L.B. White torchman 173b User manual

L.B. White Co., Inc. warrants that the compo-
nent parts of its equipment are free from de-
fects in material and workmanship, when
properly installed, operated, and maintained in
accordance with the Installation and Mainte-
nance Instructions, safety guides and labels
contained with each unit. If, within 24 months
from the date of purchase by the end user, any
component is found to be defective, L.B. White
Co., Inc. will at its option, repair
or replace the defective part or equipment, with
a new part or equipment, F.O.B., Onalaska, Wis-
consin.
A warranty card on file at L.B. White will auto-
matically qualify a unit and its component parts
for warranty consideration. If a warranty card is
not on file, a copy of the bill of sale will be re-
quired to establish warranty qualification. If
neither is available, the warranty period will be
24 months from date of shipment from L B.
White.
Contact your local L.B. White dealer for re-
placement parts and service or call the L.B.
White Co., Inc. at [phone] for assis-
tance. Be sure that you have your heater
model number and configuration number
when calling.
Replacement Parts and Service
PARTS
L.B. White Co., Inc. warrants that replacement
parts purchased from the company and used
on the appropriate L. B. White equipment are
free from defects both in material and work-
manship for 24 months from the date of pur-
chase by the end user. Warranty is automatic
if a component is found defective within 24
months of the date code marked on the part. If
the defect occurs more than 24 months later
than the date code but within 24 months from
the date of purchase by the end user, a copy of
a bill of sale will be required to establish war-
ranty qualification.
The warranty set forth above is the exclusive
warranty provided by L.B. White, and all other
warranties, including any implied warranties or
merchantability or fitness for a particular pur-
pose, are expressly disclaimed. In the event
any implied warranty is not hereby effectively
disclaimed due to operation of law, such im-
plied warranty is limited in duration to the du-
ration of the applicable warranty stated above.
The remedies set forth above are the sole and
exclusive remedies available hereunder. L.B.
White will not be liable for any incidental or con-
sequential damages directly or indirectly re-
lated to the sale, handling or use of the
equipment, and in any event L.B. White's liabil-
ity in connection with the equipment, including
for claims based on negligence or strict liability,
is limited to the purchase price.
Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inci-
dental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Warranty Policy
EQUIPMENT
12
Owner’s Manual and Instructions
TORCHMAN
® SV Hand Held Torch
View this manual online at www.lbwhite.com
MODEL OUTPUT (BTUH) FUEL
173B 300,000 Propane Vapor
Withdrawal
Congratulations!
Your new L.B. White torch incorporates the benefits from the most experienced
manufacturer of heating products using state-of-the-art technology.
We, at L.B. White, thank you for your confidence in our products and welcome
any suggestions or comments you may have...call us toll free at (800) 345-
7200.
150-29471
ATTENTION ALL USERS
This torch has been designed and tested by L.B.White as a direct gas-fired
hand held torch intended for temporary use in industrial, farm, or construc-
tion applications where strong, direct, localized heat is required. If you are
considering using this product for any application other than its intended
use, then please contact your fuel gas supplier, or the L.B. White Co., Inc.
SCAN THIS QR CODE
with your smartphone or
visit http://goo.gl/nvneR
to view maintenance
videos for L.B.White heaters.*
*Requires an app like QR Droid for Android or
QR Reader for iPhone.

GENERAL HAZARD WARNING
■Failure to comply with the precautions and instructions provided with this torch can
result in:
— Death
— Serious bodily injury or burns
— Property damage or loss from fire or explosion
— Asphyxiation due to lack of adequate air supply or carbon monoxide poisoning
■Read this Owner’s Manual before using this torch.
■Only properly-trained service people should repair this torch.
■Save this Owner’s Manual for future use and reference.
■Owner’s Manuals and replacement labels are available at no charge. For assistance,
contact L.B.White at 800-345-7200.
WARNING
Fire and Explosion Hazard
■Not for home or recreational vehicle use.
■Installation of this torch in a home or
recreational vehicle may result in a fire
or explosion.
■Fire or explosions can cause property
damage or loss of life.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
If you smell gas:
1. Open windows.
2. Don't touch electrical switches.
3. Extinguish any open flame.
4. Immediately call your gas supplier.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other flam-
mable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
2
WARNING
Fire and Explosion Hazard
■Keep solid combustibles a safe dis-
tance away from the torch.
■Solid combustibles include wood or
paper products, building materials and
dust.
■Do not use the torch in spaces which
contain or may contain volatile or air-
borne combustibles.
■Volatile or airborne combustibles in-
clude gasoline, solvents, paint thinner,
dust particles or unknown chemicals.
■Failure to follow these instructions may
result in a fire or explosion.
■Fire or explosions can lead to property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Parts Identification
MANUALVALVE
570963
ORIFICE
572798
SPARK LIGHTER
28470
11
Burner
Component used to channel gas/air mixture
and provide an area at which the fuel may ig-
nite.
Burner Orifice
Brass metering device used to feed gas to the
burner at a specific rate.
Gas Hose
Flexible connector used to convey gas from
gas supply to torch.
Manual Burner Valve
Used for supplying or closing off gas to the
burner head.
Regulator
Used to deliver a working pressure to the torch
under varying conditions in tank pressure.
Safety Control Valve
A gas control valve which is held open by elec-
trical power supplied by the thermocouple and
which closes automatically to shut off the flow
of gas to the main burner when flame is extin-
guished or is too small to heat the thermo-
couple.
Spark Lighter
Used for safely igniting the fuel gas by creat-
ing spark when rapidly squeezing the handle.
Thermocouple
A thermoelectric device that converts heat di-
rectly into electrical energy. Works in con-
junction with electromagnet in gas control
valve thereby assisting in maintaining gas sup-
ply for the pilot light.
Torch Component Function
THERMOCOUPLE w/ BRACKET
571693
SAFETY CONTROL VALVE
572796
REGULATOR WITH ADAPTER
21788
HOSE 20706
1/4 X10 FT.WITH HOSEADAPTER
ADAPTER, HOSE
01098
FOAM GRIPS
(2 PER PACK)
572795
NIPPLE WITH
FOAM GRIP
572799
COUPLINGS,
(2 PER PACK)
572797
THERMOCOUPLE
501020

SECTION Page
General Information............................................................................................................................3
Torch Specification..............................................................................................................................3
Safety Precautions..............................................................................................................................4
User Instructions.................................................................................................................................7
Torch Assembly....................................................................................................................................8
Connecting the Torch to the Propane Gas Supply.............................................................................8
Lighting Instructions...........................................................................................................................9
Shut-Down Instructions......................................................................................................................9
Cleaning Instructions..........................................................................................................................9
Maintenance Instructions.................................................................................................................10
Service Instructions...........................................................................................................................10
Troubleshooting Information.............................................................................................................10
Torch Component Function...............................................................................................................11
Parts dentification.............................................................................................................................11
Warranty Policy..................................................................................................................................12
Replacement Parts and Service.......................................................................................................12
This Owner's Manual includes all options and
accessories commonly used on this torch.
When calling for technical service assistance,
or for other specific information, always have
complete model number, and serial number
available. This information is contained on the
dataplate.
This manual will instruct you in the operation
and care of your torch. Have your qualified in-
staller review this manual with you so that you
fully understand the torch and how it
functions.
The repair and servicing of the torch requires
continuing expert training and knowledge of
gas appliances and should not be attempted
by anyone who is not so qualified. See page 5
for definition of the necessary qualifications.
Contact your local L.B.White distributor or
L.B.White Co. for assistance, or if you have any
questions about the use of the equipment or
its application.
L.B.White Company has a policy of continuous
product improvement. It reserves the right to
change specifications and design without
notice.
General Information
3
Heater Specifications
173B
Fuel Type Propane Vapor Withdrawal
Maximum Input (BTUH) 300,000
Fuel Consumption Per Hour (lb) 13.9
6 ft. (1.83 m)
5 lb. 2 oz.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model
Net Weight
(Includes Gas Hose, Regulator and Valve
Minimum Safe Distance From
Propane Gas Supply Container
Gas Supply Pressure Required at the
Torch Inlet (PSI)
25
10
■The area surrounding the torch shall be
kept clear and free from combustible
materials, gasoline, and other flamma-
ble vapors and liquids.
■Review labels at the time of mainte-
nance for legibility. Make sure none are
cut, torn, or otherwise damaged. Any
damaged labels must be replaced im-
mediately by contacting L.B.White. La-
bels are avaialble at no cost.
Maintenance Instructions
Service Instructions
■Close the fuel supply valves to the torch
and allow the torch to cool before servic-
ing
■Do not push instruments into the burner
orifice hole. Doing so may enlarge or dis-
tort the hole creating improper combus-
tion,or burner flame blow out.
-- Use only a soft brush, dry rag, or
pressurized air to clean the burner
orifice.
■Do not use pliers to loosen or tighten
torch components. Doing so may round
off the component creating service prob-
lems. Use the appropriate wrench.
■Observe the flow direction arrow on the
safety control valve and manual valve
when installing replacements.
■Leak check all gas connections after per-
forming service work. Use approved leak
detectors.
Troubleshooting Information
PROBLEMS CAUSES REMEDIES
1. Burner will not light. * Valve closed on torch *Open valves.
or at fuel supply.
* Cylinder or tank low on fuel. *Fill cylinder/ tank.
* Burner orifice plugged. *Clean the burner
orifice.
* Gas hose blocked. *Remove hose
and blow out
with air.
2. Burner flame lifting * Blockages in burner orifice or at * Clean with soft
off burner, or burner primary air inlets of burner. brush, dry cloth,
flame blows out. * Gas pressure too high. * Set pressure to
25 PSI.
3. Burner flame is small. * Gas supply valves not fully open. *Open all valves.
* Burner orifice plugged. *Clean it.
* Cylinder low on fuel. *Replace or refill.
* The check valve in POL fitting *Close fuel supply
is locked. valve and wait
to allow check
valve to reset.
4. Burner lights but goes out after * Insufficient time to allow *Allow 30 seconds
releasing button on safety control. thermocouple to warm up. to warm up.
* Loose thermocouple at control valve.* Tighten it.
* Defective thermocouple. * Replace it.
* Defective safety control valve. * Replace it.
11

WARNING
■Do not use this torch space heating or for
heating human living quarters.
■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 torch.
■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 head-
aches, dizziness and difficulty in breath-
ing.
Asphyxiation Hazard
LP gas has 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.
THAT’S 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.
■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 depart-
ment. 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 the leak,
check for further leakages, and then re-
light the appliance for you.
FUEL GAS ODOR
■Some people cannot smell well. Some
people cannot smell the odor of the man-
made chemical added to propane (LP)
gas. You must determine if you can smell
the odorant in these fuel gases.
■Learn to recognize the odor of propane
(LP) gas. Local propane (LP) gas dealers
will be more than happy to give you a
scratch and sniff pamphlet. Use it to be-
come 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 is color-
less and the intensity of its odor can fade
under some circumstances.
■If there is an underground leak, the move-
ment of gas through the soil can filter the
odorant.
■Propane (LP) gas odor may differ in inten-
sity 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 se-
rious leak. Immediately go into action as
discussed previously.
ODOR FADING -- NO ODOR DETECTED
Safety Precautions
4
1. Before cleaning, shut off all gas supply
valves and disconnect gas supply.
2. Periodically give the torch assembly a
general cleaning using pressurized air,
a soft brush or dry rag.
WARNING
Do not use a pressure washer, water, or liquid
cleaning solution on torch components.
Use of a pressure washer, water, or liquid clean-
ing solution on the components can cause se-
vere personal injury or property damage due to
water and/or liquids causing corrosion which
can result in gas leaks and fire or explosion.
Clean the components of the torch with pres-
surized air, a dry brush or a dry cloth.
Cleaning Instructions
WARNING
Fire, Burn, and Explosion Hazard
■This torch contains components used in the gas management system.
■Such components may become inoperative or fail due to dust, dirt, wear and aging.
■Periodic cleaning and inspection as well as proper maintenance are essential to avoid
serious injury or property damage.
9
1. Slowly open the gas container supply
valve to prevent lock up of the excess
flow valve within the POL fitting.
-- If opened quickly, lock-up may occur,
and gas flow will be blocked.
-- If this occurs, close the fuel supply
valve and wait about 30 seconds for
the flow device to reset itself.
-- Open the propane gas supply
container valve slowly.
2. Open the manual valve on the torch
about 1/4 turn.
3. Fully depress the button on the safety
control valve while using the spark
lighter to ignite the torch.
4. Keep the button depressed for about
30 seconds to allow the thermocouple
to warm up
.
5. Release the safety control button.
6. Once the burner is lit, open the torch’s
manual valve to the desired position.
Lighting Instructions
1. Close the main fuel supply valve.
2. Allow the torch to burn off any fuel gas
remaining in the gas supply line.
3. Close the manual valve on the torch.
Shut -Down Instructions

1. Do not attempt to install, repair, or
service this torch or the gas supply line
unless you have continuing expert
training and knowledge of gas heaters.
Qualifications for service and installa-
tion of this equipment are as follows:
a. To be a qualified gas heater serv-
ice person, you must have suffi-
cient training and experience to
handle all aspects of gas-fired
heater installation, service and re-
pair. This includes the task of in-
stallation,troubleshooting,
replacement of defective parts
and testing of the torch.
You must completely familiarize
yourself with the torch by reading
and complying with the safety in-
structions, labels, Owner’s Man-
ual, etc., that is provided with the
torch.
b. To be a qualified gas installation
person, you must have sufficient
training and experience to handle
all aspects of installing, repairing
and altering gas lines, including
selecting and installing the proper
equipment, and selecting proper
pipe and tank size to be used.
This must be done in accordance
with all local, state and national
codes as well as the manufac-
turer’s requirements.
2. All installations and applications of
L.B.White torches must meet all rele-
vant local, state and national codes.
Included are L.P. gas, and safety
codes. Your local fuel gas supplier, the
local fire department or similar gov-
ernment agencies, or your insurance
agent can help you determine code re-
quirements. Also refer to
-- ANSI/NFPA 58, latest edition,
Standard for Storage and
Handling of Liquefied Petro-
leum Gas
-- ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Na-
tional Fuel Gas Code
3. Adequate ventilation air for combus-
tion must be provided in accordance
with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.154, Tempo-
rary Heating Devices, and ANSI
A10.10, Safety Requirements for Tem-
porary and Portable Space Heating De-
vices, as appropriate
4. We cannot anticipate every use which
may be made of our torches. Check
with the local fire safety authority if you
have questions about applications.
5. Do not locate fuel gas containers or
fuel supply hoses within 20 ft. of the
discharge of the torch.
WARNING
Fire and Burn Hazard.
Can Cause Property Damage,
Severe Injury or Death
■Torches produce an intense and ex-
tremely hot open flame.
■Always be aware of the direction of
the torch’s burner head relative to
people and any combustible materi-
als when the torch is lit.
5
Torch Assembly
8
1. Remove the cap from the POL. Insert
POL stem into the valve on the tank.
Thread the nut counterclockwise into
the tank valve. Tighten the nut se-
curely with a wrench. See Fig. 2.
2. Slowly open the tank valve. This will
prevent lock-up of the excess flow
valve within POL stem.
3. Check all connections with approved
leak detector. Do not use flame to
check for leaks. A fire or explosion
may result.
4. When storing or transporting the
torch, ensure the POL is protected
from damage and dirt entry.
FIG. 2
Connecting the Torch to the Propane Gas Supply
POL NUT
AND STEM
WARNING
Explosion and Fire Hazard.
■Do not leave this torch unattended
when in use.
■Constant supervision of the torch is
required.
■Do not use this torch in an enclo-
sure.
■Combustion air is required for safe
operation.
■If combustion air is restricted,
burner flame will be extinguished:
-- Gas will continue to flow and
accumulate until the safety
control valve closes and gas
flow is stopped.
■If ignited, accumulated gas will
cause explosions or fires leading to
property damage, injury, or death.
1. Assemble all components as shown in
Fig.1. Use pipe thread compound.
2. Ensure all connections are tightened se-
curely.
3. Connect to the propane gas supply.
FIG. 1
TORCHASSEMBLY
GAS HOSE
TO GAS SUPPLY
REGULATOR

6. Do not block air intakes or discharge
outlets of the torch. Doing so may
cause improper combustion or dam-
age to torch components leading to
property damage.
7. The hose assembly shall be visually in-
spected on a daily basis after torch re-
location and when the torch is in use.
If it is evident there is excessive abra-
sion or wear, or if the hose is cut, it
must be replaced prior to the torch
being put into operation. The hose as-
sembly shall be protected from build-
ing materials, and contact with hot
surfaces during use. The hose assem-
bly shall be that specified by the man-
ufacturer. See parts list.
8. Check for gas leaks and proper func-
tion upon initial use, when relocating,
and after servicing. Refer to leak
check instructions within installation
section of this manual.
9. This torch shall be inspected for proper
operation by a qualified service person
before each use and at least annually.
10. Always turn off the gas supply at the LP
gas supply container if the torch is not
planned for immediate use.
11. If gas flow is interrupted and flame
goes out, do not relight the torch until
you are sure that all gas that may have
accummulated has cleared away. In
any event, do not relight the torch for
at least 5 minutes.
12. This torch may be used with a mini-
mum size 20 lb. capacity propane con-
tainer when portability is desired.
However, this size will not provide suf-
ficient vaporization and pressure for
extended torch operation. Ensure that
additional 20lb. containers are avail-
able, or use a larger gas container (50
or 100 lb.).
13. When the torch is to be stored indoors,
the connection between the propane
gas supply cylinder(s) and the torch
must be disconnected and the cylin-
der(s) removed from the torch and
stored in accordance with the -Stan-
dard for the Storage and Handling of
Liquified Petroleum Gases, ANSI/NFPA
58.
14. Propane gas supply containers have
left handed threads. Always use the
appropriate wrench to make a connec-
tion to tighten or loosen the POL fitting
at the container’s gas supply valve.
15. Always use pipe thread compound that
is resistant to propane gas when mak-
ing threaded connections.
16. The components on the torch that call
for hand operation should work with
hand pressure only. If more force is re-
quired, have a qualified gas heater
service agency replace the defective
part. Do not attempt to repair.
6
User Instructions
1. Read all safety precautions and follow
L.B.White recommendations when
using this torch. If you suspect that a
part is damaged or defective, call a
qualified service agency for repair or re-
placement.
2. Check all connections for gas leaks.
Gas leak testing is performed as fol-
lows:
-- In the event a gas leak is detected,
check the components involved for
cleanliness and proper application of
pipe compound before further tighten-
ing.
-- Further tighten the gas connections as
necessary to stop the leak.
-- After all connections are checked and
any leaks are stopped, wait at least 5
minutes to allow gas to dissipate.
-- Light the torch.
-- With the torch in operation, check all
connections, hose connections, fittings
and joints with approved gas leak de-
tectors.
-- If a leak is detected, check the compo-
nents involved for cleanliness in the
thread areas and proper application of
pipe compound before further tighten-
ing.
-- Tighten the gas connection as neces-
sary to stop the leak.
-- If necessary, replace the parts or com-
ponents involved if the leak cannot be
stopped.
-- Ensure all gas leaks have been identi-
fied and repaired before proceeding.
L.P Gas Installation Requirements
■Ensure all L.P. gas containers are se-
cured and protected from people, vehic-
ular traffic and contact.
■L.P. gas containers must be located on
a flat,level, and stable surface.
■L.P. gas cylinders (100 cylinders/tanks)
must be secured from tip-over.
Contact your local authorities, L.P. gas
dealers, or fire marshalls for specifics
dealing with installation in your area.
3. Light according to instructions within
owner's manual.
4. Use only the L.B. White regulator origi-
nally supplied with the heater. This reg-
ulator includes a POL fitting with an
excess flow valve. The excess flow valve
is a safety device which protects against
discharge from the propane gas supply
container if the regulator is broken off.
If the POL fitting is ever replaced, it
needs to be replaced with an L.B. White
POL fitting. Failure to do so can result
in fires, explosions, loss of property, in-
jury or death.
5. This torch is configured for use for
propane vapor withdrawal only. Do not
use the torch in a propane liquid with-
drawal system or application. If you are
in doubt, contact L.B.White Company.
6. Take time to understand how to operate
and maintain the torch by using this
Owner’s Manual. Make sure you know
how to shut off the gas supply to the
torch. Contact your fuel gas supplier if
you have any questions.
7. Any defects found in performing any of
the service or maintenance procedures
must be eliminated and defective parts
replaced immediately. The torch must
be retested by properly qualified service
personnel before placing it back into
use.
WARNING
Fire and Explosion Hazard
■Do not use open flame (matches, candles,
etc.) in checking for gas leaks.
■Use only approved leak detectors.
■Failure to follow this warning can lead to
fires or explosions.
■Fires or explosions can lead to property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
7