
MaintenanceMaintenance
Maintenance
A.) Regular Maintenance
To ensure that your Trekker heater operates properly
•every 75 hours of operation or;
•if the output of the heater appears to be have decreased from the same
valve setting or;
•if the exhaust exhibits smoke
perform the following maintenance:
•In normal operation, carbon and soot will accumulate in the area of
the burner base, up-tube or underneath the high fire ring. These
deposits must be periodically removed.
•Working on a cold burner, ensure that the fuel control valve on the
heater and the fuel supply to the heater has been turned off.
Remove the burner lid and see if there is any soot around or on the
perforated burner shell or high fire ring. If so, brush off and vacuum
clean.
•Inspect the center up-tube with the supplied metal auger for any
obstructions. If there is any obstruction follow the next procedure to
loosen and remove any carbon build up in the center up-tube itself.
oLocate the clean-out plug at the bottom of the burner shell
assembly. Place a small catch pan below the opening of the
clean-out threaded plug.
oUse a 9/16 Wrench and remove the threaded hex plug from
the bottom of the assembly. Any quantity of fuel still present
in the fuel line will drain into the catch pan. Carefully insert
the supplied metal cleaning auger into the up-tube and loosen
any hard carbon deposits within the tube by using an up/down
twisting motion of the auger. This will loosen any deposits and
allow them to fall through the opening of the threaded plug.
Do not use a side to side motion or excessive force or
you will distort, bend, or break the welded up-tube.
Continue until the tube is clear of any accumulated deposits.
oReplace the clean-out plug into the bottom of the burner shell
assembly and re-tighten. A high temperature pipe sealant or
other appropriate sealing compound should be applied to the
threads. Check this threaded plug fitting for any leaks when
the heater fuel flow is again re-started. Re-tighten if
necessary.

International Thermal Research 15
Additional regular maintenance items include:
1Check for any leaks in the fuel system, or suspect areas where a leak might
occur and correct.
2Check the flue stack for any damage or areas that might allow flue gases to
leak into your heating area and correct.
3Check the flue stack for any blockages and/or soot and remove and correct
4Check for fuel strainer blockage and replace if necessary
5The Toby valve requires no maintenance and has no user adjustable parts
B.) Storing the Heater
On storing the heater for an extended period:
6Perform the previous maintenance steps
7Clean the heater with a rag and spray or wipe with a light mist of oil inside
the burner area and outside to prevent rusting.
8Drain all fuel lines and any fuel from the heater
ATTE TIO : Regular maintenance is required for the Trekker heater to
perform as designed. Failure to maintain the heater as required will not only
void your warranty but can cause the heater to operate unsafely.

16 International Thermal Research
8.
8.8.
8. Trou
TrouTrou
Trouble Shooting
ble Shootingble Shooting
ble Shooting
A.) Symptom: Burner does not keep lit, flame shuts off.
Recommendations: On a cold heater
•Check for Fuel Shut off Valve in the ON position.
•Check the Control Actuator lever on the Toby Valve and ensure it is at the
on position by lifting it up. (This leaver does not stay up however)
•Check the Control Knob on Toby Valve is not set to “ ” or OFF position.
•Check for incorrect or poor quality fuel.
•Check for blockages in fuel inlet. ( i.e. fuel strainer plugged and/or fuel line
to heater obstructed)
•Check for blockages in air inlet or exhaust outlet (flue stack).
•There may be air bubbles in fuel line. Give line a quick shake to dislodge
bubbles.
•Check for soot or carbon deposit that may have built up inside the up-tube,
under the high fire ring, or on the perforated burner shell.
B.) Symptom: Heater does not provide adequate heat and flame appears
weak.
Recommendation: On a cold heater
•Check for incorrect or poor quality fuel.
•Check for adequate fuel supply. Ensure the fuel supply valve is open.
•Check fuel line or fuel strainer for blockage of fuel and correct as
necessary.
•Check sections of exhaust stack assembly for leakage or blockage and
correct as necessary.
•Check intake opening at bottom of heater for free airflow.
•Heavy winds or other weather conditions can increase the draft of the
heater. Ensure you have a draft regulator installed and it is connected
properly.
•Check for soot or carbon deposit build up inside up-tube, under high fire
ring, or on perforated burner shell.
•Check S-tube for proper seating on up-tube. Wait 3 minutes for heater to
cool down to room temperature before checking internal tubes.

International Thermal Research 17
C.) Symptom: Heater rumbles and or flame appears high on top.
Recommendations:
•Set the Toby valve to a lower setting.
•Check for incorrect or poor quality fuel.
•Check bottom of heater for free airflow.
•Insufficient exhaust stack height could lower the draft of the heater; ensure
you have the recommended draft or consult with your authorized Pioneer
dealer for the need of a longer flue stack height.
ote: If Trekker heater is still not functional, contact your authorized Trekker
dealer or ITR.
ITR IN CANADA: ITR IN THE UNITED STATES:
2431 Simpson Road Suite D-3, 4 18 NE 112 Ave.
Richmond, BC, Canada V6X 2R2 Vancouver, WA USA 98682
Tel: [phone] or 6 4-278-1272 Tel: [phone] or 36 -993-4877