MrHeater Portable Buddy MH9B Assembly instructions

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER’S MANUAL
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 AND COMMERCIAL
USE
MH9B
Model #
05/12/06 73432CAL Rev. L1
ENERCO GROUP INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-916-3000
If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explo-
sion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
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.
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. See “General Safety Instructions”.
For California Sale

2
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
WARNING:
Every time hose or tank is connected to unit, con-
nection 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:
Any changes to this heater or its controls can be
dangerous.
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 ser-
viced.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NO. ...................................................MH9B
GAS TYPE ............................................. PROPANE
INPUT BTU/HR.................................. 4,000 / 9,000
CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES
T O P .................................................................... 30”
FRONT............................................................... 24”
SIDES....................................................................6”
REAR.....................................................................0”
WARNING:
If the recreational or commercial enclosure does not
have a window or roof vent, DO NOT USE THIS
HEATER INSIDE.
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES THE
FOLLOWING WARNING:
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).
CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions .......................................... 3
General Information ...................................................... 3
Operating with Disposable Propane Cylinders ............ 4
Operating With Hose Connected to Remote Cylinder . 4
Maintenance .................................................................. 5
Troubleshooting............................................................. 6
Parts List........................................................................ 6
Parts Ordering Information ........................................... 8
Service Information ....................................................... 8

3Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Buddy 05/12/06 73432CAL Rev. L1
GENERAL INFORMATION:
•This heater is safe for indoor use in small recre-
ational 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 in commercial
enclosures, having means for providing combustion air
and ventilation, such as construction trailers or tempo-
rary work enclosures.
Note: The heater can be used outdoors, but may experience
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 prop-
erly. 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 (1/4”) 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.
•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. 3 to 6 hours on
a 1 lb. cylinder. 48 to 110 hours on a 20 lb. cylinder
(based on “HI” and “LO” settings).
•When moving heater when lit or bumping heater
setting it down, tip over switch may shut off heater. If
this happens, re-light.
•Due to natural operation of small tanks, condensa-
tion may build up on tank and drip on surface under
heater.
•Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be
located out of traffic and away from combustible
materials.
•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 only 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.
•Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing
the appliance must be replaced prior to operating
the heater.
•The appliance should be inspected before each use.
Frequent cleaning may be required. The control
compartments, burner and circulating air passage-
ways 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
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE
THIS APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE
GUARD INSTALLED
CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER. NEVER
OPERATE THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!

4
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
•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 Enclo-
sure 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.
•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 opera-
tion.
•Make sure four-position Control Knob is in “OFF”
position; see Figure 1, at left.
•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.
• 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!
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).
•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.
•Screw 1 lb. disposable LP-gas supply cylinder clockwise
(from bottom) into portable heater until hand-tight.
•Check cylinder connection for leaks with soapy water at
the threaded connection under the domed plastic cover
where the cylinder screws into the regulator. SEE
WARNING! ON PLASTIC COVER.
•Depress and turn Control Knob counterclockwise to
“PILOT” position and hold for 30-60 seconds.
•Depress red spark ignition button to light pilot flame
(repeat until pilot lights) and continue to hold Control
Knob down and at “PILOT” position for 30-60
seconds to enable Pilot Light Safety System.
•After lighting pilot, release knob. Knob should return
to fully extended position. To operate heater slightly
depress knob and gently turn to lock in desired
position.
•Fully turn Control Knob to “HI” position to light
burner tile. Leave on “HI” position until burner tile
turns bright orange.
Figure1

5Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Buddy 05/12/06 73432CAL Rev. L1
•Depress and turn Control Knob counterclockwise to
“PILOT” position and hold for 1 - 2 minutes. This may
take longer to purge air from the supply hose depending
on the length of the hose being used.
•Depress red spark ignition button to light pilot flame
(repeat until pilot lights) and continue to hold Control
Knob down and at “PILOT” position for 30-60 seconds
to enable Pilot Light Safety System.
•After lighting pilot, release knob. Knob should return to
fully extended position. To operate heater slightly
depress knob and gently turn to lock in desired position.
•Fully turn Control Knob to “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 until
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.
MAINTENANCE:
Always keep the heater area clear and free from combustible
materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.
Keep the vent areas (slots in the bottom and the top at the front
of heater) clear at all times.
Visually inspect the pilot flame and burner periodically during use.
The pilot flame should be blue in color (not yellow) and will extend
beyond the thermocouple. The flame will surround the
thermocouple just below the tip, see Figure 2.
A slight yellow flame may occur where the pilot flame and main
burner flame meet. The burner should be bright orange (with a
slight blue color around the border, a red-orange haze that is
visible on the ceramic tile is acceptable) and without a noticeable
flame. A blue flame that rolls out at the top of the ceramic tile
indicates an accumulation of dust, lint or spider webs inside the
casing assembly and main burner assembly. If the pilot is yellow or
the burner has a noticeable flame, cleaning may be required. Use
the following procedure to inspect the casing assembly and main
burner assembly.
It is necessary to periodically check the burner orifice and burner
venturi tube to make sure they are clear of insects/nests or spider
webs that may accumulate over time. A clogged tube can lead to
a fire.
1 Allow heater to thoroughly cool before performing any
maintenance.
2 Remove disposable 1 lb. cylinder from heater or turn OFF
gas supply at remote cylinder valve, and disconnect hose
from heater.
3 Remove wire guard from front of heater by gently
bending to remove from holes in front cover.
4 Remove (1) burner assembly retaining screw from
bottom of the heater.
5 Pull burner assembly from front of the heater.
6 Inspect interior of casing assembly for accumulation of
dust, lint or spider webs. If necessary, clean interior of
casing assembly with a vacuum cleaner or apply air
pressure. Do not damage any components within casing
assembly when you are cleaning.
7 Inspect and clean main burner orifice (mounted to pilot
bracket with jam nut) by using a vacuum or apply air
pressure at orifice opening.
8 Inspect and clean pilot (mounted to bracket) by using a
vacuum or apply air pressure through the holes in the
pilot indicated by the arrows in Figure 2.
WARNING: Never use needles, wires, or similar cylindri-
cal objects to clean the pilot to avoid damaging the
Figure 2

6
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
calibrated ruby that controls the gas flow.
9 Apply air pressure (max. 30 psi.) into ceramic tile of
burner assembly and the venturi tube (with cone on
end, ref. item #21) to remove dust, lint or spider webs.
10 Make sure the burner tile assembly is completely seated
against the reflector.
11 Carefully slide burner assembly back into casing assem-
bly making sure to center reflector flange with the
casing opening and hold in place while installing burner
assembly screw in the bottom of the heater.
12 Install wire guard by gently bending and inserting into
the (4) holes in the front cover.
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION:
If Spark electrode does not produce spark.
CHECK
• Spark electrode broken – replace.
• Igniter wire may not be attached to spark
electrode, ground wire may not be attached
to frame - attach.
• Igniter wire damaged – replace.
• Piezo igniter defective – replace.
If Spark electrode produces spark but pilot does not light.
CHECK
• No gas to heater – install disposable
cylinder or connect hose and turn on valve
at remote cylinder.
• “PILOT” position not properly aligned – turn
gas control knob to “PILOT” position and
depress.
• Pilot is blocked from spider web or dirt –
clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
If Pilot flame does not stay lit when knob is released.
CHECK
• Control knob in “PILOT” position not
completely depressed or held in long
enough to purge air from lines.
• Pilot flame not surrounding thermocouple –
clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
• Pilot Assembly defective – replace.
•Tip switch wires disconnected – connect.
If Main burner does not ignite.
CHECK
• Main burner orifice is blocked – clean
burner, see MAINTENANCE.
If Heater keeps shutting “OFF” during normal operation.
CHECK
• Pilot is blocked – clean pilot, see
MAINTENANCE.
• Provide minimum fresh air opening of 9
square inches (example 3” x 3” opening).
• Tip over switch activated from bumping
heater. Re-light
PARTS LIST:
SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION
REF. # ITEM # DESCRIPTION
1 ............. 73234 ......... PIEZO IGNITER
2 ............. 73236 ......... WIRE, IGNITER
3 ............. 73237 ......... WIRE, GROUND
4 ............. 73405 ......... COVER, RH PLASTIC
5 ............. 73418 ......... KNOB, FUEL CONTROL
6 ............. 73423 ......... COVER, FRONT
7 ............. 73424 ......... COVER, REAR
8 ............. 73426 ......... COVER, LH PLASTIC
9 ............. 73428 ......... (2) BASE SUPPORT TUBES
10 ........... 73449P ....... GUARD, WIRE
11 ........... 73452 ......... HANDLE TUBE
12 ........... 98959 ......... SCREW, BURNER MT.
13 ........... 11409 ......... REGULATOR
14 ........... 73432 ......... OWNER’S MANUAL
(Required when ordering parts.)
15 ........... 73416 ......... CONTROL VALVE
17 ........... 73499 ......... PILOT ODS / TIP SWITCH ASSEMBLY
18 ........... 73413 ......... ORIFICE, BURNER
19 ........... 71113 ......... O-RING, BURNER ORIFICE
20 ........... 73446 ......... COMPLETE BURNER ASSEMBLY
(Includes assembled items 21- 25)
21 ........... 73458 ......... PLENUM, BURNER
22 ........... 73429 ......... (2) CLIP, BUNER TILE
23 ........... 73433 ......... GASKET, BURNER TILE
24 ........... 73439 ......... BURNER TILE
25 ........... 73460 ......... REFLECTOR, BURNER
26 ........... 73422 ......... REGULATOR HOLD DOWN
ACCESSORIES:
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
F273701 5 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel
1”-20Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/
Handwheel)
F273702 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY
(Swivel 1”-20Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X
P.O.L. w/Handwheel)
F272702 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY
(Swivel 1”-20Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X
P.O.L. w/Handwheel)
F273699 Fuel Filter (Replace Annually)

7Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Buddy 05/12/06 73432CAL Rev. L1
Mr. Heater • Portable Buddy • Model # MH9B
ExplodedBuddy_rev a.ai

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Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
Enerco Group, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without
notice or obligation, in colors, specifications, accessories, materials and
models.
WARNING:
USE ONLY MANUFACTURER’S REPLACEMENT PARTS. USE OF ANY OTHER PARTS
COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE
DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY AND MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE
AGENCY. MR. HEATER HOSES F273701, F273702 AND F272702 ARE SPECIFICALLY
DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THIS HEATER ALONG WITH F273699 DISPOSABLE FUEL
FILTER (REPLACE ANNUALLY). USE OF OTHER HOSES MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO
BECOME INOPERABLE.
PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION:
PURCHASING: Accessories may be purchased at any Mr. Heater local dealer or direct
from the factory
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE
Please call Toll-Free 800-251-0001
www.mrheater.com
Our office hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.
Please include the model number, date of purchase, and description of problem in all
communication.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Enerco Group, Inc. warrants its heaters and accessories to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of purchase. Enerco
Group, Inc. will repair or replace this product free of charge if it has been proven to
be defective within the 1-year period, and is returned at customer expense with
proof of purchase to Enerco Group, Inc. within the warranty period.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER’S MANUAL MH9B
Model #
ENERCO GROUP, INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-916-3000
Mr. Heater and Portable Buddy are registered trademarks of Enerco Group, Inc.
© 2003, Enerco/Mr. Heater. All rights reserved
CSA 4.98
U.S.
05/12/06 73432CAL Rev. L1