Posted: 1/7/2026 9:56:49 AM EDT
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Hello all... I've noticed Buddy Heaters "require" use of a fuel filter when running on 20 lb tanks. I've just seen started using Keg refillable 1 lb tanks. Others here probably use the freezer/ tank adapter method and refilled green tanks ... Has anyone had an "issue" with refilled tanks?? Specifically, I bought a new Buddy heater. It ran great for two hours, then shut down. I w checked, and no rational explanation. One possible is some sort of fuel "clogging". I'm wondering if the 1# Keg refilled tank, which was filled from 20# tank, had a contaminant that killed the Buddy... Defect in unit is possible too I will be installing filters. I don't want SHTF equipment shitting the bed mid-event. Has anyone had issues with refilled tanks clogging or contaminating equipment??? |
Joined:
Oct 2024
Posts:
3
EE: 100% (1)
OH, USA
| I've had my Buddy heater a while (the 2 tank version) and this season started using the Fuel Kegs. So far I have not had any issue at all, the heater runs like a top and the Fuel Kegs are easy to refill with the kit. I don't know if it is more of an issue with the single tanks fuel flow? Either way, components to run a 20# compared to $6.00/per 1 pound Coleman tank are way cheaper in the long run |
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Originally Posted By DerDritte: I've had my Buddy heater a while (the 2 tank version) and this season started using the Fuel Kegs. So far I have not had any issue at all, the heater runs like a top and the Fuel Kegs are easy to refill with the kit. I don't know if it is more of an issue with the single tanks fuel flow? Either way, components to run a 20# compared to $6.00/per 1 pound Coleman tank are way cheaper in the long run I just ran my Buddy on Fuel Kegs this weekend without issue, but it is brand new and I have only been through 2 tanks. I dont think I have seen issues with the actual fuel keg refillables. I see issues with 20lb tanks and people who ad hoc refill the disposables. The filters look cheap, but annoyingly with small bottles will keep them from folding in nicely against the heater. |
| We’ve had a number of bad valves on the Coleman ones that we refill. Of course, they’re left outside constantly so there’s all sorts of potential contamination issues (dirt, dust, bugs) and I wonder if the quick cooling and warming of the flowing lpg might be causing internal rust too. |
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I don't think you are supposed to use the filters with the small bottles. The purpose of the filter is to remove contaminants introduced from leaching in the transfer hose from a 20 lb (or other size) bulk tank, when you are using one of those instead. You shouldn't get any contaminants from the tank itself - no matter the size, as any contaminants should stay on the bottom of the tank. You are burning the evaporated propane vapor from the liquid propane, not any sludge from the bottom of the tank. There will be some sludge, but far less than what is in a diesel tank. The only issues I have had with the smaller 1 lb tanks, is difficulty in filling them completely even when loosening the valve (and pulling up on it unlike a tire valve) and while using a temperature difference, and having the main valve fail by sticking open. I did make an adapter to fill them from an actual propane refill station (our business owns one), but decided that it was a bad idea. It was difficult to limit the propane fill to .25 gallon, and while it could be accurately weighed, the flow meter on the pump station did not function well with such a reduced flow as it was designed to measure larger quantities of propane flow. The filter and a 20 lb tank seems to be the best way to fuel a buddy heater long term. |
It's true no matter who you are, the worst thing you can do for someone is give them something for nothing. - 3rdpig
Do not handicap your children by making their lives easy. - Heinlein
Do not handicap your children by making their lives easy. - Heinlein
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I was having problems with my refillable tanks stopping the flow of propane coming out and going in when refilling. It turned out the tanks when new had room air in them and the moisture would freeze stopping the flow of propane. After using the tanks a few times and refilling them a few times they purged out and no longer gave any problems. |
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99% of all problems associated with vent free gas heaters are from the oxygen depletion sensor, aka a small hole. That hole is designed to pull in enough oxygen to keep the pilot running and keep the thermocouple warm enough to hold open the fuel. If the % of oxygen drops in the room low enough, not enough can be pulled through a hole with the diameter it was specifically designed with. If that hole builds up dirt around the radius, it's diameter decreases and it has the same result. Blow compressed air through the hole in the side of your pilot. As has already been mentioned, the fuel filter is for the hose. If your 1lb tanks have had all of the air purged out of them, I wouldn't expect there to be a problem. I've used them a lot and haven't had any issues. |