Let’s see…how long have you waited to get that grill ready for the first barbecue of the season? You went through the tough winter, and maybe you almost forgot the aroma of those steaks and chickens sizzling on that grill with family and friends, but it’s back! So, let’s get ready for that first cookout.
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Okay…take off that cover and clean the grill the best you can. Now every grill is different, so you might want to check your manual for putting the tank on. More than likely, the following tips to attach that propane grill is for most grills:
- You should first attach the tank to the grill and then attach the gas
- Make sure the valve (gas) on the propane tank is tightly closed by turning the knob clockwise until you cannot turn any longer
- All the knobs on the grill should be in the off position
- You want to inspect the seal for any cracks and then the tank for any impairment. Stop everything if it is damaged and return it to the store
- Using the cap and strap provided with the valve, remove the seal from the tank
- holding the regulator in one hand, carefully inset the nipple into valve with the other
- Never use tools to tighten, just tighten the coupling nut to tank while keeping the regulator aligned to make sure connection has not been cross-threaded
- Finally, turn coupler to tighten to full stop in a clockwise manner
Before each use you should inspect the LP gas cylinder valve rubber seal for flaws, wear or weakening. If you have a damaged seal, it can result in a gas leak when could then result in fire or explosion. That rubber seal should be inspected each time your propane gas is connected to the grill, each time it is refilled or if it hasn’t been used for more than sixty days.
Note: You cannot use an LP gas cylinder with a seal that is damaged. That rubber seal cannot be replaced or fixed. You must either exchange the cylinder or buy a new one. Another indication of a fuel leak is when the flames are yellow instead of blue.
What if your grill isn’t preheating?
Try closing the lid. Preheat and close grill for twenty minutes increasing temperature
What is your grill isn’t cooking properly or heating properly?
Usually gas grill distribute fairly even heat but it isn’t unusual for there to be a slight variance in temperature. If your grill is over heating or not heating at all, this should be checked out because something isn’t right.
Uneven heat: Try cleaning the grill again. If that doesn’t work, you may have to replace those parts.
Once your propane tank is connected correctly and your grill won’t light, you may have to replace the ignition switch.
If you are finally ready to grill and notice that the flames are yellow rather than blue, check the regulator pressure. . When using a gas grill, a blue flame is what you should be seeing. Yellow flames are a result of low gas pressure which is a relatively easy fix:
- Turn off the knobs in front and open the grill lid
- Turn off the knob on the tank and disconnect regulator from tank
- Wait twenty to thirty seconds and then reconnect the regulator
- Open propane knob slowly and all the way
- Turn on control knobs in front and light the grill
You can prevent this from happening again if you turn off the control knobs before the valve on the tank. However, if the flames are still a yellow color, you may need to replace the regulator
Other things to watch for:
If you have a sudden drop in the flow of gas, your excess flow valve may have tripped in which case, turn off the control as well as the tank knobs and wait approximately thirty seconds. Then, turn it on slowly. Finally, light the grill. If the flames are still low, repeat three times.
If it still has a drop in gas, the regulator may need to be replaced… or you are out of gas. Check the gas in your cylinder. It should weigh at least thirty pounds and about seventeen when empty. You should have a gauge to test it.
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So, the above gives you an idea of how to connect the propane tank for your first barbecue of the season and some signs to watch for if you run into a stumbling block or two before you sink your teeth into that big juicy steak!