Rebuilding a Magma Grill

[kthoennes]

I had exactly this same problem with a magma grill. PB Blaster, all manner of tools, let it soak for days, hammer, vice grips, you name it -- finally heated it red hot with a propane torch. I heard a nice little "tink!" and sure enough, loosened up and came out nice and easy. Makes no sense to me, a grill gets hot all the time, but as the previous poster says, that propane torch did the trick.

[Oldernbetter]

Just had the same problem on my Magma Kettle 2 propane party sized grill. I obught a new burner, and it seemed simple enough to screw off the burner and replace it with the new one. That is where the gremlins come in. The old burner was locked on, and there was no way to get it loose. I couldn't fit a wrench on the burner, and the bottom grease catcher doesn't turn either. So what to do? The top of the old burner just broke off, leaving only the bottom of the burner stuck on the stainless threaded pipe. I banged what I could with a hammer and chisel, trying to unscrew the plate, but no luck, and it felt like the bottom of th grill was bending. I drilled a single hole nest to the threaded pipe, hoping this would loose it up, but nothing worked. I finally drilled a series of 1/4 inch holes from that initial hole next to the stainless threads all the way to the outside of the burner plate, basically cutting the plate from the threads to the outside edge. Broke a drill bit in the process, but the bronze/brass is soft, and easy to drill. Just make sure to follow normal metal drilling rules, and start with a center punch, drill slow, and use cutting oil. And don't drill too deep, just through the bottom of the burner plate, unless you want holes in the bottom of your grease pan. Once I drilled the series of about 6 holes from the center to the edge of the brass burner bottom, I inserted a large flat blade screwdriver in the holes and twisted counterclockwise to pry the plate apart, and break it loose from the threads on the center pipe. After a few sharp twists, and a bit of wd40, the whole burner and the bottom grease dripping pan started to turn, then I gripped the grease pan, and the entire brass burner plate broke loose from the stainless pipe threads and started to unscrew. What a relief. FYI, the stainless threaded pipe and the grease pan are one unit, so don't mess up the threads. Once you get it loose, keep unscrewing the burner off the stainless pipe threads, and remove the drip pan and pipe.Once you get the burner off, you will then discover that the bottom of the grill is two separate pans that meet at the rim. Inside the bottom pan, and invisible from the top, is the screw for the ignitor assembly. Replace parts as necessary before putting back together. Then, I suggest some antiseize on the stainless pipe threads before screwing on the new burner. Although I admit I have no idea if it will help. I plan to clean it more often, and hopefully before it seizes up again. It actually felt good to clean the whole inside, and get off all that old carbon residue. I used various emulsifiers, but a brass wire brush on a 3/8 drill and some wd40 seemed to break loose most of the crud. It looks pretty nice now. While I was at it, I wire brushed the stainless wire grill and the burner dome. Good Luck!!!

[Calypso52]

1. PB blaster over a number of days
2. Bang at the edge of the remaining burner with a hammer and cold chisel.
3. Couple of two minute blasts with MAP gas torch.

It does finally come apart. New one installed with never seize. I'll let you know if that helps when I replace it again.

[PDScott]

Had the exact same issue with mine. Used a cold chisel and cut the threaded part of the burner then it turned off easily. Called Magma about the issue, and if you are ready for this, their response was that I should have cleaned the threads on the burner after each use!!! Are you kidding me. Also got a new piazzo starter from them as the original lasted a week. The new one did the same thing. Clicked a couple of times then the plunger stuck in and that was that. Don't think I will replace with a new Magma when this one dies. Good luck Peter

[Eder]

Its better to pitch the Magma overboard than try rebuild them. Incredible expensive junk...I've gone thru 2 of them. Trouble is the rest of the marine grilles are just as big a pile of steaming sh-t.

I've learned to cook a perfect steak using a cast iron frypan...at least there's heat!

[Ita]

My neighbor tried to repair his, he ended throwing it away. Now it's my charcoal grill

[wingless]

What are you guys doing to your grills?

Mine is fully disassembled, cleaned, polished and reassembled after each use.

It looks and operates as new. There is never any issue to disassemble.

[Eder]

Mine swims with the fishes.

[Capt.Don]

In addition to what others have posted, I used a rubber strap wrench around the burner. With this, I could wrap the strap around the burner and angle the handle to get some leverage to unscrew. I gave up trying to unscrew the igniter since my ancient one still works. Probably have to drill out the screw.

[wingless]

Originally Posted by wingless

What are you guys doing to your grills?

Mine is fully disassembled, cleaned, polished and reassembled after each use.

It looks and operates as new. There is never any issue to disassemble.

Here is the custom Magma Party Grill Cover that I designed and fabricated.

[ericoh88]

I struggled with mine. The whole thing won't come apart. Sorted out the problem by offering to buy the neighbor's boat gas grill :-)

[Bleemus]

Ditch the overpriced Magma and get a Weber Q1200. Best boat grill made and no stainless to polish.

[Emerald Sea]

Magma's ... over-rated, over-expensive, unreliable, inferior construction. This is my first and last one.

[wingless]

Originally Posted by Bleemus

Ditch the overpriced Magma and get a Weber Q1200. Best boat grill made and no stainless to polish.

The Weber Q1200 looks nice and would be applicable when a surface is available to place the grill onto. My Magma is securely on a post in a fishing rod holder, so no place for the Weber.

My Magma always works great and always looks like new. It is easy to maintain and I've never had any issues.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by wingless

The Weber Q1200 looks nice and would be applicable when a surface is available to place the grill onto. My Magma is securely on a post in a fishing rod holder, so no place for the Weber.

My Magma always works great and always looks like new. It is easy to maintain and I've never had any issues.

Lots of boaters using Weber Q1200 on boats.

Even into the rod holders.

They last longer and cook much better.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...at-173684.html
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