Is The Flame On Your Kerosene Heater Too High, Too Low, Or Uneven? Why And What To Do?

When your kerosene heater is brand new, everything operates without a hitch. After a while, though, you start to realize that the flame is uneven, too high, or too low. How can the issue be resolved?

There are several reasons why the flame from your kerosene heater could be curved. It can be due to a dirty or clogged wick, improper wick positioning, or a worn-out or damaged wick that has to be replaced.

By burning your wick dry, you can get rid of any deposits or tar growth inside of it.

The wick needs to be properly pinned, and you should change it as necessary. By following the directions in this page, it can be a DIY project.

Your heater problem may be resolved by looking into every potential cause. So keep reading to learn how to properly replace the wick and burn the wick up dry. And to prevent various heater problems, learn how to maintain your wick or heater in general.

Why Is The Flame On My Kerosene Heater Too High, Low, Or Uneven?

Kerosene heaters are portable and practical for heating a space without the expense of heating your entire home. During a power outage, it also serves as a reliable source of heat and light.

Alternatively, a heater can be used for heating, lighting, and cooking.

Kerosene is heated and transformed into gas by the wick in the kerosene heater, which functions as a burner. The method is known as gasification. The flame is produced and oxygenated precisely by the heater. It is comparable to a lamp that runs on kerosene.

Clogged Or Filthy Wick

One factor contributing to the uneven or jogged flame on your kerosene heater is tar buildup on the wick or other deposits. Burning the wick to a crisp will therefore solve the issue. As soon as the heater’s kerosene beats out, let it burn dry. Use this simple method to burn dry your wick:

1. Put your heater outside since dry burning produces unpleasant odours and harmful fumes.
2. Deplete the gasoline supply.
3. Before lighting the wick, place a few drops of wick cleaner directly on top of it. It helps you thoroughly clean your wick.
4. Once the heater is lit, let it burn for several hours until it stops.
5. Before the heater shuts off, be sure to blare the wick as loud as possible. It encourages better wick cleaning.
6. After that, allow it to cool before placing the wick.
7. Fill the tank back up with petrol and wait 15 minutes for the wick to soak.
8. As usual, light it. It ought to be burning immediately away.

Inappropriate Wick Position

In some instances, there is still uneven flame even after several wick changes. The wick may not have been properly pinned into the case or teeth, which could be the cause. Make sure that every component you removed, including the wick, is replaced in the exact same way.

Here is a quick guide on how to properly install your wick:

1. The new wick should be removed from box.
2. Put the wick in the centre of the circular case after folding it.
3. To secure, press the wick into the teeth. Ensure that each and every wick stud is inserted into the appropriate hole.
4. Place the wick holder inside and secure the lid.

Changing The Wick

Your wick might be too old or soiled for burn drying to restore it. You continually have an inconsistent flame because of this. It’s a good thing the wick can be changed. Therefore, correctly replace the old wick with the new one.

It can be a bit difficult to attach some heaters because they don’t use wicks with pins. However, every heater has a gear shaft that can be turned to raise or lower the wick. The replacement instructions are as follows:

1. Following the first step on the page, burn dry your heater first. then give it some time to cool.
2. Start the disassembly process by removing the batteries, fuel tank, and wick adjuster knob.
3. Detach the catalytic converter carefully by unlocking the front grill. Take care to prevent the glass chimney from cracking.
4. The screws holding the heater base to the cabinet must be removed. Place every screw in the same location. then straighten the cabinet out and remove it.
5. Remove the mica window covering the burner.
6. Around the wick assembly that is attached to the base, remove the wing nuts. Once more, remove it by raising it straight up.
7. The wick should be folded and separated from its holder and teeth.
8. Install the new wick by screwing it into the teeth of the holder. To ensure a tight installation, be sure to press down all the pins against the teeth.
9. Reinstall the wick adjuster knob.
10. Place the shut-off switch in the lowest position on the adjustment assembly.
11. With the knob, slowly raise the wick while loosely fastening the wing nuts.
12. After adjusting the wick height with the knob to the desired 3/8 in. height, secure the wing nuts. showing up at the top.
13. Carefully and in accordance with the first step, replace anything else you took out.

How To Care For A Kerosene Wick Heater

Problematic is an unclean wick. In order to have the heat supply you require in your home, even if it is only temporarily or for a limited period of time, you must be aware of its maintenance and regular inspection. A fire that doesn’t generate any heat is almost useless. So, the following are some tips for maintaining your heater’s wick:

• For a long wick life, dry burning is required. If used frequently, dry burning is required once per week. Additionally, dry burn after the first use within a week or after using three tanks’ worth of fuel.
• Always consult the heater’s instruction manual. It will introduce you to fundamental maintenance and repair advice for your specific heater model.
• Never use fuel that has been tainted. It will impact how well your wick burns and how it smells. Poor heater quality as a result.
• Never buy wick that is too thin or inexpensive. It won’t take long for a problem to arise.
• It is advised that you change your wick once a year.
• Put the candle in a lower position after dry burning.

Operation Of Kerosene Heater

As it burns, the kerosene heater consumes a lot of oxygen. Therefore, burning it in a tight space or one with poor ventilation, especially for an extended period of time, might be deadly.

Additionally, it releases potentially harmful gases that pose a health danger, particularly to those who are pregnant, old, or who have asthma.

Keep other items, such as furniture, clothing, bedding, and other flammable materials, away from the kerosene heater.

Even in a container, never combine kerosene and gasoline. In the event that you run out of kerosene, gasoline is never a suitable replacement. Use the syphon and adhere to the directions to only fill your fuel tank up to 90%.

When not in use or when storage, empty the fuel tank. When operating the heater, always use fresh fuel. Replace damaged or low-charged batteries.

Can A Kerosene Heater Be Manually Started?

Kerosene heaters can be manually lit with a match. However, many kerosene heaters have built-in or automatic igniting mechanisms that facilitate easy lighting.

Open the burn chamber using the burner, then fire a match on the wick that is visible.

After adding fuel to the tank, turn the ignition switch to the automatic position. No matter how you light it, take safety measures at all times.

What Makes A Kerosene Heater Produce Black Smoke?

Kerosene produces black smoke when air and fuel mix together. When your heater is exposed to windy or airy conditions, a very high flame state results. To prevent dark smoke emissions, place your heater in a well-ventilated but not overly windy or airy environment.

Conclusion

Your kerosene heater’s flame is bumpy because the wick is dirty, pinned incorrectly, or needs to be changed.

To properly pin the wick or replace the wick and get rid of the black materials and debris inside, burn the wick dry. Following the repair instructions correctly will enable you to have a functional heater.