Help with a parafin heater

dumpling


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 49

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 15:57

I have just bought a second hand heater (small red one) and informed it had only been used twice!!!!! we have put a new wick in and are having trouble getting it to work properly it's blowing black smoke, any ideas on what to do next apart form either throwing it or is there anywhere locally to take it to have look at it for us!! We bought one 2 years ago and it worked well until recently and really wanted another one! I know I know I should have bought another new one hind sights a great thing eh!

decanddyl


Joined: 17/01/2009
Posts: 792

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 18:17

Hopefully the black smoke will disappear after a short while. Ours is over two years old and works fine.

petemate


Joined: 16/09/2008
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 18:28

Light it outside and leave for 10 minutes before adjusting the wick so that there are no visible flames. It should glow nicely red at this stage.

Also extinguish it outside as they also smell a bit when you turn them off!

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 17:10

Ours work fine, just jiggle the "mesh thing" around that covers the wick and adjust the wick and you should find an optimum hight of flame and all will be well. We haven't bought a new wick in 5 years, we just burn the wick "clean" ever 6 weeks or so, as per the instructions.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 17:33

Hi dumpling. I've just read the instructions re our small red heater (I'm sure it must be the same as yours) and it says quite clearly that you should use white kerosene No.1 standard. Despite what they say, there are petrol stations that DON'T stock this quality. Be careful what you are sold.

slatnumber7


Joined: 25/08/2010
Posts: 299

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 21:57

It maybe if there was keroscene in the tank it might be old and tainted. If so dismantle it and get shot of the residue and start again, light it out side and burn it for a while to clear the fumes. I agree with most of the stuff above but not white keroscene, I use the pink I find it better and cleaner and be selective where you buy it from.