How to determine if grill Regulator has gone bad?

[Joe Deepwater]

The rectangular Magma on my new used 2010 boat keeps going out after cooking a few minutes or so. I can't tell if it's the wind or regulator. Is there a way to tell the difference? I suppose I could wait to grill on a windless day or cook in the garage. I don't want to spend $40 on a new regulator only to determine that the grill design is flawed.

[Mirage35]

Is the tank full? I’ve seen those symptoms when the tank was low but not empty, but never had a problem like that with a regulator.

If it’s the simple type that screws on the tank maybe you could borrow one from a friend to try to see if it works better.

[Joe Deepwater]

Originally Posted by AnglaisInHull

Is the tank full? I’ve seen those symptoms when the tank was low but not empty, but never had a problem like that with a regulator.

If it’s the simple type that screws on the tank maybe you could borrow one from a friend to try to see if it works better.

Yes tried new tanks.

[deblen]

Possibly a partially plugged jet at nozzle that sticks into burner.
Clean with a wire baggie tie or a welding torch tip cleaning tool. / Len

[Joe Deepwater]

Originally Posted by deblen

Possibly a partially plugged jet at nozzle that sticks into burner.
Clean with a wire baggie tie or a welding torch tip cleaning tool. / Len

Thank you! I'll try it.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by deblen

Possibly a partially plugged jet at nozzle that sticks into burner.
Clean with a wire baggie tie or a welding torch tip cleaning tool. / Len

+1. The regulators rarely go bad, its usually a clogged jet (installed in the body of the regulator).

[motion30]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

+1. The regulators rarely go bad, its usually a clogged jet (installed in the body of the regulator).

my experience tells me different I've had for Regulators go bad in one year and finally ditch the whole Grill. And of course the wind would blow it out easily

[WSMFP]

Originally Posted by motion30

my experience tells me different I've had for Regulators go bad in one year and finally ditch the whole Grill. And of course the wind would blow it out easily

I've also had magma regulators fail. Or they would also frequently clog which can be fixed using the wire method described above. Best solution is to ditch magma.

[belizesailor]

YMMV, but Ive had the same old round Magma party size grill for about 20 years, and maintained others on charter vessels, Ive rarely encountered a truly failed regulator (meaning diaphram is damaged or valve siezed), almost alawsys been a clogged jet.

[Pottasch]

Regulator diaphragms do go bad often. Usually you will smell propane leaking from the regulator. Not the symptoms described by the OP.

[anacapaisland42]

I read (somewhere) that manfacturers reckon on an 8 year life for regulators before problems start
i

Originally Posted by Joe Deepwater

The rectangular Magma on my new used 2010 boat keeps going out after cooking a few minutes or so. I can't tell if it's the wind or regulator. Is there a way to tell the difference? I suppose I could wait to grill on a windless day or cook in the garage. I don't want to spend $40 on a new regulator only to determine that the grill design is flawed.

[svJasmine]

those damned things are very upset by a 15 knot breeze. I have had to do all kinds of tin foil contraptions over the vent at the bottom and top to keep them lit.

[jacktheflyer]

I'm not clear whether you are talking about the regulator at the gas bottle or the regulator that turns the flame down on the BBQ.

I have had problems with the regulator at the gas bottle which had same issues that you describe as well as having reduced heat. There was a fine gauze filter on the inlet to the regulator which had been clogged but I didn't find this out until I'd replace the regulator.

The gas pressure can be easily tested by rigging a simple manometer from nylon tubing. Double it up and fill with water to level of 6" or higher. Flick with your finger to get all the air bubbles to come to the top. Connect one end to somewhere on your gas line. Note you will need to turn the BBQ on to get a representative reading. You should get a difference of 11" in your manometer.

Of course follow sensible safety precautions when dealing with LPG and above all don't attempt testing in an enclosed space.

[Joe Deepwater]

Originally Posted by anacapaisland42

I read (somewhere) that manfacturers reckon on an 8 year life for regulators before problems start
i

Right on time then!

[Joe Deepwater]

Originally Posted by jacktheflyer

I'm not clear whether you are talking about the regulator at the gas bottle or the regulator that turns the flame down on the BBQ.

I have had problems with the regulator at the gas bottle which had same issues that you describe as well as having reduced heat. There was a fine gauze filter on the inlet to the regulator which had been clogged but I didn't find this out until I'd replace the regulator.

The gas pressure can be easily tested by rigging a simple manometer from nylon tubing. Double it up and fill with water to level of 6" or higher. Flick with your finger to get all the air bubbles to come to the top. Connect one end to somewhere on your gas line. Note you will need to turn the BBQ on to get a representative reading. You should get a difference of 11" in your manometer.

Of course follow sensible safety precautions when dealing with LPG and above all don't attempt testing in an enclosed space.

Regulator at the gas bottle. I'll look for the gauze and see if I can get it clean, and use the wire first. Then buy a new regulator if needed.

Thanks so much for the responses!