MR HEATER STARTING SERIAL #: MHC151000001001 BASECAMP STARTING SERIAL #: MHC151100001001

Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual

MR. HEATER READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and
follow all instructions. Place instructions in a
basecamp
safe place for future reference. Do not allow
MH4B anyone who has not read these instructions to MH4BC
Model

Model
assemble, light, adjust or operate the heater.

PORTABLE PROPANE HEATER FOR

RECREATIONAL, COMMERCIAL AND
EMERGENCY INDOOR USE

WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion
may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
­— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any
other appliance.
— An LP cylinder not connected for use shall not be stored in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light appliance.
• Extinguish any open flame.
• Shut off gas to appliance.
— Service must be performed by a qualified service agency.

This is an unvented gas-fired portable heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the area in which it is used.
Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided. Refer to page 3.

ENERCO GROUP INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-916-3000 06/08 15125 Rev. A
WARNING: WARNING:
Every time tank is connected to unit, connection must If the recreational or commercial enclosure does not
be checked for leaks in one or more ways: Apply soapy have a window or roof vent, DO NOT USE THIS HEATER
water to connection, look for bubbles, listen for hiss of INSIDE.
escaping gas, feel for extreme cold, smell for rotten egg
odor. Do not use if leaking!
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES THE
WARNING: FOLLOWING WARNING:
Any changes to this heater or its controls can be
dangerous. WARNING:
Combustion by-products produced when using this product
WARNING: contain carbon monoxide, a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other
Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the
flu, with headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have reproductive harm).
these signs, heater may not be working properly. Get
fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.

CONTENTS SPECIFICATIONS
General Safety Instructions................................................ 3 MODEL NO...........................................MH4B/MH4BC
GAS TYPE.......................................................PROPANE
General Information........................................................... 3
INPUT BTU/HR.....................................................3,800
Operating with Disposable Propane Cylinders.................... 4
Maintenance..................................................................... 4 CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES
Troubleshooting................................................................. 5 TOP........................................................................ 30”
Parts List............................................................................ 6 FRONT.....................................................................24”
SIDES....................................................................... 6”
Parts Ordering Information................................................ 8
REAR........................................................................ 0”
Service Information............................................................ 8

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 2 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE. DO NOT OPERATE
THIS APPLIANCE WITHOUT THE FRONT WIRE GUARD
INSTALLED
• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be
located out of traffic and away from combustible materi-
als.
• Children and adults should be alerted to the hazard of
high surface temperatures and should stay away to avoid
burns or clothing ignition.
• Young children should be carefully supervised when they
are near the appliance.
• Do not place clothing or other flammable material on or
near the appliance.
• Do not operate heater in any moving vehicle.
• This heater can only be used in a recreational or com-
mercial enclosure with a window or roof vent. It may
GENERAL INFORMATION:
also be used outdoors. • This heater is safe for indoor use in small recreational
enclosures, having means for providing combustion
• This heater requires a vent area of 4 square inches (ex-
air and ventilation, such as enclosed porches, cabins,
ample 2” x 2” opening) minimum for adequate ventila-
fishing huts, trailers, tent trailers, tents, truck caps and
tion during operation. Do not use other fuel burning
vans. It may be used for emergency indoor heating and
appliances inside.
in commercial enclosures, having means for providing
• GAS PRESSURE AT HEATER IS REGULATED AND FIXED combustion air and ventilation, such as construction
AT 11” W.C. trailers or temporary work enclosures.
• REGULATOR IN HEATER MUST ALWAYS BE IN PLACE Note: The heater can be used outdoors, but may
DURING OPERATION. experience nuisance shutoffs due to certain wind
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing the ap- conditions.
pliance must be replaced prior to operating the heater. • When the heater is cold or at room temperature, it
• The appliance should be inspected before each use. will take a few minutes for the burner tile to turn
Frequent cleaning may be required. The control com- bright orange. This is normal and the heater is working
partments, burner and circulating air passageways of properly. If burner tile is visibly flaming, turn heater off
the appliance must be kept clean, see MAINTENANCE. and call a qualified service technician.
• DO NOT use this heater if any part has been under • When the unit is lit, there should be about a quarter
water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inch (1/4”) border around the tile that will not turn
inspect the heater and to replace any part of the control bright orange. This is normal.
system and any gas control, which has been under wa- • When operating the heater for the first time, the top
ter. area of the reflector may discolor. This is also normal
• When used without adequate combustion and ventila- and is no reason for concern.
tion air, this heater may give off excessive CARBON • When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT.
MONOXIDE, an odorless, poisonous gas. above sea level, the unit may not burn as bright as in
• Some people - pregnant women, persons with heart lower altitudes. This is normal. At higher altitudes, the
or lung disease, anemia, those under the influence of heater may shut-off. If this happens, provide fresh air,
alcohol, those at high altitudes - are more affected by wait 5 minutes and re-light. Due to local atmospheric
carbon monoxide than others. conditions heater may not re-light.
• When heater is placed on the ground, make sure the • Operating time will be approximately 5 1/2 hours on a
ground is level and keep any objects at least 24 inches one 1lb. cylinder.
from the front of the heater. THIS HEATER IS EQUIPPED • When moving heater when lit or bumping heater setting
WITH A TIP OVER SWITCH THAT WILL SHUT THE HEAT- it down, tip over switch may shut off heater. If this
ER OFF IF THE HEATER TIPS OVER HOWEVER, DO NOT happens, re-light.
LEAVE HEATER UNATTENDED OR WHERE CHILDREN • Due to natural operation of small tanks, condensation
MAY CAUSE THE HEATER TO TIP OVER. NEVER OPERATE may build up on tank and drip on surface under heater.
THE HEATER WHILE SLEEPING!

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 3 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
LIGHTING / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Always inspect propane cylinder and heater

propane connections for damage, dirt, and debris before Pilot Flame
attaching propane cylinder. Do not use if head of cylinder is
damaged, punctured or deteriorated.

ALWAYS ATTACH OR DETACH CYLINDER OUTDOORS AWAY

FROM FLAMES, OTHER IGNITION SOURCES, AND ONLY
WHEN HEATER IS COOL TO TOUCH. NEVER SMOKE WHEN
ATTACHING OR REMOVING PROPANE CYLINDER!
• Use only LP-gas cylinders marked in accordance with the
U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT).
• Use only 16.4 oz. (1 lb.) disposable cylinders that mate Oxygen Depletion Sensor
with No. 600 valve connection.
• Heater and attached cylinder must be in an upright Figure 2
position during operation.
• Screw 1 lb. disposable LP-gas supply cylinder clockwise inside the housing assembly and main burner assembly. If
(from bottom) into portable heater until hand-tight and the pilot is yellow or the burner has a noticeable flame,
fit cylinder into stand. cleaning may be required. Use the following procedure to
• Check cylinder connection for leaks with soapy water inspect the casing assembly and main burner assembly. It
at the threaded connection under the domed plastic is necessary to periodically check the burner orifice and
cover where the cylinder screws into the regulator. SEE burner venturi to make sure that they are clear of insects/
WARNING! ON PLASTIC COVER. nests or spider webs that may accumulate over time. A
clogged tube can lead to a fire.
• Depress “ON” button to light pilot flame (repeat until
pilot lights) and continue to hold for 30-60 seconds. CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
• After lighting pilot, release “ON” button to light heater. 1. Allow heater to thoroughly cool before performing
• To shut off heater, press the “OFF” button. any maintenance.
• CAUTION: After turning heater off, wire guard will 2. Remove disposable 1 lb. propane cylinder from
remain hot. Allow to thoroughly cool before storing. heater.
• Do not operate, store or remove cylinder near 3. Remove right side plastic service panel (ref.5) by
flammable items or ignition sources. removing the six screws holding it in place.
• LP-GAS CYLINDERS MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM 4. Inspect the interior of casing for accumulation of
HEATER WHEN NOT IN USE! dust, lint or spider webs. If necessary, clean the
interior of the casing assembly with a vacuum cleaner
or compressed air (max 30 psi). Do not damage any
MAINTENANCE: components within the casing assembly when you
Always keep the heater area clear and free from are cleaning.
combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable 5. Inspect and clean main burner (ref. 13) and orifice
vapors and liquids. (ref. 3) by using a vacuum or compressed air (max 30
psi).
Keep the vent areas (slots in the bottom and top of the 6. Inspect and clean pilot tube (ref. 14). Insert a
heater) clear at all times. doubled over pipe cleaner into the pilot tube until
it bottoms against the pilot orifice (approximately
Visually inspect the pilot flame and burner periodically 2”). Rotate the pipe cleaner a couple of times
during use. The pilot flame should be blue in color (not and remove. Blow out the remaining debris using
yellow) and will extend to the thermocouple. The flame will compressed air.
surround the thermocouple just below the tip, see Figure 2. WARNING: Never use needles, wires or similar cylindrical
objects to clean the pilot to avoid damaging the
A slight yellow flame may occur where the pilot flame calibrated ruby that controls the gas flow through the
and main burner flame meet. The burner should be bright pilot orifice.
orange (with a slight blue color around the border, a red-
7. Apply compressed air (max 30 psi) into the ceramic
orange haze that is visible on the ceramic tile is acceptable)
tile of burner assembly and venturi tube (ref. 13) to
and without a noticeable flame.
remove dust, lint and spider webs.
8. Reinstall the right side plastic service panel.
A blue flame that rolls out at the top of the ceramic tile
indicates an accumulation of dust, lint or spider webs

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 4 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION:
If Spark electrode does not produce spark.
CHECK
• Spark electrode broken – replace.
• Igniter wire may not be attached to spark
electrode.
• Igniter wire damaged – replace.
• Piezo igniter defective – replace regulator valve
assembly.
If Spark electrode produces spark but pilot does not light.
CHECK
• No gas to heater – re-install or replace gas
cylinder.
• Pilot is blocked from spider web or dirt – clean
pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
If Pilot flame does not stay lit when button is released.
CHECK
• “Pilot/Ignition” button not held long enough
to purge air from line.
• Pilot flame not surrounding thermocouple –
clean pilot, see MAINTENANCE.
• Pilot Assembly defective – replace.
• Tip switch wires disconnected – connect
tip switch (check off switch and off switch
wiring).
If Main burner does not ignite.
CHECK
• Main burner orifice is blocked – clean burner,
see MAINTENANCE.
If Heater keeps shutting “OFF” during normal operation.
CHECK
• Pilot is blocked – clean pilot, see
MAINTENANCE.
• Provide minimum fresh air opening of 4 square
inches (example 2” x 2” opening).
• Tip over switch activated from bumping heater.
Re-light

—INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK­—

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 5 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
 Mr. Heater MH4B • Base Camp MH4BC

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 6 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
PARTS LIST: NOTES:
SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION
______________________________________________________________
ITEM PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION
______________________________________________________________

1 15161 Regulator/Valve Assembly 1

______________________________________________________________
2 15151 Orifice 1
______________________________________________________________
3 15163 Off Button Wire 1

4 15126 Left Housing 1 ______________________________________________________________

5 15128 Right Service Housing 1 ______________________________________________________________

6 15122 On Button 1
______________________________________________________________
7 15123 Off Button 1
______________________________________________________________
8 15165 Off Button Spring 1
______________________________________________________________
9 15124 Tank Base 1

10 15157 Reflector Panel 1 ______________________________________________________________

11 15158 Reflector Ring 1 ______________________________________________________________

12 15162 Wire Guard 1

______________________________________________________________
13 15138 Burner Assembly 1
______________________________________________________________
14 15155 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1
______________________________________________________________
15 15153 Burner Bracket 1

16 15145 Off Switch 1 ______________________________________________________________

17 73403 Tipover Switch 1 ______________________________________________________________

18 15148 Pilot Fuel Line 1

______________________________________________________________
19 15154 Heat Shield 1
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 7 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
MR. HEATER READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and
follow all instructions. Place instructions in a
basecamp
safe place for future reference. Do not allow
MH4B anyone who has not read these instructions to MH4BC
Model

Model
assemble, light, adjust or operate the heater.

WARNING:
USE ONLY MANUFACTURER’S REPLACEMENT PARTS. USE OF ANY OTHER PARTS
COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE
DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY AND MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE
AGENCY.

PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION:

PURCHASING: Accessories may be purchased at any Mr. Heater local dealer or direct
from the factory

FOR INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE

Please call Toll-Free 800-251-0001

www.mrheater.com

Our office hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

Please include the model number, date of purchase, and description of problem in all
communication.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Enerco Group, Inc. warrants its heaters and accessories to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of purchase. Enerco
Group, Inc. will repair or replace this product free of charge if it has been proven to
be defective within the 1-year period, and is returned at customer expense with proof
of purchase to Enerco Group, Inc. within the warranty period.

Enerco Group, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or
obligation, in colors, specifications, accessories, materials and models.

ENERCO GROUP, INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-916-3000
Mr. Heater and Portable Buddy are registered trademarks of Enerco Group, Inc.
© 2003, Enerco/Mr. Heater. All rights reserved

CSA 4.98
U.S.

Mr. Heater MH4B | Base Camp MH4BC 8 Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual 06/08 15125 Rev. A