how do you fix a gas bbq

How to Fix Your BBQ Grill in 5 Steps

• Step 1: Disconnect the Gas or Fuel Line Before doing any work on your grill, make sure to disconnect the fuel line for your protection. ...
• Step 2: Remove Grate, Rocks, and Flame Bar Next, remove the grate, rocks, and flame bar to effectively clean/de-grease the grill. ...
• Step 3: Check the Ignitor ...
• Step 4: Remove and Clean/Repair the Burner ...
• Step 5: Make Exterior Repairs ...

Full Answer

Why is my gas BBQ not working?

It could be a worn-out spark module, a loose wire or other connection, a dead battery, corrosion or dirt on the igniter tip, or cracked porcelain on the igniter element. If the grill doesn't light using the match, check for low or no gas flow. Your problem could be as simple as a low gas tank.

What causes a gas grill not to light?

If your grill won't light, it could be because you're lighting the wrong burner. See instructions on the control panel of your grill and in your manual. The grill burners could be blocked if your grill doesn't light. Pests, spider webs or other debris could be blocking them.

Is it worth fixing a gas grill?

Even if you keep your grill clean and covered, parts can wear out. If your grill is still under warranty, fixing it is a no-brainer. Otherwise, compare the cost of new parts and the grill's overall condition with the cost of a new one.

How do I fix the flame on my gas grill?

Start by turning everything off, including your gas flow at the tank. Disconnect the regulator from the tank and allow everything to sit for about 5 minutes. Reconnect the regulator to the tank and slowly open the valve all the way. Wait for 30 seconds before trying to light the grill again.

How do you clean a clogged propane regulator?

Mix 1/4 cup of dish soap and water in a bowl. The solution should contain an equal part of both. Reconnect the hose and brush all connections with this solution. This would include the connection between the regulator and tank, the regulator and hose, and the hose and grill.

How do I reset my gas regulator?

2:253:08Reset a Natural Gas Regulator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your fingers pull the plunger. And then replace the cap. Check that the test dials are notMoreWith your fingers pull the plunger. And then replace the cap. Check that the test dials are not moving now that you have reset your regulator. You can now start relighting your natural gas appliances.

What is the average lifespan of a gas grill?

Average Gas Grill Lifespan The average American replaces their grill every three years. However, routine maintenance and timely repairs can extend that lifespan by many years. Business Insider says proper cleaning and care can keep a gas grill in peak operating condition for 5 to 15 years.

How long do gas barbecues last?

On average, Americans will throw their grill out after only three years. However, we assure you that they should last much longer than that! In reality, most gas grills last between 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. This depends on the level of care the owner takes in maintaining their grill.

How do you restore a gas grill?

How to Refurbish a Gas GrillParts You Can Replace or Upgrade.Step 1: Disconnect Propane (VERY IMPORTANT)Step 2: Turn Off Gas Valves + Remove Control Panel.Step 3: Remove Regulator, Igniter + Valves.Step 4: Remove Accessories + Drip Pans.Step 5: Remove Grates + Burner Tubes.Step 6: Degrease.Step 7: Remove Old Paint.More items...

How do you clean clogged gas grill burners?

0:351:18How to Clean Gas Grill Burners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen the ports get clogged the propane can't flow the heat and cook your food. Next scrub theMoreWhen the ports get clogged the propane can't flow the heat and cook your food. Next scrub the burners with a Charbroil wire brush on the outside of the burner to remove food debris and dirt.

Why won't my BBQ heat up?

Your gas grill is not getting hot because the regulator needs to be reset, there's a clog in the gas line, there's not enough gas left, or there's too much debris covering the burners. Turn off the burners, scrub the grill, then reset the regulator by disconnecting and reconnecting it.

Why are my grill burners not working?

Check the burner for clogged gas holes. You can usually see this problem by observing how the grill burns. If there are spots without flame then you probably have a clogged burner. Try cleaning the burner or letting it burn on high for 15 minutes.

How do you clean the igniter on a gas grill?

1:183:13Jackson Grills - How to Clean the Barbecue Ignition - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll I was doing was putting this down the inside of the tube. Twisting. Around pulling it out. SoMoreAll I was doing was putting this down the inside of the tube. Twisting. Around pulling it out. So that I could free up and dislodge. Anything that had built up in that area.

How do you light a gas grill when the igniter doesn't work?

0:140:58How to Light Your Grill Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn on the gas to the burner closest to the hole and insert the lid match. After the first burnerMoreTurn on the gas to the burner closest to the hole and insert the lid match. After the first burner is lit turn on the adjacent burners to cross light.

How do you unstick a propane tank valve?

Instructions:Set the propane tank on a steady, level surface. ... Wrap the rubber band around the outer edges of the valve to get a better grip on the blocked valve. ... If this doesn't work, spray a bit of oil or lubricant on the valve. ... If the valve is still stuck, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to force it open.More items...•

Why is my grill igniter not working?

Igniters are frequently subjected to dirt and debris from cooking fumes, grease, and food particles. If the electrodes are covered in gunk from months of grilling, your igniter won't be able to spark. Dirty electrodes are easy to fix—all you need to do is clean them using a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol.

Save Your Grill From the Junk Yard With a Little Repair Basics

Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.

The Tank

Years ago the propane tank of you grill was nothing more than, well, a tank. Modern propane tanks, mandated by the government for safety, contain an Over Fill Prevention (OPD) Device. This makes it so a propane tank can not be overfilled. The OPD on your propane tank can be damaged causing the tank not to work correctly.

Fuel Hose and Regulator

The output of a propane tank or your natural gas line is much greater than you need for grilling so the regulator controls the amount of fuel that can flow to your grill. The regulator attaches to the tank (or natural gas line) by a flexible hose with an O-ring to create an airtight seal.

Control Valves

The controls do just that, control the flow of fuel to the burner. Each burner on your grill is going to have a control valve. The valve consists of several components that are specifically designed on a number of factors. You cannot repair a bad control valve and if need be, you should replace the whole unit.

Venturi Tubes

The venturi tubes connect the control valve to the burner (s) and mix the fuel with air to provide the flame. To mix the air into the fuel there is an open gap in the fuel line here that can easily become obstructed. Insects, especially spiders, love this space and given half a chance will move in as quickly as possible.

Burners

Burners come in many shapes, sizes and materials particular to your specific grill. What the burner is made of will tell you pretty much how long it will last. Burners range from aluminized steel at the low-end to cast brass and stainless steel on the high end. Low end burners will typically last about 3 years under normal circumstances.

Barrier

In between the burner and the cooking grate is something. I call it a barrier; some people call it a radiant. It is called a radiant because it is supposed to absorb and release heat evenly to the cooking surface. However, I don't find it to be very good at this.

Understand the Parts and Functions of a Gas Grill

Gas starts out either in the gas tank or a gas line. The gas passes through a regulator (to limit the gas pressure), through a manifold to divide it up between the burners, then through the control valves where you adjust the flow rate to control the temperature.

Safety First Prior to Troubleshooting

Always make sure that you have turned off your tank valve and disconnected your grill from its fuel source before you do any work on your grill. If you have had your grill on, make sure it has cooled down completely. If you had the gas on, give the grill five minutes for the gas to dissipate before troubleshooting.

Problem: Low Flame, Low Temperature

This is a common problem with many grills and is almost always because of the fuel line regulator (the UFO-shaped thing on the gas hose near the fuel tank). Regulators tend to be sticky. When they stick, they limit the amount of gas and will not generate a good grilling temperature.

Problem: Yellow or Orange Flame

Check the control valve (s) and venturi tubes for obstruction and alignment. Make sure that the flow of fuel is continuous. The venturi tubes may not be properly aligned and the venturi shutters might need adjustment by doing the following:

Problem: Gas Grill Just Won't Light

Some grills have push-button (piezo-electric) igniters and others are battery-powered. If you have the battery type, try replacing the batteries. Determine if you are generating a spark in the igniter unit. The igniter is going to be near one (or several) of the burner (s).

Problem: Grill Produces a Lot of Smoke

This is typically caused by a large build-up of grease on your grill. Give it a good cleaning and preheat the grill for 15 minutes to burn off any remaining residue.

Problem: Flame From Under the Grill, Behind the Control Panel

This is caused by misaligned or blocked venturi tubes. After the grill has cooled, inspect to make sure all parts are fitting together. Check hoses and fuel lines to ensure they are not cracked, melted, or burned through.

Supplies

The Home Depot Associate thought I was joking when I told him I want a degreaser that should come with gloves and a mask. I want it to double as paint remover. But alas, Home Depot doesn't carry military-grade-anti-aircraft-burn-a-hole-through-your-skin degreaser.

Step 1: Replace or Restore?

So there's some serious corrosion on this BBQ. PNW weather has not been kind to it. But it's a nice BBQ, and I like it, so I'm going to bring it back to life.

Step 2: Cleaning

1. I dumped all the loose metal and big bits into a 5 gallon bucket, then into the trash.

Step 3: Prep for Burner and Heat Shield Mounts

The biggest problem I had with this grill before fixing it was the burners and heat shields starting to fall out of their places.

Step 4: Burner and Heat Shield Mounts

For the Burner and Heat Shield Mounts, I used 20 ga 304 stainless steel. Onlinemetals.com is a good source for this, or you can get it from a sheet metal shop. Avoid using Aluminum or Galvanized (the most common metals found at local hardware stores), because they both give off toxic fumes when heated.

Step 5: Final Cleanup, Burning, and Testing

Cleaning up the outside of the grill is just for aesthetics. Hopefully yours didn't look as bad as mine. But all this mildew and grime is superficial and not baked on, so it goes pretty smoothly with some multi-surface cleaner and shop towels.

Check The Gas

Yes, I know. It’s probably the first thing you did, but I’ve got to be thorough. If your grill has a gas gauge, check it and then give the tank a lift, to make sure your gauge isn’t malfunctioning. If it doesn’t have a gauge, give the tank a lift—empty tanks weight around 16 pounds. Full tanks are around 37 pounds.

Check for Gas Flow

To see if your burners are getting gas, you can light them manually. To do it, get a long match or lighter and put the flame near your burner with the gas on. Make sure you open the lid before you turn on the gas, please!

Check the Ignition

There are two types of common igniters. The first is battery-powered, in which case you’ll hear a series of clicks when you push the ignition button. If you do have a battery-powered ignition system, try replacing the battery first.

Determining a Faulty Igniter or Clogged Burner

First, you should turn off your gas and detach it from the regulator before working on your grill. Next, you’ll want to remove the cooking grates, burner plates, and flavor bars. Once you can visually inspect your burners, you can troubleshoot the problem.

In Conclusion

Now you know the basics for troubleshooting a gas grill that won’t light or stay lit. Of course, the instructions above are a guideline that works for most gas grills.

Why Is Your Gas Grill Not Getting Hot Enough?

Your gas grill won’t get hot enough due to blockages, low gas issues, malfunctioning burner knobs, or a broken regulator. The flame could also be disturbed by too much wind, a broken seal, or corrosion. Cover your grill when it’s raining to prevent rust from causing irreparable damage.

How Do I Make My Gas Grill Hotter?

To make your gas grill hotter, you should keep the lid closed as much as possible to trap the heat. Adjust the burner knobs to the correct temperature, add grill bricks for better insulation, and don’t forget to clean the grill regularly. Always let your grill get hot before adding food to the burners.

How Do You Fix a Low Flame on a Gas Grill?

If you want to fix a low flame on a gas grill, replace or reset the regulator, then clean the burner to remove excess debris. Oil, food droppings, and other spills can clog the burners and prevent the flame from getting big enough. This issue is much more present when you keep the burners low since it might snuff out the flame.