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Monitor heater yearly maintenance questions

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rrob311
rrob311 Member Posts: 15
Hi acquired several monitor kerosene heaters ranging from a 30, 40, and 41 models. I am hoping there are some monitor gurus on here who are experienced in servicing them. I have one that seems to be clogged up and won't stay lit. ANother one won't light up like it is clogged. What basic service is involved with these as far as cleaning them out? I would like to get one operating efficiently for my garage.

I have heard of people running diesel fuel through these, other people claim to run a heating oil kerosene blend. Does anyone have any experience with this?

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  • Docfletcher
    Docfletcher Member Posts: 487
    edited November 2014
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    This will provide some info. Monitors are discontinued and I don't think you can parts for them.

    https://www.toyotomiusa.com/monitor.php
  • rrob311
    rrob311 Member Posts: 15
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    The parts are still available for them. I would like to know what is commonly done when servicing them. Especially if I am running alternative fuels that require more frequent cleaning.
  • Docfletcher
    Docfletcher Member Posts: 487
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    The service manuals and user guides are available online. Have you looked to see if they give at least some of the info you need?
  • Jack
    Jack Member Posts: 1,047
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    Parts are still available but in rapidly diminishing volume. As well they are becoming pricey. I would suggest that you try to contact the distributors who handled the Monitor in your area. I think almost all have gone over to the Toyo product, but they will have the local knowledge.

    I think to have reliable operation you want to stick with Kero. You may be able to make some "**** brew" work but do you want to heat with it or play with it all the time?
  • rrob311
    rrob311 Member Posts: 15
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    Doc, Ive found the user guides but no service manuals.
  • Docfletcher
    Docfletcher Member Posts: 487
    edited November 2014
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    You can get at least the burner ring here. If you can't get that part your monitors will be unusable. Worth calling them for their take on things.

    http://www.keepuswarm.com/Monitor---Laser-Heater-Tips.html

    Here is a site all about monitors in chat room.

    http://www.homerepairforum.com/forum/archive/index.php/f-31.html
  • rrob311
    rrob311 Member Posts: 15
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    Thanks Doc the manual answered a lot of questions. I am going to service one and run straight diesel off it. I will post my results.
  • rick in Alaska
    rick in Alaska Member Posts: 1,457
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    There are a lot of them in my area, but I don't service them. I do know they have a flame rod of sorts that needs to be cleaned, but I don't know the whole procedure for it.
    I do know you have to use #1 diesel in them though. I am not sure what #2 does to them, but probably overheats the heat exchanger.
    Rick
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
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    I do know you have to use #1 diesel in them though. I am not sure what #2 does to them, but probably overheats the heat exchanger.
    Rick

    #1 Diesel is closer to Kerosene. #2 oil has a higher BYU content that #1 Diesel or Kerosene. Where I worked, no one with a Monitor used #2 "Red" heating oil. The oil company got "white" Kerosene for their customers. Use died out because there was no one to service them and lack of parts.

    All the "Bomb's On Wheels" (Master Space Heaters) only used Kerosene and NEVER #1 Diesel but only Kerosene. They ran better on White Kerosene.