Paraffin greenhouse heater

Polytunnels, cold frames, greenhouses, propagators & more. How to get the best out of yours...

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Elle's Garden
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Thanks JB,

I will try leaving the wick a little longer and see how that goes. As long as it doesn't smoke I suppose it is OK.
Kind regards,

Elle
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John
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I have some of those smaller frame heaters. I find it best to come back about 30 minutes after lighting up just to do a final adjustment of the flame when the heater has had a chance to warm up. Also keep the wick neatly trimmed across the top.

John
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Johnboy
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Hi Elle,
I think you have misunderstood what I mean. I do not mean the wick where you light it I mean the other end which is not long enough in the reserve of paraffin. So when the Paraffin reserve is full the wick lights but the wick is too short in the paraffin reserve so although the oil is in the reserve the wick is not emersed and the syphon is broken and the flame goes out!
Sorry Elle I think I am making a right fist of explaining this perhaps somebody else might make a better job of it than me!
JB.
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oldherbaceous
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Dear Johnboy, i think Elle will understand what you are getting at now.

I was going to put a reply on last night, as to what i thought you meant, but i too struggled to find an easy way to put it.



Just one more thought, it not a lack of oxygen is it?
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Johnboy
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Hi OH,
Must confess had not given that a thought but you have a very very valid point there. A greenhouse like a virgins retreat is not a good thing and ventilation plays an essential part of growing. Good call!
JB.
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Elle's Garden
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Thank you boys, I see now with the wick - but it is not the case as the wick is brand new and dangling all the way to the bottom and then some. I did wonder about the ventilation - but for my second trial it was outside in a sheltered corner, so I don't think it that either. I will keep trying to get it right, but I am worried that I will have plants relying on it next month and the thing will go out! What time do you normally light yours?
Kind regards,

Elle
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Geoff
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If it is going out with plenty of wick still showing it is running out of fuel for some reason. Either the wick isn't "wicking" properly (don't know how you can cure that, massage to separate fibres and get the paraffin into it?) or the fuel is not right (Is it fresh? Contaminated with water?).
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Elle's Garden
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Hi Geoff,

No, the wick is burnt right down which suggests it is not long enough to start with - but then the flame will be higher than seems to be indicated. I don't know - it seems rather complicated for something that should be quite easy. I will keep trying. :|
Kind regards,

Elle
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Elle's Garden
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My problem was all sorted when I shortened the wick! My dad showed me how low it should be and low and behold it worked perfectly for the couple of weeks that I needed it. Somehow it seemed counter-intuitive to me, but matched the instruction pictures perfectly and all was well.
Kind regards,

Elle
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Johnboy
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Hi Elle,
Glad you have got it all sorted out in time. Good old Dad!
JB,
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