Question:
In my shop (AKA my garage, AKA my play area), I have a older model
2E511 Dayton "torpedo" type kerosene heater rated at 50,000 BTU. I
don't have an owners manual for the heater therefore no troubleshooting
guide or wiring schematic. The problem with the heater recently started
without any warning. Upon starting, it will run fine for about a minute
(or less) and then the circuit breaker on the heater will trip.
Allowing it to sit for about 30 seconds will allow the breaker to reset
and the same symptoms (quiting after a minute or less). I took it apart
and cleaned and regapped the spark plug (Champion N14Y) to about .055"
(spec sheet on the inside of the unit recommended .050" to .060") and
tightened the plug so that it pointed in the recommended direction. I
also took the nozzle out and cleaned it with some brake cleaner
(probably didn't accomplish anything, but I figured it was worth a
try). I also took the "flame sensor" (I forget the proper name for the
device, but it points toward the combustion chamber to detect
fire/no-fire, shutting down the unit in case of a no-fire condition
preventing the combustion chamber, etc filling with fuel). I also
cleaned the motor/pump/fan assembly. I put it back together and it
still did the same thing. I figure that either the "flame sensor" or
the circuit breaker is at fault (maybe a weak breaker?). I took the
breaker out of the sheet metal and found that it had (what I assume)
some kind of electronic device attached to it with wires running to the
breaker itself. I didn't trace the wiring yet, but I'd be willing to
bet it goes from this electronic thingamajig to the flame sensor. I
disconnected the yellow wire running from this device to the breaker and
tried it again. The heater stayed running. Now, I'm no fool and do not
plan to operate the heater with a safety disconnected, but I'm wondering
if anyone has any knowledge of these things and how to diagnose them?
Does anyone know where I can buy parts and/or an owners manual for it?
It is an older model, but has worked well....I believe it's far from
worn out. I refuse to just buy another, without attempting repairing
this one. Being that I'm in Maine and it's January and I can't play
comfortably, I've got to fix it, or.....
Thanks in advance for any input!
Answer:
-I'd contact a dayton supplier or dayton directly. Get a book with a
wiring diagram and maybe a troubleshooting guide. Better yet, most
things have specific things that go wrong more often than others. Try
to talk to someone who repairs these things. I had one that needed
repair years ago and parts were readily available. I had to rebiuld the
vane pump that moves all that air. Try the local rental yard, they fix
most everything they rent. The right guy will probably say "Oh, yeah.
-Dayton is "store brand" for Grainger. Grainger sells many items that are
made by others and re-labeled Dayton, Teel, Speedaire, plus others.
If you can prove you have a bussinses of any sort, you can by from Grainger.
Otherwise ask someone if you can buy though them, Grainger will sell to darn
near anyone with a business.
