BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?

Subject: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 14 May 07 - 09:58 AM

I have one of those mid price range Char-Broil outdoor gas grills for steak, burgers etc. The first season it worked great. Plenty of flame & heat. Now it has become tempremental. Sometimes it works fine, other times it puts out very little heat. This is the second grill that has beaved the same way. The burner is in ok shape, I vacummed it clean. The tank is full. What else can go wrong with such simple technology that expalins the spotty performance? It should not take 10 minutes a side to cook a 1/4 lb burger! Please help I'm hungry!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Peace
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:06 AM

"What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?"

It don't work!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:10 AM

Where did you store it over the winter? It's possible your pipes have some blockage or the sparky things are damp.

If you have rubber hoses, check there's no cracks or holes - if in doubt, replace all hoses regardless of whether you see damage or not.

Have the plates become detatched and not seated back in properly? We have this problem with our gas stove - when Manitas cleans the stovetop, sometimes the plates are not put back exactly in the right place. That makes the flame uneven and sometimes affects the pressure. Jiggling them til they fall into place cures it.

Good luck - but as Jack Rosenthal was wont to say, 'if I want the taste of burnt worsted I'll have it in the comfort of my own home'.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:21 AM

Is there a grease build up in either the plates or lava rock? Which does it have? If lava rock, buy some new ones. If you can't find actual grill rocks, the red or black landscaping ones work just fine. Perhaps a new heat plate element if it's not a rock one?

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Captain Ginger
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:31 AM

JFGI!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Midchuck
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:43 AM

I just got a new one and just put it together a week or two ago. Same brand. It works fine so far.

The instructions include a warning that in some climates, spiders can get into the pipes under the burner that the gas comes in through, going in by the air vents. Then they build nests in there and lay eggs and clog the lines so gas doesn't get to the burners. You may have to partially take it apart and clean out those pipes.

P.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: jeffp
Date: 14 May 07 - 11:16 AM

You can get plenty of knowledgable help at http://www.barbecuebible.com/board/.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,Edouard
Date: 14 May 07 - 03:43 PM

I had the spider problem inside my burners. Less heat because of it. Cleaned them out and it worked fine

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Gurney
Date: 14 May 07 - 05:47 PM

They work by sqirting gas (I'm assuming that you are not talking about gasoline, but propane or equivalent) through a tiny hole called a jet, and mixing it with air in a tube which goes to the burner.

Dirt/spiderwebs, etc, can be introduced when the hose from the tank is disconnected, and partially block the jet from the inside.

Solution: Take the barbie to where compressed air is available, dismantle it, (many come apart without tools) unscrew and remove the jets (They look like tiny brass bolts with almost invisible holes, usually) with a spanner/wrench, and blow the jets out backwards, and blow everything else out just on principle.
Do not enlarge the jet holes, they are critically important. Wear glasses when using compressed air. Turn on the gas tank knob VERY briefly to evict any residents in the hose. Do this out-of-doors, and don't be near naked flame when you do it, because gas will hang about near the ground.

This is a fix for the generic barbie.
If there are any holes rusted in the tubes, or burners, or cracks in the hoses, as Liz says, in yours, it could be very dangerous, because the gas hangs about near the ground, being heavier than air, so the first thing you know, you are PART of the barbeque.


I've just re-read this, and it is quite frightening to the uninitiated. This was not my intention, but caution is advisable. Propane is remarkably dangerous, so don't take ANY cances with possible leaks.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Gurney
Date: 14 May 07 - 05:59 PM

Second thoughts: The instructions were meant for the big grill with the external, refillable tank.
If you have one of the modern ones with a small internal disposable tank, well, they work the same, but the fuel supply is different in that some of the tanks don't close off, and can only be removed when empty. I have tools that use this system, and I am very cautious of them. IF THE FUEL SUPPLY DOESN'T CLOSE OFF, DON'T MESS WITH IT. Take it to a specialist.

Happy tinkering.    Chris.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,Big Brother Don
Date: 14 May 07 - 06:06 PM

Okay, here is what ya do. Pour about a half a gallon of barbecue fuel all over the fippin' coals. Then get about as far away from the flippin' thing as you can throw a match. And make sure you are UPWIND! That last part is flippin' important, eh?

Then light the flippin' match, throw it at the grill, and hit the dirt!

Works for me every time. The burgers will be very well done.

- Don

p.s. Don't do this too close to, like, your house, eh? Or by any trees. And not under no roof for sure.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 May 07 - 06:07 PM

So Don, when did your nomination for the Darwin Awards come in?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Bert
Date: 14 May 07 - 07:58 PM

Could be the pressure regulator.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 May 07 - 08:11 PM

"What's Wrong with my Gas, Grill?"

Eat less beans.


(Signed)
Grill.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,Big Brother Don
Date: 14 May 07 - 08:44 PM

I figger it this way, Liz. You only live once, right? So go for the gusto!

- Don McBride

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 May 07 - 08:49 PM

That's the trouble - too much gusto (gutso?!) with the beans...

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 May 07 - 09:18 PM

I'm going for the spiders. Now, where is Nick????

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: open mike
Date: 14 May 07 - 09:46 PM

the pressure regulator (diaphragm) may have been left out side and gotten wet or other wise damaged.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Gurney
Date: 15 May 07 - 02:06 AM

BigBroDon, so you want to go through the Pearly Gates backwards in a big ball of flame? Way to go, man!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 May 07 - 04:00 AM

Another example of two countries divided by a common language!

Grill = Barbeque
Broil or Broiler = Grill

Puzzled the hell out of me first time I went to the states. But then again I wondered why I got funny looks when I nipped outside to roll a fag:-)

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 07 - 04:23 AM

Just remember, if you are blowing air down the tubes manually - DON'T SUCK!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 May 07 - 07:24 AM

... in spite of any advice you nmay get to the contary....

Door?


Oh, all right...

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,Big Brother Don
Date: 15 May 07 - 12:32 PM

It's a hell of a good way to get St Peter's attenshun, eh, and get to the head of the line? LOL! Then on the other hand, if yer flippin' goin' to hell insted...which is always a possibility, I figger...then goin' there in a big ball of flame would sorta get you precooked fer the main event, right?

I got it covered either way, man.

- Don McBride

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 May 07 - 02:48 PM

Broil or broiler--under the element inside the oven.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 May 07 - 12:21 AM

A grill is a device which could burn someone or explode if something goes wrong. You need authoritative advice specific to your model.

1. Check the manual. Manuals often have suggestions for fixing common problems.

2. Look up the maker's website. Search for FAQ's or e-mail a request for advice.

Good luck, but be careful.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 16 May 07 - 03:13 AM

Water is the first thing I'd be checking for. I cook outside most of the year and if I dont cover the cooker, rain finds its way in via the burners & regulator.
Try disconnecting the hose and drying things out.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:02 AM

Jim - didn't I say something like that in the third post or was 'the sparky things are damp' too techincal for you?!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:12 AM

Close Liz: It's not the sparky things that are the problem though. At least not the problem, I'm suggesting.
I've noticed with mine that when the water gets close to the valve, inside the line, the flame dies down, is impossible to fix and a frost line rises up the tank.
I think that the water is coming into contact with the propane as it evaporates and the water turns to ice. Thus the line gets partially blocked at its narrowest point.
Either that or as you say, the sparky things are damp.
Cheers.
James Chap

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:21 AM

Which is why I only ever cook outside when I'm camping. Why go to all the fuss and bother of barbeques to get partially cooked, charcoal flavoured carpet tiles, oops, sorry, burgers. If I want something burnt and raw at the same time, I can do it quite nicely already in the comfort of my own kitchen, or as we say in our house, 'done to an old Dorset recipe' - otherwise known as 'Cajun style'.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 17 May 07 - 10:25 AM

We have an open floor plan. I bought one of those gas cookers with three burners from Costco & my wife doesn't like gas. So I cook properly, outside and we're spared the cooking odours inside.
Works for me but I do agree with your BBQ comments.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Gurney
Date: 17 May 07 - 10:50 PM

Quote from 'Tim the Toolman:

Man cook outdoors with fire: Woman cook indoors with magic! Magic bad! Fire good! Fire good!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 17 May 07 - 11:23 PM

Another possibility is crud or spiderwebs in the regulator. This can have much the same effect as similar issues near the jets. Any of these systems work best when immaculately clean.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 May 07 - 03:02 AM

I don't like gas either, but I'm learning to live with it and limit my intake of cauliflower and asparagus.

Gurney - I thought I was the only person in the world who was hooked on that show!

Urr urr urr....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: GUEST,TuckerG
Date: 18 May 07 - 02:51 PM

thougjt it could never be spider webs--did a cleaning w/ thin wire--it was exactly that--works great again.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Peace
Date: 18 May 07 - 02:55 PM

We'll wait for the BOOM.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 18 May 07 - 04:03 PM

Yeah but were they wet, spiderwebs?

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 May 07 - 06:07 PM

But I was still right wasn't I!!


Please, I need some validation right now.....!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 18 May 07 - 06:19 PM

Liz was right!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 May 07 - 07:14 PM

Ah,,, I feel so much better now...

You love me, you REALLY LOVE me!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:15 PM

I.... guess.... you'd.... say--
What could make it act this way?
My grill... (my grill, my grill...)
Talking 'bout, my grill,
MyGrill!

Oooh, ooh, ooh!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:18 PM

She takes just like a woman, she makes love just like a woman, and she aches just like a woman...but she breaks just like a little grill....

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:18 PM

Jumpin' Jack Flash
In a grillgrillgrill!


Baby Weber, my baby Weber,
I need you (oh how I need you weber)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:25 PM

Don't it smoke good, Norwegian wood chips?


Check with your Grill, Friday.


~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:38 PM

Ono, I went to the DT.....

I WANT A GRILL (just like the grill) that worked for dear old dad!

---

THE GRILL I LEFT BEHIND ME (at the barbecue)

I'm lonesome since I cross'd the hills,
And o'er the moor that's sedgy;
With heavy thoughts my mind is fill'd,
Since I parted with my Peggy
When e'er I return to view the place,
The tears doth fall and blind me,
When I think on the charming grace
Of the grill I left behind me!

---

ORPHAN GRILL
(apol's to Gillian Welch)

I am an orphan, in g-d's alley,
And I'll share my troubles, if you'll let me.
No sizzle for your mother, your father, your sister, your brother,
I am an orphan grill.

I have grilled veggies, pure and golden,
But the steaks of kinship, I can't cook them,
Not for your mother, your father, your sister, your brother,
I am an orphan grill.

---

Better get a new FACTORY GRILL

As I was a walking one midsummer morning
The birds in the branches so sweetly did sing
The lads and the lasses together were sporting
Going down to yon factory their work to begin

I spied there amongst them more fairer than any
A burger like red roses that none could excel
Its cheese top like the lily that blooms in the valley
Needed only a hard working factory grill

I stepped up to one, it was for to fire it
When on me it cast a bright look of disdain
"Oh young man have manners and do not insult me
For although I'm a poor grill I think it no shame"

---


DADDY'S GRILL
(apol's to Glen Martin)

I recall the night ...
That you came into this yard
I couldn't believe the deliveryman
When he said, "It's a little grill."
I said, "Now Don you must be wrong
You see I want a barbecue."
Then he laid it in my patio
And my heart sang with joy. ...

===

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:41 PM

Then there's the Grill from Ipanema...

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 May 07 - 08:41 PM

GRILL OF CONSTANT SORROW

I am a grill of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The state where I had burnt and braised!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 19 May 07 - 01:52 AM

The .... There..... I lov....



Oh, I've got nothing!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 May 07 - 04:36 AM

All the nice grills love a sailor, all the nice grills love a tar!
For there's something about a sailor,

Well, you know what sailors are!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 May 07 - 04:42 AM

And there's that Beatle's classic 'Ah, Grill'.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong with my Gas Grill?
From: JennyO
Date: 19 May 07 - 05:17 AM

Little surfer little one
Made my heart come all undone
Do you love me, do you surfer grill
Surfer grill my little surfer grill

I have watched you on the shore
Standing by the oceans roar
Do you love me, do you surfer grill
Surfer grill surfer grill