Help: How-to

Control Valves

The control valves supply and regulate the gas flow to the burner. These valves have a spring loaded locking feature and are designed to lock into place when the valve is in the OFF position. The valve must be depressed by pushing in the control knob while turning to the ON position. If a problem occurs with the valve lock not releasing, check that the valve stem extends sufficiently from the control panel and is allowing full depression of the control knob which releases the locking device.

• Repair parts - Individual repair parts for control valves are not available. Replacement is necessary if a control valve becomes broken or frozen and replacements for some models are available individually or may occasionally require replacement as a set. Valve configuration varies widely between makes and models of gas grills and must be ordered specifically for your make and model of grill.
• Orifice cleaning - The valve orifice is an integral part of the control valve. Orifices on the valves will sometimes plug from either insects invading through the venturi or from debris inside the supply line. Orifices can be removed for cleaning. Use an orifice cleaning tool or small wire to clear orifice hole. Use caution not to scratch or damage the orifice hole. Do not operate grill without orifice in place. This poses an extremely dangerous fire hazard.
• Orifice size - The orifice, in conjunction with the control valve, acts to regulate and restrict the amount of gas delivered to the burner. The hole size in the orifice varies by the gas supply pressure and by the BTU rating of the burner. Grills equipped for LP gas operate at a much higher gas pressure and therefore have a smaller size orifice.
• Conversion kits - Conversion kits are available for changing the grill gas supply from propane to natural gas for some brands of grills. Generally included in the kit are proper sized orifices and a flexible hose and quick connect assembly.
• Knobs - Control knobs vary greatly between grill brands. The variances are the knob shaft length, clockwise and counter clockwise bezel, and the OFF position. Original equipment knobs grarantee a proper fit and indication. In addition, universal replacement knobs are available that can be set up for most brand grills.

NOTE:   The information provided is not intended to take the place of the owners manual that was supplied with your grill.  Specific safety, repair and maintenance information varies between grill models and brands.  Always refer to your owners manual first.