Question on Catalytic Heaters

[tlavergne]

I have a 3000 BTU "The Cat" catalytic heater in my 1978 Ambassador. It was installed in 1981 and it lights with no problem. I can feel some heat off of it but it does not turn red or anything. Is that normal or is the front suppossed to turn red as it burns and heats?
Thanks.
Tom

[2airishuman]

not red?

that's normal for the small older models...

at night in pitch black darkness, ya might see a tad of glow...

blow compressed air all around to remove the dust and lint...

that will smell and glow when burning...

your unit likely doesn't have a 'low o2' sensor so venting is important

and don't forget the co detector....

cheers
2air'

[tlavergne]

Thanks 2air. I took the front grill off, blew it out with compressed air and vacuumed it. I also cleaned it up with some soapy water. It must work OK because it does heat up. Does the "wool" ever need replaced?
Thanks.
Tom

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by tlavergne

Does the "wool" ever need replaced?Thanks...Tom

what brand/model?

i'd check online at the vendors site (still in business?) for maintenance or service pointers...

cheers
2air'

[tlavergne]

It says "The Cat" on it and it has a pic of a cougars head...3000 BTU model. It is the typical install inside the front door next to the stove.

[warbler5]

If you cannot find any info on "The Cat," you might just look at some of the present-day catalytic heaters to see what they recommend for maintenance. We use an Olympian in our 30' Classic, and it keeps things toasty warm on those cold winter evenings along the northern California coast!

One thing you might consider adding, if the 1978 Ambassador did not come with it, is a carbon monoxide detector. All the newer trailers come with them, and I would have added one when I bought my catalytic heater if the trailer did not already come with it.

Cheers

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by tlavergne

It says "The Cat" on it and it has a pic of a cougars head....

there was ONLY ONE style 'approved' for rv use in those years...

so IF the dealer installed it (as they did mine) it is likely a 'platinum cat'

this is the ONLY brand/design i'm aware of that includes fresh air venting as part of the installation.

imo this is still the safest design for our trailers and mohos....

here is a link to their website...

Platinum CAT vented catalytic heater for RV, Boat, PV,12Vdc propane heaters. A & L Enterprises

they have some current/past model info, so photos and a phone number...

cheers
2air'

IF that isn't your brand, post a photo or dig around for a model/serial number...

[warbler5]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

imo this is still the safest design for our trailers and mohos....

I wholeheartedly agree!!! We rarely use the installed heater, preferring the catalytic heater for its quiet operation.

[2airishuman]

...imo this is still the safest design for our trailers and mohos....

pardon my vague statement, i intended to type...

imo this is still the safest design in catalystic heaters for use in our trailers and mohos...

does your installation include venting warbler5?

i'm not aware of any oly models with venting...

quiet is nice,

but not including a source for fresh air (other than opening a window) venting as part of the heater/installation...

isn't safe imo; relying ONLY on a low O2 shut off switch is inadequate....

we've had lengthy exchanges on this issue, like these...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...ent-29984.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f445...ids-29556.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f426...ven-28095.html

seems it is the minority view (mine) that venting is important...

cheers
2air'

[tlavergne]

2air,
I think that's the company. The style of writing is the same but the cats head is different. I'll contact the company and see if they can confirm.
Thanks,
Tom

[tlavergne]

2air,
Yep...same company...confirmed by their website. They don't make that model anymore but I found a reference to it in a wiring diagram on their website. Thanks for your help.
Tom

[warbler5]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

imo this is still the safest design in catalystic heaters for use in our trailers and mohos...

does your installation include venting warbler5?

We crack a window, and I won't run it at night while we are sleeping. I never even realized we had a carbon monoxide detector in the trailer until we bought this heater, but I feel like you, that venting is important! Unfortunately, CO sinks (which is why the detector is mounted at floor level), and the AS windows and vents are all relatively high. It IS something I worry about....just like using the oven with the trailer all closed up....but, I obsess now less than I did at first!

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

...seems it is the minority view (mine) that venting is important...

cheers
2air'

2air,
I'm with you on this one. I replaced an old Thermex in my '77 Excella 500 with an Olympian Wave 6. I always cracked an overhead vent and a window when using it to provide fresh oxygen which the Wave 6 depletes.

[Fyrzowt]

Unfortunately, CO sinks (which is why the detector is mounted at floor level)

You may have a combo CO/gas detector. CO is essentially the same weight as air.

[tlavergne]

I heard back this morning from "The Cat" company. Very nice folks with good advice. They think I have the earliest model (it was installed in 1981) and say that it will just keep running and running. The tech said that they are designed to pull oxygen through small openings in the coach and that there is no reason to crack a window. There is nothing wrong with cracking a window but it is not neccessary...they also vent the exhaust through the side of the coach. Anyway, there you have it.
Tom

[warbler5]

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

You may have a combo CO/gas detector. CO is essentially the same weight as air.

Better yet

We are also running the Olympian Wave 6, Craig. We mainly seem to camp in places without hook-ups, so it makes sense for those cold nights! Where did you mount yours? We had a couple options, then decided just to make it portable, with the gas line coming in under the dinette of our 30' Classic.

Cheers