How to Troubleshoot and Repair Reddy Heaters

Disconnect the power cord on the Reddy heater and allow the heater to cool if it shuts off suddenly. Look at the nozzle for potential obstructions, and clear as necessary. Remove the nozzle adapter from the bracket, using a 5/8-inch socket wrench. Do not scratch or gouge the nozzle face. Look at the nozzle o-ring or seal for any damage and replace if needed. Attach a can of compressed air to the nozzle outlet and blow air through the nozzle to clean. Clean the nozzle adapter with compressed air as well, before reassembling.

Remove the fuel filter from the rear of the heater if the Reddy turns on but the pilot light does not ignite. Flush the filter by pouring clean kerosene over the fuel filter in a down direction, and then replace the filter in the heater.

Remove the ignitor wires from the ignition-control assembly inside the main access panel, and measure the ignitor terminal resistance with an ohm meter if the pilot light does not ignite. The correct resistance should be between 30 and 175 ohms. Contact Reddy Heaters for a replacement ignitor if the resistance is not in this range.

Disconnect the red and white wires from the motor connection control and use a voltmeter to check the ignitor terminals, which are labeled “Ignitor”, using a 0 to 200 V.A. C. scale. Connect the power cord to a grounded electrical outlet with 120 volts and 60 Hz and read the voltmeter, which should read 120 volts(rms) for at least 10 seconds. Replace the control if the volt reading is not accurate. Note that if the ignition control assembly is working but the terminal is not showing proper resistance, the motor may need to be replaced.

Attach a pressure gauge to the gauge on the back of the air filter housing, and turn on the heater. Turn the adjustment screw to the right to increase pressure or to the left to decrease pressure, using the flat head of a screwdriver to turn the screw. The correct pressure rating is between 3.0 and 6.2 psi, depending on the specific Reddy-heater model. Make adjustments in ¼-pound increments only to maintain safe pressure levels.

Remove the filter and pump cover if the fan is not running but the heater is turning. Look at the fan blades and rotor for damage and clean well with a dry cloth. Turn the rotor to ensure all four sides have proper clearance when turning. Remove the rotor if necessary, and sand the rotor lightly in figure-eight rotations with extremely fine-grade sandpaper, then wipe the rotor dry and replace.

Check the voltage of the electrical outlet with a voltmeter if the heater is overheating on a regular basis -- to ensure the voltage is not more than 132 volts. Proper voltage is between 108 and 132 volts. Move the heater to another outlet if necessary.