Ordered Wave 6

[Karin]

I ordered the wave 6 heater at Bob's recommendation (another thread). Could someone suggest what tank/fuel source to get? How about the connector?
any advice is appreciated.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

If you can carry one of the larger tanks - like are used on bbqs - the cost per gallon is a lot less than the cost of those small green cylinders.

If you can get your own tank refilled at a propane place, it will be cheaper than exchanging tanks at a gas station or convenience store. (Those exchange tanks are almost never full, btw. A standard bbq tank holds 20 lbs of propane, the exchange tanks usually have 15 lbs in them. They say so right on the label in small print.) The only thing the exchange tanks have going for them is convenience.

You need a GOOD propane hose. Cheap hoses had some kind of plasticizer that went into solution with the propane flowing through it. It worked ok for stoves and lanterns, but the chemical messed with the catalyst on catalytic heaters and caused them to fail. This became such an issue with the Mr. Buddy heaters that they came up with a fuel filter to go between the hose and the heater.

Finally, even with a GOOD hose, think of it as an expendable item and plan to replace it every few years.

Regards
John

 

[LeeRevell]

The 20lb tank will hold about 17 to 18 pounds of gas. They have over-fill safeties limiting them to 80% of full. Expansion space in hot weather.

 

[akrvbob]

Actually the Olympian is a standard propane appliance so it is a low-pressure device and it requires a regulator on the bulk propane bottle. You can get it at any hardware store.

It is NOT a camping appliance so the hose that connects a Coleman stove to a bulk bottle will NOT work. Neither will the green bottles. They are high-pressure devices and do NOT use a regulator. Because it is a low-pressure and not high-pressure, you will NOT need a filter like the Buddy. It's the high pressure that makes the hose shed plasticizers that plugs the jets of the Buddy. Low pressure won't do that.

If memory serves it uses a standard 3/8 thread which is a very commonly available hose. I'd go to a full-service propane place and tell them what you bought and ask them for what you need to make it work. They can make the hose right there to your exact length.

The cheapest 20 pound bottles are from Walmart ($25-$30), or if you have a card from Sams or Costco, so get one of theirs.

If you have an RV you can tap into your existing propane system as it is all low-pressure as well. I'd hire someone to do that though.

You'll want to use teflon tape (99 cents and available at Walmart or Home Depot) on the threads when you screw it in and use wrenches to tighten them hard. After it's all up and running you will want to keep a little spray bottle of soapy water on hand to check all the fittings and connections periodically. Spray the connections with saopy water and if there is a leak you will see bubbles coming out of it.

Are you going to mount it to a wall, or did you order the legs? Either way, get the cover and keep it covered when not in use. Dust damages the mat that actually causes the heat. When you first start it you will get a flare of flame--that's normal!! It will quickly die off and the gray mat will glow red hot. There is no flame after the first flare up.

It's a great heater and worth the extra cost and hassle!!! You can sleep with it on no worries! Just follow the manuals instructions for clearances and ventilation exactly and it's extremely safe!!
Bob

 

[johnny b]

A 20 lb. tank has the 20% safety factor already sized in. Tank holds 4.7 gallons at 4.20 lbs./gal. (at 60 deg. F) = 19.74 lbs.

Exchange tanks only give you 15 lbs., or basically 3/4 full. A rip off left over from higher priced days. The only time to do an exchange is when the expiration date on your tank is up.

 

[GrayWhale]

Which way is cheaper in the long run?

1. Buy a 20# tank and use it to refill a bunch of little 1# cans?

2. Buy a 20# tank and refill it when needed?

 

[highdesertranger]

actually you are going to have a flare fitting. it's going to be fed with a soft copper line with flared ends. if you don't have the tool to make flared ends find someone who does or take it to a shop. do not use Teflon tape on flared fittings the seal is on the flare not the threads. like bob says you need a regulator unless you already have one. highdesertranger

 

[johnny b]

Refilling the 1 pounders is actually illegal....read the warning on the label.

However, IF you were to choose this option, there is a correct way to do it.

There is a small safety valve on the small bottles that can be manipulated with needle nose pliers if showing signs of leaking.

Notice that the large tank is upside down...you need liquid to be transferred, not gas.
The red handle ball valve adds ease and convenience when doing multiple bottles.

Disclaimer: Information only. I do not recommend this procedure.

 

[akrvbob]

The topic here is Olympian heater that do not use green bottles.

Green bottles are a great topic but you need to start a new thread to discuss it.
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

Amazon has a nifty hose unit that includes the hi-to-lo pressure regulator, that should make installing with the common 20lb bottle easy:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-57721-P...im_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1H3ZNFSF3KE5J4AC6WJV

Read their page on the heater, and check the (admittedly few) 1 star reviews. I'll keep my Buddy heater for now. Though the flatness and size of this heater are nice. Much less bulky. The video was good (on the Amazon page).

 

[ccbreder]

2nd johnny b. I found old bottles on trash day, took them to ace and exchanged them, $20. Then take the new bottles to bulk filling station when emptied.

 

[Karin]

Wow, thanks all, for the input. I thought I had only the one, initial, reply, based upon one email that I got from the forum.

I'm not in an RV - just an old school bus which I'm renting.

I did order the legs and the cover, and, based upon advice here, I'll be purchasing a 20 lb propane tank as well. I'll look into that regulator from Amazon.

I've got to get the hell away from this computer and get outside.

 

[Karin]

I ordered the regulator from Amazon, but got a failure notice for the credit card I used. I had tried to use a rebate card that had $60.00 on it. No problem, I figured I'd just change to another card.

Amazon's freaking interface wouldn't allow me to change the credit card even though I tried multiple times!! I can't get over the stupidity of these companies who make opening your wallet such a pain in the ass.

I had to cancel the order, and I don't know if I'll reorder from them again. If anyone has a suggestion for another place to buy the thing, I'm game.

 

[akrvbob]

I'd find a full service propane store near you and take in the heater and walk out with it ready to run.

It will cost you more than getting it from Amazon but it will be done right and will be frustration-free for you. That's worth whatever it costs you!!!!!

propane is not something you want to be guessing about.
Bob

 

[Karin]

You're so right. I'm so cheap, I end up spending a good portion of my patience, and my life, trying to save a buck, which only leaves me older and grumpier.

I might get some good assistance from a propane store as well, along with the great advice from this forum.

Thank you!