Heater Efficiency and Choice

I just left a message for Little Giant.

milspec6 wrote:

Mo wrote:See if yours clicks. Ill ask little giant when I order today

Actually, I know mine clicks.

When I was servicing it last fall, I checked the t-stat timing based off the Judson video and remember mine clicking at the right set point.

They should all be clicking.

Aren't those the same therms used on hot water heaters in your home?  Just unitrol units, I believe, and can be found at home improvement stores or hardware stores.  Might be able to save some time and money local.

I've always thought they were all sposta click. I've had several over the years, and they have ALL clicked.

And this one I have that doesn't click, that came on this last used heater I bought is the one that doesn't click. And the reason I didn't use it, rather opting to install my old one from old heater. I've been tempted to try the non clicker, but am honestly nervous to use it being it doesn't click.


Also, I think they're very similar to regular ones you would find on home water heaters, but not identical, and that would also make me worried to use. Real hot water under pressure and fire are real concerns, I think. LOL

milspec6 wrote:How old is the t-stat control....not 2005, I hope.

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2005/CPSC-Robertshaw-Controls-Co-Announce-Recall-of-Gas-Control-Valves-on-Water-Heaters-/

I really have no Idea on age, because both of them I have I bought used.

Jus test it dude. Mine doesn't click and I have blown up.

Mo wrote:Jus test it dude. Mine doesn't click and I have blown up.

Yea, that's what worries me...................."Mine doesn't click and I have blown up."

Both ours click off when you turn down past set temp.

I have also blown up but that was another problem LOL

no eyebrows for a bit, didnt leave the house and ordered delivery for a few weeks

I've also had one explode in my face, and lost most of my eye hairs and a lil on my head. It's really not that fun, Mo. And a bit scary, so I guess that may be why I'm Leary of using a thrmo that isn't working properly? lol

Ya know, these posts have only made me more split on these heaters. First, I wanted the diesel since Davey was having trouble getting heat out of his LG. Then I get stories about blowing up and now I want the diesel heater again.

You guys are killing me

The brow-less face is just part of the Propane cleaning experience, and all part of the fun! That I hope not to again ever experience!!

Rob , If you push the plunger and cant get it lit in 5 seconds take a couple minutes and comb your eyebrows and then try again

I guess I will get out my fire suit then like the old stuntmen used to wear. If I am going to catch fire, I might as well go for the record burn.

Rob can you take a video of your first lighting attempt with the LG

Speaking of Little Giant they never called me back. They have till tomorrow afternoon

Mo wrote:Rob , If you push the plunger and cant get it lit in 5 seconds take a couple minutes and comb your eyebrows and then try again

That's the key, is you learn after you catch fire the first couple times LOL. On what to do and how to do it after 20 years or so. Some learn quicker than others.....

If you're a know-it-all and not open to learn then the LG heater prob isn't for you.

/////////////////////////////////////who said this forum wasn't great fun?!?!

Why are you calling them, Mo?

I took off the fittings and one didn't pass the soapy water test. I can get it seal. Momma didn't raise no fool
I also wanted to ask about the Thermostat if they were the same and why mine doesnt click

Mo wrote:I took off the fittings and one didn't pass the soapy water test. I can get it seal. Momma didn't raise no fool
I also wanted to ask about the Thermostat if they were the same and why mine doesnt click

I found that they answered to emails sooner...might want to send one out tonight.

Oh OK cool, Mo. I'd also really like to know what they say about the click thing.

OK the picked up on the first ring today I think I might have called too late.

It's the same Unitrol for all heaters.

With regards to the clicking, As long as your able to control the heat with the dial and it turns on and off when its supposed to your fine. It might click after it gets hot. If you cant control the heat ot it doesnt turn when its supposed than you should replace it.

Call them they're nice people 1.800.231.6035

Interesting, thanks for the info, Mo!!

I'll try my non clicker and see what happens.

Dave can you also take a video of you lighting it for the first after putting on the olde unitrol

Prob be a good idea to video document my death huh.........is that what you're saying? I guess it may help the beneficiary of my life ins policy.

NorthStar unit is a BEAST.

Consider possibly having to externally vent its exhaust.

I found its biggest benefit was in commercial pressure washing if your not doing it.

I found it opened alot of new opportunities like gummy sidewalks,  dumpster pads,  drive-thrus and greasy restaurant exteriors,  that would otherwise be a nightmare,  if not impossible with only a cold water unit.

Only when PWing did I encounter 1gal+ per hour fuel consumption.

Sounds like a jet engine when it fires.  

Always gave me a woodie.

This was my first, totally over-complicated set-up years ago.

That is quite a set-up.

One of the reasons I was looking at the diesel heater was the 4000 psi rating. Cleaning driveways was one of my thoughts for an optional service, so this makes good sense.

My box would be almost 10 feet tall, but I don't want to cut into the ceiling. I don't want there to be a problem with fumes and odor on this project.

The idea of parking next to a home on a nice spring day and firing up the heater scares me. A gust of wind and the smell of diesel permeates the house through an open kitchen window....would not be a good situation.

Still, I like the idea of the diesel heater...just can't get the negatives out of head enough to pull the trigger.

That thing is a beast Goomer. What are you running now?

Rob I bet you could melt the grime out of those store fronts that you do with the north star

Mo wrote:That thing is a beast Goomer. What are you running now?

Rob I bet you could melt the grime out of those store fronts that you do with the north star

Probably melt the store front.