Buck Stove and Pool presents the following additional information from the wick manufacturer:
WICK 4
NOW HERE IS HOW TO AVOID KEROSENE HEATER PROBLEMS
Most problems with kerosene heaters are caused by the kerosene. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Use only perfectly clear K-1 kerosene. Take a glass jar with you to test for clarity, it should be as clear as water. Any yellowish or cloudy kerosene will ruin the wick quickly. After 30 days storage kerosene will begin to decompose and should not be used. When installing a new wick, always refill the heater with fresh K-1 kerosene.
- Small amounts of water can ruin the wick. Water that is trapped in the wick will block the flow of kerosene. This causes low, unevern flames and possibly odor. Also, water condensation can occur in the heater's fuel tank or the kerosene storage can)especially metal ones). The use of proven fuel additives such as WickCleaner and American Wick brand will eliminate any problems caused by water.
- Use only plastic storage cans which have been made specifically for kerosene. The use of other types of containers (i.e.: plastic milk jugs, cooking oil bottles, gasoline cans, etc.) will contaminate your kerosene. Small amounts of gasoline or other flammable liquids mixed with kerosene can cause fires, flare-ups and soot. Never use your storage can for anything except pure K-1 kerosene.
- ...Always follow the rules for safety outlined in your kerosene heater owners manual.
IMPORTANT: RED DYE INFORMATION
What is it? The US government requires that red marker dye be added to kerosene fuel to be used for heating
purposes. The red dye enables the government to distinguish between kerosene used for heating and kerosene used
in some motor vehicles. In some parts of the country clear "K-1" kerosene may be available if dealers meet certain storage and pumping requirements. Always ask for clear K-1 kerosene.
Why should you be concerned about Red-Dye? Unfortunately, red dye hides problems with kerosene fuel quality that you would normally see if the red dye was not in the fuel (high sulfur content, old kerosene, moisture, cross-contamination by other fuels, and other impurities).
What to do?:
- Buy clear K-1 kerosene whenever possible.
- Buy kerosene from a high-volume dealer. A high-volume dealer is less likely to have problems with aging kerosene.
- "Dry burn" your kerosene heater wick according to the instructions in your owners manual. Keep in mind that the red dye may make it necessary for you to dry burn your wick more frequently than called for in your owner's manual.
- Use Wick Cleaner and American Wick brand. This kerosene fuel additive helps reduce moisture related problems with your kerosene.
- Burn your heater on "high" only-- it will burn cleaner and increase the useful life of your wick.
- Use only an approved kerosene fuel storage container for your fuel. Never put any other substance in your kerosene fuel container.
Question: My wick burned just right for 3 or 4 hours and now the flame goes way down. What happened?
Answer: Since there are no working parts in a kerosene heater wick (a wick is , after all, fiberglass and cotton), if the wick worked at all, the problem is NOT your wick. The problem is the quality of the fuel being burned in the heater. You can save your wick by draining the fuel tank, following the DRY BURNING instructions in your owners's manual, and using clean K-1 kerosene as outlined above.
We don't have the manpower to walk you thru a wick installation, if the instructions are unclear or you have problems, most larger Ace Hardware stores offer kerosene heater repair. Always play it safe if you are not sure, take it to an expert.
CALL BUCK STOVE AND POOL AT 1-800-472-6728
A REAL PERSON WILL ANSWER NOT A MACHINE
I PROMISE
Buck Stove and Pool Inc.
435 BYPASS 72 NW
GREENWOOD,SC. 29649
A Mom and Pop Company Established in 1978
Open Monday-Saturday 8-5 Eastern