Torpedo Heater Does Not Operate When The Cover Is On?

Regularly fixing your torpedo heater might help you stay trouble-free. If your torpedo heater abruptly turns off or only works briefly after starting even with the cover on, there are some things you may take to solve the problem. We’ve looked into this problem to find you a resolution.

The most frequent causes of your torpedo heater not operating with the lid on are as follows:

Problems with the air compressor
Fuel-related issues
IgInition system problems
Problems with Electrical Connections
The heater’s control board has a problem.

Different remedies will be required depending on the particular issue, which we’ll go through in more depth below.

This essay will cover more than simply how to locate and resolve these issues. We’ll also go over how to clean your heater’s thermocouple and what to do if your heater is emitting a bad odor.

Malfunctioning Of The Torpedo Heater

Torpedo Heater Does Not Operate When The Cover Is On? – Why And How To Fix It?

Torpedo-style heaters come be handy when working in an unheated space in a cold climate. Knowing how to resolve this issue can help you keep warm and productive even though these heaters are prone to problems and occasionally shut off suddenly.

Air Pump
Check for any holes in the air hose that connects the air pump with the burner nozzle, and make sure the fuel and air pump filters are both clean.

Take the air pump rotor apart and search for damage and cracks if you are unable to find any holes.

Replace the air hose or the air pump rotor depending on the cause. When changing the air pump rotor, you must choose the proper spacing at the top of the carbon rotor.

Fuel
If you plan to use kerosene as fuel, only low-grade should be utilized and should be poured into the heater. Since low-quality kerosene leaves a lot of debris and clogs the orifices, check the device’s kerosene tank, especially if it has been hanging about for a while after being stored.

Check the propane cylinder’s valve, regulator, fittings, supply hose, and level in addition to all other components.

Igniter
In vintage kerosene heaters or propane torpedo heaters, the fuel is lit by a pilot light. Check sure the pilot light is on and visible close to the fuel delivery system’s entrance. A yellow tip and a solid blue flame are ideal.

A thermocouple, however, is useless if the pilot light is not continuously illuminated. Therefore, try it again after replacing the thermocouple with an appropriate component.

Connection To Electricity
It’s possible that your torpedo heater will periodically keep shutting off if the electrical connection is bad. The BCP and the photocell must be wired properly for your heater to function properly.

If not, you need to fix it so you may once again enjoy utilizing your heater.

Additionally, check the cords for damage. To remedy this problem, it is essential to speak with a professional if you are unfamiliar with electrical connections.

Control Board
Another component of a torpedo heater that enables trouble-free operation is the control board. However, it won’t function properly if the control board has problems. It will instead keep shutting off, making it uncomfortable for you to use your heater.

Because this is comparable to a computer that requires experts to identify the problem, you should contact the makers for assistance. They may replace the control board, which will make your heater working again.

What Causes My Heater’s Foul Smell

The first time you turn on your heating system after it has been off for some time, it could smell a little unpleasant. When you turn on the heat, do you notice a burning smell? We’ll go over each issue’s solutions, including how getting your heating system serviced by a professional could completely get rid of strange odors.

The following may be the causes:

A layer of dust
Wiring Issues
Soiled or obstructed air filters
Broken heat exchanger

It is comforting to know that your heater will work during the occasional cold front. When you turn on your heater for the first time after it has been idle for a while, though, you can get a nasty surprise.

Continue reading to learn more about them and how to tackle them.

Dust
Accumulated dust is the most common reason for a burning odor coming from your heater. Whether you utilize an electric heater, heat pump, or furnace, a system that has been sitting inactive for a time may accumulate dust and other irritants from the air supply in your home.

When the heating system is turned on, these materials burn, emitting a brief smell of burning dust. It’s not necessary to call the fire department, but you should look around to make sure the odor isn’t originating from somewhere else.

Wiring
Even though wiring issues are rarely seen, a burning electrical smell coming from your heater could indicate an electrical problem. If the burning smell continues after one or two heating cycles, there can be a serious issue that requires professional troubleshooting.

Air Filters
Clogged or dirty air filters are a common cause of odors in homes. You might have problems with this all year long. Due to clogged filters, your heater may work too hard and heat up too quickly. can give out a fire-like odor in your house.

Open your windows when you initially turn on your heater to keep the odor from entering your house.

Replace the filters on your furnace before turning it on for the first time this season to prevent airflow problems. Your heater’s odor can be an indication of a more serious issue.

Heat Exchanger
Since it produces heat, the heat exchanger serves as the engine of any heating system. The system generates toxic byproducts during combustion, such as carbon monoxide.

Manufacturers cover the heat exchanger in a protective chamber to stop hazardous fumes from entering your air. The gases will nonetheless flow into your home through a damaged heat exchanger, giving off a chemical and fishy odor.

How Is A Thermocouple On A Heater Cleaned?

Want to learn how to properly clean the thermocouple on your gas water heater? This detailed how-to guide will walk you through the process. The answers to these queries can be found in this article.

Take these actions:

The thermocouple’s location
Gas inlet valve closed
Look over the thermocouple.
Thermocouple should be cleaned.
The thermocouple must be reassembled.

As a result of the heat, your thermocouple may start to oxidize and become sooty. This may lead to the thermocouple failing, which could cause a massive explosion or pose a fire risk. Continue reading to learn more about how to tackle them.

How To Clean A Thermocouple

If the debris and sludge aren’t cleared, they may hinder the flow of electrical current. Learning how to correctly clean thermocouples on water heaters will help you avoid this scenario. We merely did the research for you.

Locate
Be sure to turn off the gas supply before you do anything. First, remove the thermocouple from the circuit board using your tool. The thermocouple should then be removed from its attachment close to the heater’s pilot light.

Turn Off
Safety is the aim of this action. If the gas input valve is not shut, natural gas may continue to flow into your home. You need to avoid doing that at all costs.

While you’re about it, turn off the water heater’s breakers and pilot light to prevent a potential fire hazard.

Inspect
The thermocouple removal must be followed by cleanup of the smoke development. Carbon buildup restricts the thermocouple’s ability to detect heat increase or dissipation.

While you’re at it, check the thermocouple terminals for any rust that can prevent power from getting to the heater’s pilot light.

Clean
Remove any dirt or dust from the probe’s sheath using a paper towel, paying close attention to the area where the insulation meets the sheath. Emery cloth can be used to remove any rust buildup on the sheath.

By dipping a lint-free cloth into the water and vinegar solution, you can remove any last bits of dust or dirt from the thermocouple. Use some old cloths to thoroughly clean the burner of any debris. As a result, it will burn more efficiently.

Reassemble
Once the thermocouple has been thoroughly cleaned, it is time to reattach it using the same pilot assembly process. The thermocouple should be meticulously reassembled in the same manner as it was taken apart.

To ensure everything is working properly, turn on the heaters and make sure the pilot light is on.

Conclusion

For one of five reasons, your torpedo heater might not work even with the lid on. The air pump, fuel, igniter, electrical connections, and control board of the heater could all be having issues.

Now that you are aware of how to recognize and fix these issues, you now have essential knowledge regarding heater maintenance. A torpedo heater needs routine maintenance to keep it running efficiently and with clean combustion.