Hi all,

I have a "BBQ Grillware" grill I bought at Lowes this past season - $169 special but is better constructed than most and has served me well.

The problem that I am having is that when it's not hot out, my gas flow gets really low to the point where the grill will not get above 200 degrees. Now I understand this right now, it's November and fairly cold and damp, but I also had it happen once during the summer on a cool afternoon when it was maybe 65 or so.

I have noticed if I leave the bbq burn for 10-15 minutes, then turn off the tank, wait 10 seconds or so and turn it back on, many times the gas starts flowing full force and I'm up to 450 degrees in no time. This has happened on a tank that was recently filled at a place I have always had good luck with that has a fairly experienced staff, and also I had brought them a tank from last season that seemed empty due, again, to low gas flow, and the guy said it still had a lot in it.

My tanks are both old from previous barbecues, maybe 7-9 years old. My question is, is this:
1) Normal and nothing I can do about it
2) A problem with the tanks (maybe air has gotten in them?)
3) Something else that I'm too dumb to know about

TIA for all advice

Rob

Rob,

Welcome to the Source!

Pressure inside a propane definitely decreases as the temperature goes down, but it shouldn't be an issue until you get down in the teen's and low 20's. First thing to do is check for the obvious, leaks, and possibly a kinked hose. If everything is ok there, I suspect you have a faulty regulator. You can pick one up at Lowe's for $20 or so.

This would be my guess.

beach

This has happened several times to me, with one particular tank.
I have also experienced this since I swapped out the old tanks for the ones that had the new style valve.
I am sure you, like I know when the flame isn't "right" on your grill.

Here is what I do:
I shut off the burner, and unscrew the connector at the tank until I hear a "sphhhhh" sound. Then I reconnect the connector and fire up the grill. Usually, it only takes one time to get it going right. I call this "burping" the valve.
I have done it with the valve closed as well as open. Doing it with the valve open is not recommended <--(mini disclaimer).

I am pretty sure there is something wrong with the valve on one tank and I am going to have Propane USA give me a new valve or tank next time it needs to be filled.

I'll post again after I go there.

And, just so some of the regulars won't think I am loafing:

I was thinking of doing a tank exchange on one of my tanks since it's definitely empty (very light) right now and see if another tank cures it. If not then I will call BBQ Grillware and ask them for a new regulator. I just bought the grill in like July so hopefully I have another 6 months or so on warranty.

Thanks to both of you for the advice!

Rob