Simple steps to maintain your gas grill

Sun., April 24, 2005

Samantha Mazzotta King Features Syndicate

Q: I brought out my 4-year-old gas grill this weekend to clean and test it. The grill will not ignite when I push the igniter button, so I have to hold a match close to the burners to get it to start. Can I fix the igniter myself? — Joseph L., Concord, N.H.

A: Igniter systems are pretty dependable, often lasting far longer than many other parts of the grill. The typical igniter system consists of the push button on the outside of the grill, a wire leading from the button to an enclosed area inside the grill (the collector box), and a ceramic electrode. (Note that some systems don’t use a collector box but rather mount the electrode directly on the burner.) When you push the igniter button, a spark is generated by the electrode. When propane gas is rushing into the collector box through the burners, this spark ignites the gas.

•Grease and charred gunk are often culprits in grill malfunction. Most often, they affect the flow of gas through the burners by blocking the outlets — which is why the burners should be cleaned before and after the grilling season. It’s possible, though rare, for grease to coat the electrode; if this happens the electrode needs to be replaced.

•So first, check to ensure a spark is being generated by the electrode. Turn off and disconnect the supply tank so no gas is flowing. Locate the collector box and get a good view of the electrode (you may need to use a small mirror to see it properly). Push the button. If you see a spark, the igniter is not a factor.

•If there is no spark, inspect the electrode to make sure it isn’t cracked, broken or greasy. Lightly sand away rust or dirt from the tip of the electrode and from the metal plate (or burner section) located directly across from it. Make certain the connecting wire is at least 2 inches away from the outer body of the grill. Loosen and re-tighten the locking nut on the pushbutton. Test the igniter again.

•Before replacing the igniter, clean all of the burners and the venturi tubes. These tubes control the propane-air mixture and typically extend from the burner to the control valves. Sometimes, during periods of disuse, spiders or other insects will nest inside these tubes. Even though screening is installed to discourage this, insects are pretty persistent.

A blocked venturi tube can cause flames to erupt from the control panel — something that only looks cool on an episode of “Star Trek,” not in your back yard — so clean these at least once a year by disconnecting the burners and cleaning the lower ends of the venturi tubes with a venturi brush.

•Finally, reassemble everything and test the igniter again, first without gas and then with the propane hooked up. If there’s still no love, replace the igniter system.

HOME TIP: I read with interest your article on resolving foghorn noises in plumbing, as we had experienced them for some time, usually whenever the second-floor toilet was flushed. After isolating the noise to one supply line, we found that the supply-line hose to the toilet had a small kink in it. Once we straightened it out a little, we have not had a problem. — Randy T., via e-mail

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