If a Mr Buddy Heater won’t light, confirm fuel flow, hold the knob on PILOT for 30–60 seconds, and clean the pilot/ODS before trying again.
Your Buddy lights fast when the basics are right: fuel, spark, air, and safety sensors. If any of those is off, the pilot won’t catch or the burner won’t follow. Use these steps, based on the factory manual and real-world use, to bring the heat back.
Why Your Mr Buddy Heater Won’t Light
Start with simple checks. Many cases come down to an empty cylinder, air in the line, a knob released too early, or a dusty pilot. Work in order so you don’t chase the same fault twice.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fast Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No pilot spark | Loose igniter wire or bad piezo | Confirm the wire is seated; if broken, replace the ODS or valve assembly |
| Spark present, no pilot flame | Air in hose or no gas | Hold the knob on PILOT and retry in cycles until gas reaches the pilot |
| Pilot lights, then dies | Knob released too soon or dirty ODS/thermocouple | Hold 30–60 seconds; clean the pilot air inlet with compressed air |
| Pilot stays lit, burner won’t | Control set between locks or clogged orifice | Turn to HI until tile glows; clean burner orifice per manual |
| Nuisance shutoffs | Wind, low oxygen, tip-over, or high altitude | Shield from drafts, add fresh air, level the unit; re-light |
Quick Start Checklist
Do these in a safe, ventilated spot before deep work:
- Use a fresh 1-lb cylinder or a known-good 20-lb tank outdoors with the right hose.
- Sniff test all joints. Use soapy water on threaded points to verify no bubbles.
- Set the knob to PILOT. Press and hold. Tap the igniter until the pilot lights. Keep holding for 30–60 seconds, then release.
- Turn to HI and wait for the burner tile to glow. Then set heat level.
Fuel Path Checks That Solve Most No-Light Issues
Confirm The Cylinder And Regulator
Swap in a new 1-lb bottle. If you use a 20-lb cylinder, make sure the valve is open and the hose is tight at both ends. Many setups need the Mr. Heater filter between the heater and a bulk tank hose to catch oil that can clog the pilot. The green Buddy-series hose can run without that filter. If your pilot has been fading or sputtering, a fresh filter often brings it back.
Bleed Air From The Hose
When a hose is new or has been off, air sits in the line. Purge it: hold PILOT, try in cycles, and wait between tries. Longer hoses take longer to clear.
Hold The Knob Long Enough
The valve needs heat on the sensor to stay open. Let go too soon and the pilot drops. Hold 30–60 seconds, then let the knob pop up before moving to HI.
Ignition And Sensor Checks
Check For Spark
Watch for spark through the window. No spark? Reseat the igniter wire. If the electrode is cracked or the piezo fails, replace the ODS or control valve group. You can also light the pilot with a long lighter while holding the knob on PILOT.
Clean The Pilot/ODS The Right Way
Dust and oil at the pilot air inlet change the flame shape so it misses the sensor. With the heater cool, blow compressed air (max 30 psi) into the small pilot air hole and across the burner tile. Don’t poke the orifice. Reassemble and retry.
Mind The Thermocouple And Flame
The pilot flame should touch the sensor tip. A lazy yellow tip points to dirt in the pilot. Clean as above. If the sensor is bent away or damaged, replace it as a unit with the ODS per the parts list.
Main Burner Won’t Light Even With A Steady Pilot
Two things block the hand-off from pilot to burner: the knob parked between lock points, or a dirty orifice/venturi. Click the knob into a marked setting. If the tile won’t glow on HI, remove the burner per the manual, blow out the venturi and orifice, and reinstall. Check for webs—common after storage.
Using A Bulk Tank? Hose And Filter Setup Matters
When feeding the Buddy from a 20-lb cylinder, use the listed hose and the matching filter. Standard rubber hoses can leach oil that clogs the pilot. The symptom is a pilot that lights once, then fades. Use the filter and replace it yearly, or use the green Buddy hose that doesn’t need one.
Altitude, Wind, And Fresh Air
At higher elevations the heater can trip more. A stiff draft will also push the pilot off the sensor. Shield the unit, crack a vent, and try again.
Step-By-Step: Safe Relight Procedure
- Move to a spot with airflow. Keep the heater upright.
- Turn the knob OFF and wait five minutes.
- Attach a fresh cylinder or confirm the remote tank valve is open.
- Turn to PILOT and press. Tap the igniter until the pilot lights.
- Keep pressing for 30–60 seconds. Release and watch that the knob returns fully.
- Turn to HI until the tile glows, then set to LO if needed.
Troubleshooting By Setup
| Setup | Common Fault | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1-lb cylinder | Empty or cold bottle | Swap bottle; warm to room temp before use |
| 20-lb tank + hose | Air in line; oil carryover | Purge with repeat PILOT holds; add/replace the filter |
| Stored unit | Dust, webs, or stuck knob | Clean pilot and venturi; lock the knob in marked spots |
Care That Prevents Hard Starts
Keep Air Passages Clean
Every season, blow out the burner tile and venturi tube. Keep lint off the pilot area. A few minutes of cleanup avoids most start issues.
Inspect Hoses And Seals
Before each trip, check the hose for abrasion and the swivel regulator for damage. A quick soapy water leak test at threaded points saves fuel.
Replace Filters And Worn Parts
The maker calls for a yearly swap of the fuel filter when you run a bulk tank. If the igniter, ODS, or valve shows damage, use factory parts only.
When To Stop And Seek Service
Shut the system down and get qualified help if the knob won’t pop up, you smell gas you can’t trace, the pilot won’t stay lit after a careful clean, or the tile shows visible flame. Those flags call for parts testing or replacement.
Safety Notes You Should Not Skip
- Use the heater where fresh air can enter. Crack a window or door.
- Never bring a refillable cylinder indoors. Keep bulk tanks outside.
- Run a CO alarm in any space where fuel burns.
- Keep clearances. Shield from wind. Level the base before lighting.
Helpful Manual Links For Mr Buddy Owners
For exact procedures, see the Portable Buddy manual and the maker’s note on the F273699 fuel filter. For CO safety basics, review the CDC page on carbon monoxide.
Printable Checklist: Buddy Won’t Light
One-Minute Triage
- Fresh cylinder on and upright? Remote tank outdoors and valve open?
- Knob held on PILOT for 30–60 seconds after flame?
- Pilot air inlet blasted clean?
- Knob clicked into a marked position, not between stops?
If Still No Light
- Swap in a new filter or use the green Buddy hose.
- Blow out burner tile and venturi.
- Reseat or replace the igniter parts if there’s no spark.
- Stop and call service if gas odor persists or parts look damaged.
Common Lighting Mistakes
Three slip-ups cause most headaches. First, releasing the knob the moment the flame appears; give the sensor time to heat. Second, using a bulk hose without the listed filter; oil moves downstream and gums the pilot. Third, turning the knob between stops; that half step starves the burner. Fix those habits and most Buddy units spring back on the first click.