The Tank

• 1). Smell around both the heater and the propane tank. If you smell a foul odor around the tank you could have a leak in the tank or an improperly connected valve. If you smell the odor around the heater or stove you may be out of fuel or have a loose hose; a slight smell indicates lack of fuel, a heavy smell indicates a disconnected line.
  
  
• 2). Turn off the fuel supply. Turn the valves to the "off" position where the hoses meet the heater or the propane tank. Turn off the valve on top of the propane tank.
  
  
• 3). Check the fuel level by shaking the tank. You should hear fuel sloshing around inside the tank. You will also feel the liquid shift inside the tank. If you neither hear nor feel liquid moving you are out of propane.
  
  
• 4). Disconnect the hoses by unscrewing the valves. Allow a few minutes for the pressure between the tank and the hose to even themselves out. Remove the hoses at both ends. Examine the hoses for cracks, rips, holes or other damage. Replace any hoses that are damaged.
  
  
• 5). Remove the regulator from the tank. Unscrew the regulator where it connects to the tank. Inspect the regulator for damage at the connection. Look for debris, buildup, water or ice in the cavity. Remove any dirt or ice from the cavity. Reattach the regulator screwing it back on the opposite direction to how you removed it.
  
  
• 6). Examine the connections between the hose and the tank or heater. If the hose is not connected securely propane will leak out. Disconnect the hose and reattach it so that it sets evenly and firmly in the female connection of the heater or tank. Reattach the hose by twisting the valve over the connection until it is hand tight. Finish securing the valve with the wrench until it is snug.
  
  

The Heater

• 1). Replace the filters in the heating unit. If it has been more than a month since you last checked the filters they are possibly clogged causing the heater not to work properly.
  
  
• 2). Clean the pilot light assembly. Split flames, excessively bright or high flame and flickering flames are indications of dirt or debris in the assembly. Use a wire brush to clean the assembly.
  
  
• 3). Clean the pilot tube with the sewing needle. Use the sewing needle to clean the inside of the tube.
  
  
• 4). Examine the thermocouple. This is the piece that transfers heat from the pilot light to the automatic valve that regulates the propane flow. The tip of the sensor should surround the pilot light. Bend the brackets holding the sensor to center it around the pilot light. Use the wrench to tighten the thermocouple if it is loose. Replace the thermocouple if the pilot light fails to light.
  
  
• 5). Relight the pilot light. Look for the gas valve with settings for temperature ranges and "On/Off" positions. Turn the valve to "off" if you haven't done so. Wait three minutes. Turn the valve to "Pilot". Light a match or a stick lighter next to the pilot opening. Simultaneously press the ignition button to spark the pilot. Depress the button until the flame ignites. Move the valve to the "On" position.
  
  
• 6). Verify the pilot flame is lit. Turn the temperature control knob to the desired setting. If the temperature does not adjust or set, you need a new automatic control valve. This requires a professional repair person.