Why won't my Infrared/Radiant Heater work?

If your OFR/7OSS, 80 OFR, 70SS, 125OFR heater won't work first troubleshoot with the steps below.

What Issue Are You Experiencing?

Click a link to jump to the problem.

• Heater will not start on initial startup.
• The unit runs for a short period and shuts down.
• Igniter won't fire.
• Nothing is turning on.
• Won't light.

Problem: Heater will not start on initial startup.

Possible Issue: Fuel is not completely full.

Steps to try:

1. We recommended starting the unit a few times as the fuel pump is not primed.
2. If the unit is not running after a few tries. Take off the back panel and adjust the fuel pressure.
   1. Newer units (80-OFR and 125-OFR) a back panel will be available to remove instead of the back cover. This panel will have four screws just above the fuel tank on the back of the unit. This will allow access to the pressure adjustment screw. The pressure adjustment screw is a screw with a nut viewable once the pump is exposed. Start increasing the fuel pressure to the right at quarter turns, letting the unit rest between each turn and try to start the unit. 
   2. 70-SS units may have a pressure adjustment hole drilled into the right side of the unit and would come with a long key to adjust pressure. 2015 and older units would need the back cover removed and the base of the unit in order to adjust the pump. 
   3. For models MH-80-OFR and MH-70-SS Models Only
      1. DO NOT TOUCH THE OUTSIDE LARGE SCREW, THIS SCREW IS TO REMAIN TIGHT TO THE RIGHT AT ALL TIMES. This is a bleeder screw to help reduce the amount of air in the lines. If this is undone too much, you will have fuel leaking from this area. 
3. If you have already turned the screw and don’t know where you started, you can do a reset by turning the screw all the way to the right until they won’t go anymore and back out two full turns.
4. If the unit has flames coming out of the front of the unit, reduce fuel pressure quarter turns to the left with the unit on.
5. If the unit has a lot of smoke or fumes turn the pressure up in quarter turns by turning to the right.

Problem: The unit runs for a short period and shuts down.

Possible Issues: Check the photocell and high limit switch.

Steps to Try: Photocell

1. Remove the back cover of the unit. 
2. The photocell will be located near the burn chamber of the unit. The photocell looks like a black plastic tube or very similar in size to a lipstick tube. 
3. Clean the lens of the photocell. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or water. 
4. Shine a flashlight in the lens of the photocell and try running the unit. Please be careful when running the unit with the shell off. Use caution. 
5. If it stays running with the flashlight shining, the photocell needs to be replaced.

Steps to try: High Limit Switch

1. Remove the back cover of the unit.
2. The high limit switch is located near the burn chamber of the unit. The switch is a round flat circle with two spades that have wires coming off of it. 
3. Test the high limit by taking the wires off, attach a paper clip to the top of the wires, or a jumper cable. Turn on.
1. If the unit stays running, it needs a new high limit switch.

Problem: Igniter won't fire

Steps to try:

1. Remove the back cover of the unit. 
2. Locate where the igniter plugs in on the board, unplug, and test the pins with a multimeter. You should see 100-120V on DC (Direct Current).
3. If this is not reading, a new board is needed.

Problem: Nothing is turning on.

Steps to try:

1. Check to see if the unit is plugged in to a working outlet or approved extension cord and there is fuel in the unit. 
2. If the outlets and fuel is properly done, you will need to look at the board and see if anything is loose.
1. The board can be located by removing the back cover of the unit. 
2. If no connections are loose, you will need a new board.

Problem: Won't light.

Possible Issues: Need to adjust the pressure.

Steps to try:

1. We recommended starting the unit a few times as the fuel pump is not primed.
2. If the unit is not running after a few tries. Take off the back panel and adjust the fuel pressure.
   1. Newer units (80-OFR and 125-OFR) a back panel will be available to remove instead of the back cover. This panel will have four screws just above the fuel tank on the back of the unit. This will allow access to the pressure adjustment screw. The pressure adjustment screw is a screw with a nut viewable once the pump is exposed. Start increasing the fuel pressure to the right at quarter turns, letting the unit rest between each turn and try to start the unit. 
   2. 70-SS units may have a pressure adjustment hole drilled into the right side of the unit and would come with a long key to adjust pressure. 2015 and older units would need the back cover removed and the base of the unit to adjust the pump. 
   3. For models MH-80-OFR and MH-70-SS Models Only
      1. DO NOT TOUCH THE OUTSIDE LARGE SCREW, THIS SCREW IS TO REMAIN TIGHT TO THE RIGHT AT ALL TIMES. This is a bleeder screw to help reduce the amount of air in the lines. If this is undone too much, you will have fuel leaking from this area. 
3. If you have already turned the screw and don’t know where you started, you can do a reset by turning the screw all the way to the right until they won’t go anymore and back out two full turns.
4. If the unit has flames coming out of the front of the unit, reduce fuel pressure quarter turns to the left with the unit on.
5. If the unit has a lot of smoke or fumes turn the pressure up in quarter turns by turning to the right.

Possible Issue: Igniter not sparking.

Steps to try:

1. If you do not hear the ticking of your igniter and fuel is coming through the unit, your igniter may not be working properly.
2. Remove the back cover of the unit. 
3. Find where the igniter plugs into the PCB board (usually 2 thicker red wires).
4. Disconnect the wires from the board carefully. 
5. With a multi-meter check to see if you are getting 120V out of the pins when turned on.
6. If there is no voltage or low voltage, replace the PCB.