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 #
04/03 Revision L1 #73432MR. HEATER INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-881-5500PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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 appli-
ance.
— 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. Refer to page 3.

2
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
WARNING:
Every time hose or tank is connected to unit, connec-
tion 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 serviced.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NO. ..................................................... MH9B
GAS TYPE .................................................... PROPANE
INPUT BTU/HR. ..................................... 4,000 / 9,000
CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES
TOP ...................................................................... 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
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 enclo-
sures.
•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.
•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.
•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 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. This
heater is not for outdoor use.
•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 burning
appliances inside.
•GAS PRESSURE AT HEATER IS REGULATED AND FIXED
AT 11” W.C. WHEN USING A REMOTE HOSE CONNEC-
TION 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 com-
partments, 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 ventila-
tion 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 CHIL-
DREN MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER. NEVER
OPERATE THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE THIS
APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE GUARD
INSTALLED

4
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
(“LO” or “HI” setting)
•DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB IS
SECURED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “LO” or
“PILOT”.
•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 flam-
mable 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. F273701or F273702.
•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, 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.
•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 COVER.
•Open valve at LP-gas supply cylinder.
•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 depend-
ing 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.
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.
•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
Figure1

5Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Buddy
•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)
•DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNLESS CONTROL KNOB IS
SECURED IN A POSITION MARKED “HI”, “LO” or
“PILOT”.
•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. 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, below. 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, at left.
WARNING: Never use needles, wires, or similar cylindri-
cal objects to clean the pilot to avoid damaging the
calibrated ruby that controls the gas flow.
9 Apply air pressure into ceramic tile of burner assembly
and the venturi tube (with cone on end) 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.
Figure 2

6
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
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.
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 ........... 11410 .......... REGULATOR
14 ........... 73432 ......... OWNER’S MANUAL
(Required when ordering parts.)
15 ........... 73416 ......... CONTROL VALVE
16 ........... 73404 ........ PILOT ASSEMBLY
17 ........... 73403 ......... TIP SWITCH
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
ACCESSORIES:
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
F273701 5 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel 1”-20
Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/
Handwheel)
F273702 12 ft. PROPANE HOSE ASSEMBLY (Swivel 1”-20
Male Throwaway Cyl. Thd. X P.O.L. w/
Handwheel)

7Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Portable Buddy
Mr. Heater • Portable Buddy • Model # MH9B

8
Mr. Heater | Portable Buddy Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
Mr. Heater 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 AND F273702 ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR USE WITH THIS HEATER. 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
Mr. Heater Corp. warrants its heaters and accessories to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of purchase. Mr. Heater
will repair or replace this product free of charge if it has been proven to be defec-
tive within the 1-year period, and is returned at customer expense with proof of
purchase to Mr. Heater within the warranty period.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER’S MANUAL MH9B
Model #
MR. HEATER INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-881-5500
Mr. Heater and Portable Buddy are registered trademarks of Enerco Group, Inc.
© 2003, Enerco/Mr. Heater. All rights reserved
CSA 4.98
U.S.