BBQ Gas Feed Problem

[JRJ]

Intermittent gas problem. Full tank. One time it lights just fine and the next time no gas feeds. Undo the regulator from the tank a time or two and get flow again. Once lit, no problem. Bad regulator or what? I have two tanks and same problem with both. Thanks......

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Check for bug nests in the line from the burner valve to the burner. If those are partially plugged, could prevent gas from getting to the burner nozzles. Could also cause a bit of blowback and flame just upstream of the burner valve. Been there, got the t-shirt:redface:!

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Fuel Safety Lockout drain line open burners shutoff turn on tank again and see/listen for gas light after you get back. Normal with new regulators on propane appl. keep old seal spring by burner air opening to clean out too

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

R&R'd the regulator and hooked it to both tanks. Gas flowed, so I guess the reg. is OK. Hooked it all back up and it lit just fine. As mentioned, probably a cobweb or something.

 

[bigdee]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

This is a common problem, newer grills have a safety regulator that will shut off the gas if flow is detected when tank valve is opened. This can be avoided by opening the tank valve slowly and also making sure the burners are turned off.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I think they are free flow safetys in the event of hose breakage and flow exceeds total burners BTU , Like the antisiphon check valve

 

[Guest]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Spiders tend to make nests in the flow lines and that will mess a BBQ up real fast. Just spry some insect killer into the lines and then use some compressed air and blow out the lines after you have disconnected it from the tank line. That should cure your problem for a while or until the critters come backagain.

 

[rbh]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

We have had issues were the tank ran dry, and had to flip it over after a fill to purge the air/preasure???

 

[Brewman61]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Our Vermont Castings gas grill is very fussy on how you put the tank inside it's compartment. If the connection port on the tank isn't within a certain area, the hose pinches shut and slows or stops the gas from flowing.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

JRJ, it is probably just rebelling to that 114? heat you had down there.

Here is the true skinny on your problem. It is the result of an over zealous beauracracy trying to justify it's existance and make your life more difficult.

Before these recent changes in tank valves and regulators the number of problems were statistically uncountable.

The problem is not cobwebs, it is the regulator. It has a check ball and spring in the snout that are supposed to close if it gets too big a rush of propane. It is supposed to remain open at the normal flow rates required by the device. This check ball gets STUCK. You need to RIP it out.

I now do this, as a matter of course, on every regulator that crosses my path.

Problem Solved!!!

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Thanks Boom......I hit it with one of my smart hammers even sometimes it lights and sometimes it doesn't. Since it was feeding gas with the hose disconnected from the Q, I thought the regulator was OK, but if you say it isn't, I'll buy a new one. Thanks again, and you know, it didn't even hit a 100 here again today. Strangely cool really. Took the grandkids up to Whiskeytown to swim and they both got goosebumps. Taking them back home to the coast tomorrow, probably be foggy :facepalm:

 

[Boomyal]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

.....I'll buy a new one. ......

Save your money, JRJ, and fix the one you have!!! I wonder how many new devices have been purchased because of this faulty design? I've even had device vendors send me new regulators only to have the very same issues in very short order.

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I'm not sure where the regulator comes apart. I'll take a look.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I'm not sure where the regulator comes apart. I'll take a look.

JRJ, you don't have to open up the regulator, you need to get the snout that screws into to the tank off. If ya need more help, let me know. It is a guaranteed fix and you forevermore do it to every regulator you run across.

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

JRJ, you don't have to open up the regulator, you need to get the snout that screws into to the tank off. If ya need more help, let me know. It is a guaranteed fix and you forevermore do it to every regulator you run across.

I unscrewed the snout from the reg. There is a plastic looking piece with a small hole in the tube that screws into the reg. Is the spring and check ball behind that? The other end doesn't appear to unscrew further. Help.........

 

[Boomyal]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I unscrewed the snout from the reg. There is a plastic looking piece with a small hole in the tube that screws into the reg. Is the spring and check ball behind that? The other end doesn't appear to unscrew further. Help.........

Maybe they are not using the ball and spring anymore. Just gut the snout. Drill straight through it all so you can see air. Blow out any residue. There is nothing in the spout that affects the regulator, it only pisses you off. The hole in the end that mates with the tank is not a critical size.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Small hole is volume and when flow exeeds pressure builds and pushes to closed lockout setting . I studied these a few times on various devices . The only thing I would think of doing to modify the safety feature would be to open the flow orfice one drill bit size larger at a time till it doesn't happen as often when changing tanks or opening all burners on high to light .

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I bought a new "importated" regulator W/5' hose at HF for $13. Problem solved. I haven't drilled on the old one yet. Thanks for the help

 

[Boomyal]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

I bought a new "importated" regulator W/5' hose at HF for $13. Problem solved. I haven't drilled on the old one yet. Thanks for the help

Better get to drilling JRJ. Experience show that there is a likely chance that your new one will soon do the same thing.

btw, I think they are all 'importated' now!

 

[JRJ]

Re: BBQ Gas Feed Problem

Hey Boom, the new one has an L shape, no straight drilling fix :facepalm: Smarter than they look "over there"