How to Maintain and Clean your Grill Valves

Valve knobs

• Valve knobs should depress, turn and pop up freely
• If they are a bit sluggish, remove knobs and carefully spray a small amount of WD40 or similar lubricant onto the valve stem area (Fig. 1)

• Work knobs a few times to distribute the lubricant
  – Valves that bind severely should be replaced

Valves:
Spiders have a habit of spinning webs inside the gas jets (also called orifices) which will restrict gas flow. Debris in the lines may also clog these tiny holes. Here are some guidelines to maintain your valves.

• Check the hose connection at the valve for tightness (Fig 2). This can be checked with a soapy solution if needed

• Remove the hex head from the gas jets (orifices) with the appropriate size wrench, and make sure the hole is completely clean
• Check the inner portion of the valve from where the gas jets (orifices) was removed.
• Webs can be removed with a small piece of wire or toothpick (Fig. 3)

• Reinstall the gas jets (orifices) and tighten

David B. July 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

How to Maintain your Grill Ignitors

Ignitors have heavy wear inside a gas-grill. Because these miniature “spark plugs” must be located on or at the burner they are in the fire when the gas-grill is in operation.

As the grounding surface of the burner becomes coated with grease and residue, the porcelain insulator on the electrode can crack from the heat.

If this occurs, the spark being transferred through the insulator will “bleed” from the crack, and ignition will occur only after a build-up of gas or not at all.

For safety reason, ignitors should be replaced when this occurs, and burner surfaces cleaned up in the ignitor area.

Burner portholes in this area should be kept clean and open. The spark gap between electrode and burner is about 3/16″.

An ignitor sends a high voltage along the wire to the ignitor electrode inside the collector box. The collector box collects gas which sparks the light.

If your grill has an ignitor that no longer works:

• Check the connections at the push button itself, and at the spark collector box. These connections can become corroded (Fig. 1)

• Now check the insulator in the collector box for cracks. Cracks collect moisture and reduce the spark, in which case will require replacement

• Sand electrode tip inside the collector box
• Clean electrode with alcohol
  

  

• Lightly sand the inner roof of the collector box

If this information did not help you fix your ignitor, replacement will be necessary. Need further assistance? Please contact us.

David B. June 27th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

How to Clean your Burner and Venturi

It’s a messy, but important job.

• Spread some newspaper down to lay the gas grill parts on
• Remove and set the cooking grids on this paper
• Move the briquettes towards the center and away from the edges of the coal grate. This way you can lift the grate and lava rock or briquettes out together and set it on the newspaper
• Remove the burner
  – The burner may or may not be locked to the bottom housing. If not, simply pull the venturi tubes away from the valves and gas jets (also called orifices) and lift out.

  – If the burner is secured, look for a spring dip, cotter pin, or a stud with a wing nut holding the burner to the bottom

  – If your grill is equipped with an ignitor and collector box attached to the burner, the wire must be also disconnected before burner removal

TIP: A garden hose is a great way to check if the holes are clogged. Pay attention to how the water exits the burner port holes.

• If the venturi tubes are rusted and broken up, then you will need new tubes or a new burner (depending on the assembly of your gas grill).

• Using a flexible wire, an open paper clip, or a drill bit, probe each port to clear it of grime and rust.

  Caution: Do not use anything larger in diameter that the port itself, this will cause damage to the burning operations of your grill.

• Now, lightly tap the burner, this will help cause any of the residue to fall out of the ports and tubes

Too many excessively obstructed ports that you cannot clear is a sign to replace the burner.

If you can clear the ports and the previous inspection and cleaning processes did not indicate burner failure, we can continue:

• Check the gas jets at the end of the valves for spider webs, dirt, or dust. Clean them if necessary.
• Assuming that the valves are turning and you have gas, the burner should be reinstalled into your grill and tested.

TIP: While you have the bottom of the aluminum casting exposed, take the opportunity to clean it the best you can by removing any gunk out with a putty knife, garden tool, etc.

Finding Your Model and Manufacturer:

• Look for the label that is required by the American Gas Association that will list the model number, manufacturer, and the type of gas specified for use. This label should be near the controls, or on the cart.
• The location of this tag is generally on the body of the frame at ground level, it should be approximately at ankle height. However, if it is a built in grill the tag will most likely be on the post of your grill.

• Additionally, you may also measure it from left to right, front to back.

You may order parts by browsing through our catalog or searching our site.

• The venturi tubes should also be measured if you cannot find the label information.

– If the venturi tube has a bent mixer or a slope in it, then measure from the top to the center line of the tube, after the bend, and from the end to the center line of the tube. If dealing with a straight tube, just measure from top to bottom.

David B. April 17th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

Why Do Glass Windows Break?

Have you ever had a glass window break for no apparent reason? Then replaced it, only to have it break again shortly after?

Unless your grill’s glass window has been broken due to an accident, you may be looking at a problematic burner. Due to gunk, rust, aging, or another reason, your burner holes can get corroded, causing a larger outlet of gas, turning into a hot spot in your grill. The problem is not only a safety hazard, but can also effect the quality of the cooking.

If your window breaks unexpectedly, always check your burner for corrosion or any other problems.

David B. February 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

Important Tips on Grill Safety

If the grill has been stored for a period of time please read our maintenance posts especially the one on cleaning burners (checking for blockages) and checking hoses for signs of wear.

Grill Safety

If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply immediately. Extinguish any open flames. Check for gas leaks as described in our Leak Testing post. If odor persists, contact your dealer or gas supplier immediately.

• Never attach or disconnect a LP cylinder, or move or alter gas fittings when the grill is in operation or is hot.
• Never use an LP cylinder if it shows signs of: dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, corrosion, leakage, excessive rust or other forms of visual external damage; it may be hazardous and should be checked by a liquid propane supplier.

When lighting a gas grill, always keep the lid open to prevent a flash off from gas build-up.

• Do not lean over the grill when igniting the burners or cooking.
• If a burner doesn’t ignite, turn off the gas. Keep the grill lid open and wait five minutes before trying to light it again.
• If the burners go out during operation, turn all gas valves to OFF. Open the lid and wait five minutes before attempting to relight, using lighting instructions.

Keep children away from the hot grill, this also includes making sure children can’t grab utensils that are being used on the grill and may be hot or sharp.

• The grill should have an adult by it at all times while it is in use, and while it is cooling.
• The gas bottle should be removed from the grill when it is no longer in use; this prevents children accidentally turning controls on.
• When changing gas bottles ensure that the valves on both bottles are turned to the off position

• Do not attempt to move the grill while it is either still in use or still hot

To put out flare-ups, either raise the grid the food is on, or spread the coals out, or adjust the controls to lower the temperature.

• If you must douse the flames with a light spritz of water, first remove the food from the grill.
• Use baking soda to control a grease fire and have a fire extinguisher handy. A bucket of sand or a garden hose should be near if you don’t have a commercial extinguisher.

• Do not use aerosols around the grill, as these may be flammable

Should electrically operated accessories (i.e. rotisseries, etc.) be used, be sure they are properly grounded in accordance with local codes. Electrical cords should be placed away from walkways.

• Use long-handled grill utensils to avoid burns and splatters.

• Do not wear loose or baggy clothing, wear a non flammable apron

Placement of the grill:

The grill should be sited on a stable, even surface, that is well ventilated and not underneath hanging branches or a roof, where heat and carbon monoxide fumes can build to dangerous levels,

It should be sited well away from the area in which children are going to play, so that it cannot be knocked over or run into by overexcited children.

Grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never grill in your trailer, tent, house, garage, or any enclosed area because carbon monoxide may accumulate and kill you.

Set up grill in an open area away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always Grill in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of the wind blown sparks.

When using a grill be sure all parts of the unit are firmly in place and the grill is stable.

David B. February 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

How to Maintain the Body of your Grill

Grill interior:

• First cover the valve gas jet area and any ignitor wires with a protective cloth or plastic, or aluminum foil (Fig. 1)

• Scrape off heavy grease or cooking debris accumulation with a putty knife or scraper (Fig. 2)

• Next vacuum the dry debris with a vacuum or scrub the interior with a strong detergent solution (Fig. 2)
• Rinse, and let dry
• Remove protective covers installed earlier

* Do not paint the interior of your grill

Grill exterior:

• If the grill is not badly oxidized(whitened), a good warm water and detergent solution will brighten it’s appearance
• A light coating of cooking oil evenly applied will actually restore the black color

Did this help? If not you may want to try:

• Paint the castings, which will restore them to near new condition
• To remove heavy oxidization on the grill’s exterior, brush with steel wool or a wire brush
• Lightly sand the whole grill, then rinse
• Make sure no grease remains, as the paint will not adhere
• Using a good quality grill paint, lightly coat the whole exterior (Fig. 3)

• – Two or three light coats are better than one heavy coat
• Let air dry
  – The paint will bake on during it’s first use

David B. February 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

Find your Make Model & Serial Number

YOUR GAS GRILL TAG

The information on the gas grill tag is important for many services offered at this site

This article will help you find your:

• Make
• Model number
• Serial number

Your gas grill should have some sort of aluminum tag. The location of this tag is generally on the body of the frame at ground level, it should be approximately at ankle height. However, if it is a built in grill the tag will most likely be on the post of your grill.

Example of an aluminum grill tag

Tag Placement for Charbroil and Thermos models.

Model: Big Easy

Tag can be found on the back of the front panel.

Model: Front Avenue, Commercial Series Grills

Tag can be found at the back above vents.

Model: Grill2Go

Tag can be found on the gray plinth, where the regulator goes into the burner assembly.

Model: Professional Series

Tag can be found at the back above vents

Model: Quickset

Tag can be located at back of support brace.

Model: Quickset Traditional 7000/ 8000/ 9000 Series

Tag located on back of the bottom shelf in between the wheel and the leg extender.

Model: Quickset Widebody 7000/ 8000/ 9000 Series

Tag located on back of the bottom shelf in between the wheel and the leg extender.

David B. February 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance

Should I Repair or Replace my Grill?

Whether you are a BBQ guru, or the occasional weekend warrior, there are not many things better than grilling on a hot summer day.

The fact is, grilling is ten times more convenient than charcoal, much easier to control temperatures, and adaptable to any cooking situation. The great flavor of grilling comes from food oils and basting solutions falling to the hot surface below and creating the smoke that flavors the food. Yum!

To repair or replace your grill:

Have you ever thought: “Is this old grill still all right? Do I need to buy a new one?”
Even the best grill manufacturers using the best grill component parts available, cannot make them hold up forever. Since you are reading this, you have probably already experienced what I am talking about..

Are you ready for a shocker?
Average grill quality you would buy in stores is actually declining! Each year grills are produced to meet a lower and lower price point. Quality is shaved off year after year. Burners are now aluminized steel no longer stainless steel, stampings replace heavy castings, large windows replace solid lids because glass is cheaper than aluminum. Gas grills produced 5, 10, or 15 years ago are actually worth 2 to 10 times or more than the original list price! Very few of the “bells & whistles” on newer grills are practical and most can be added as accessories.

DIY is simple:

As a rule, gas grill construction is really pretty simple. You can repair and rebuild your gas grill easily and usually without any assistance. Of course if you do require assistance, you can always contact us at any time. The cost of repairing your gas grill yourself is much less that the replacement cost of the gas grill you already have.

Buyers beware, what you should look out for when buying replacement parts:

Don’t be misled by the cheap gas grill replacement parts that mass merchants offer, you get what you pay for. Here are some general specifications to look out for:

• Very small cooking surface
• Shallow bottom housings (less aluminum cost) resulting in excessively hot, uncontrollable cooking characteristics
• Cheap aluminized steel burners!

  Whether you grill every chance you get, or just occasionally, please take care when purchasing your replacement parts.

  At Appliance Factory Parts, we pride ourselves on giving you the highest quality parts at the lowest possible price. We will beat any competitor’s price by 5%. If you have any questions, please contact us.

David B. February 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance