Why does my torpedo heater keep shutting off? It’s because of leaks, bad rotor, and improper pressure settings that may cause it to fail.
More than that, low-quality kerosene leaves massive debris of sand to clog the orifices, affecting the torpedo heater later on.
One more problem is that using the device with a long extension cord causes low amperage in the heater that does not run correctly. And as you fix the issue, always keep safety in mind to avoid explosion or fire as a result, as there is so much more to learn, so it’s best to dig into this article further!
Understanding The Torpedo Heater
The torpedo heater is a portable forced air heater utilizing a fan to draw air in long tubes, the same as a jet engine. It uses a range of fuels like propane and kerosene. Regular maintenance of the device is essential, ensuring it burns clearly and runs efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions, mainly if the heater develops issues, to easily address them and remedy them afterward.
Why Does Your Torpedo Heater Keep Shutting Off?
Troubleshoot issues but first, understand how the device works, as the operation is very basic, same as with other torpedo heaters. But then, the various fuel types utilize multiple methods, while kerosene and propane are the most common fuels used in the torpedo heater. But no matter what fuel the torpedo heater utilizes that leaves the air heated, it still has many elements in common, as these are among the essential components of the torpedo heater:
#1. Igniter
An electric heater does not demand an igniter, but a torpedo heater does burn propane or kerosene but requires an ignition source for fuel. The ignition source may be in the form of a hot surface igniter, electronic igniter, and pilot light.
#2. Fan and motor
The majority of torpedo heaters feature a fan and a motor for moving the air effectively in a heater. The engine pushes the fan that utilizes power, offered by the electrical connection.
#3. Heating element
The heating element is a feat in almost any torpedo heater; the propane torpedo heater has a jet injecting propane to an airstream, while the kerosene heater utilizes a pre-heater and a wick that gasifies the kerosene so that it burns. Moreover, the electric torpedo heater has elements heating the air while it passes. It may also be a good idea to read about how does a heating element work.
#4. Safety and control systems
Safety and control systems are available in the torpedo heater with the tilt sensors, overheat sensors, and thermostats safeguard the heater type from an unsafe operation. Remember that any torpedo heater parts malfunction and push the heater failure to run and shut it down. The moment the device experiences shutdowns or operates several minutes after it starts, follow a few steps in mind to resolve the issue.
Steps To Know Why My Torpedo Heater Keep Shutting Off
Work systematically to know your way through those trouble points. This way, the torpedo heater will run again so follow this guide below to troubleshoot your torpedo heater.
Step #1. Keeping safety in mind as always
Work safely before troubleshooting the torpedo heater and unplug the device first in the electrical outlets, particularly if you expect to keep the covers away and present the heater’s internal parts. Disconnect or turn off the fuel source if the device operates on propane or kerosene and never think of servicing a heater with an active source of energy, or an explosion or fire will result.
Step #2. Checking the electrical service
Provide the torpedo heater with the electricity needed to work correctly, and the majority of these heaters use 120-volt and 60-MZ electrical service. The heater’s amperage demands may differ in size. One common issue from using a torpedo heater is with the long extension cord, as the extension cord resistance can result in low amperage for the heater does not run correctly. So, use the right extension cord and ensure the electrical service you will run the heater to deliver the needed power and check the heater’s wire while you ensure it is not damaged.
Step #3. Checking the fuel
Fill the heater up with kerosene and run it with low-grade only. Low-quality kerosene leaves massive debris amounts and clogs the orifices so check its kerosene tank, particularly if the device has been stored for long months already. Check its propane level and other parts like the propane cylinder valve, regulator assembly, fittings, and delivery hose. This is one way to avoid facing the question, why does my torpedo heater keep shutting off?
Step #4. Checking the orifices and air pump
The kerosene heater relies on the air pump that draws fuel into the tank and injects it straight to the ignition chamber. Failure in the torpedo heater is due to leaks, improper settings in the pressure, and a bad rotor. So, follow the maintenance recommendations and fix the air pump if it does not operate correctly.
Step #5. Making the igniter system or pilot light visible
Propane torpedo heaters or older kerosene feature a pilot light that ignites the fuel. Ensure the pilot light is visible next to the fuel delivery system’s orifice that the flame is solid blue with its yellow tip. Nonetheless, a thermocouple is terrible if the pilot light does not light up continuously, so replace the thermocouple with a correct component and try it again.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn the precise explanation to the question, why does my torpedo heater keep shutting off? It is related to several issues like incorrect pressure settings, bad rotor, and leaks so follow the necessary steps to fix the problem immediately. Read related articles; know how to start a kerosene heater and how to light a kerosene heater.