DuraHeat DH2304S - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is the owner's manual for the DuraHeat Model DH2304S portable kerosene heater. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, and safety.

Function Description:

The DuraHeat DH2304S is a portable kerosene heater designed for convection heating. It uses 1-K grade kerosene as fuel to produce heat. The heater features an automatic ignition system for convenience, powered by two "C" cell batteries. It also includes a manual shut-off knob and an automatic safety shut-off device that activates if the heater is jarred or tipped over, rapidly lowering the wick to extinguish the flame. The design emphasizes safe and efficient operation, with detailed instructions on proper fueling, wick adjustment, and carbon removal to prevent issues like smoke, odor, and fire hazards.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model No.: DH2304S
Type of Heater: Convection
Heat Output: Max. 23,800 BTU/hr
Fuel Tank: Integral
Tank Capacity: 1.9 U.S. gallons
Continuous Combustion Time: Approx. 9-12 hr
Max. Fuel Consumption: 0.167 U.S. gallons/hr.
Ignition Method: Battery-C Cell x2, Igniter Type "B"
Weight (empty): Approx. 23.0 lbs.
Dimensions:
- Height: 27 inches
- Width: 17.5 inches
- Depth: 17.5 inches
Wick Height: 25/64 IN. (10mm)
Replacement Wick Number: Kero-World 32225, Dura Heat DH-145, Pick-A-Wick PW-72

Usage Features:

Fueling: The heater must only use 1-K kerosene. Fueling should always be done outdoors to prevent flare-ups and the accumulation of flammable vapors. Kerosene should be stored in a BLUE container clearly marked "Kerosene," never in a red container associated with gasoline. The manual siphon pump is used for transferring fuel, and overfilling the tank should be avoided. After initial fueling or when the tank is empty, the wick must soak for a minimum of 60 minutes before ignition to prevent poor burning and wick damage.
Ignition: The heater has an automatic ignition system. To use it, ensure batteries are installed, turn the wick adjuster knob clockwise to raise the wick to its maximum height, and push the ignition lever to bring the igniter into contact with the wick. Once lit, release the lever, and rotate the burner knob to ensure proper positioning. If the automatic system fails or batteries are dead, the heater can be lit manually with a match by lifting the burn chamber and touching a lighted match to the wick's top edge.
Wick Adjustment: After ignition, the flame height needs to be adjusted using the wick adjuster knob. The proper flame height is no more than 1/2" at the top of the burner, with an even distribution around the flame spreader disk. Periodic adjustments are necessary as the heater warms up and kerosene vaporizes faster. Operating the heater at a wick setting lower than the minimum recommended can cause imperfect combustion, leading to odors, carbon monoxide, and potential fire hazards. Room temperature adjustments should be made by extinguishing the heater or opening windows, not by excessively lowering the wick.
Safety Shut-Off Device: The heater is equipped with an automatic safety shut-off device that quickly extinguishes the flame if the heater is jarred or tipped over. This mechanism retracts a latch from the wick control shaft ratchet, allowing a torsion spring to drop the wick to its fully lowered position. Regular testing of this device (at least once a week during heating season) is crucial to ensure proper function.
Extinguishing: To extinguish the heater, push down on the manual shut-off knob while holding the wick adjuster knob. Slowly relax the grip on the wick adjuster knob to allow the spring to lower the wick and extinguish the flame. Visually confirm that the wick is fully lowered and no flames are present after 10-15 seconds. Allow at least 10 minutes for the heater to cool before reigniting to prevent strong odors or flare-ups.
Ventilation: The heater should only be used in well-ventilated areas to prevent indoor air pollution and the buildup of carbon monoxide. In tightly constructed homes, keeping doors to adjacent rooms or a window open at least one inch is recommended. It should never be used in small, enclosed spaces like bathrooms.

Maintenance Features:

Wick Maintenance (Carbon Removal / Dry Burning): Carbon and tar accumulate on the wick over time, reducing heat output and potentially damaging the wick assembly. The manual recommends "dry burning" the heater outdoors on a calm day. This involves burning the heater with a nearly empty fuel tank until the flame goes out, then raising the wick to its highest setting and letting it burn out completely. After the heater cools, the carbon can be brushed off the wick. This procedure should be performed within 5-7 days after first use and whenever the wick feels hard or exhibits signs of poor performance (slow to light, difficult to adjust, kerosene odor, low heat output).
Wick Assembly Check: At least once a month, the wick guide should be checked for tar deposits, which can prevent the burner assembly from seating properly. These deposits can be scraped off with a flat-edge screwdriver and removed with a vacuum cleaner.
Wick Replacement: The wick needs replacement if repeated cleanings do not improve performance, or if it is damaged. Only genuine replacement wicks (Kero-World 32225, Dura Heat DH-145, Pick-A-Wick PW-72) should be used. The manual provides detailed steps for disassembling the heater, removing the old wick, installing a new wick, and reassembling the unit, including aligning pins and ensuring the wick moves freely.
Igniter Plug Replacement: If the automatic ignition system fails after replacing batteries, the igniter plug may need replacement. The manual provides instructions for removing and installing a new igniter plug (Type "B", 2.5V DC, 1A only).
Long Term Storage: For safe and efficient operation in subsequent seasons, the heater should be prepared for storage. This involves rinsing the fuel tank with a small amount of kerosene (never water), burning off all remaining fuel, removing batteries, cleaning carbon deposits from the wick adjuster and burner, and reassembling the heater. It should be stored with the wick fully lowered and the safety shut-off device deactivated, in its original box, in a well-ventilated area.

The manual stresses the importance of reading and understanding all warnings and operating instructions to prevent bodily injury and property damage. It highlights that common sense, caution, and care are essential for safe operation.