Weber Grill regulator problem

[tophcfa]

I’m wondering if others are having issues with the regulator leaking on their Weber grill. Our Weber grill up north is over 30 years old and the original regulator has never given us a single problem. The Weber grill at our Villages home is only about 9 1/2 years old and the third genuine Weber regulator has just started leaking, again. I’m wondering if leaving our grill outside year round in our southwest facing birdcage, in the intense Florida sun and heat, is causing the regulator to prematurely fail? Others experience would be appreciated. I’m getting tired of replacing the dam thing.

[Topspinmo]

I’m wondering if others are having issues with the regulator leaking on their Weber grill. Our Weber grill up north is over 30 years old and the original regulator has never given us a single problem. The Weber grill at our Villages home is only about 9 1/2 years old and the third genuine Weber regulator has just started leaking, again. I’m wondering if leaving our grill outside year round in our southwest facing birdcage, in the intense Florida sun and heat, is causing the regulator to prematurely fail? Others experience would be appreciated. I’m getting tired of replacing the dam thing.


If sun exposed to it try turning it around? Probably they don’t make them like they use too would be my guess. My cheap makers mark set for years exposed to sun, no leaks yet? But it’s at least 15 or 20 years old. Yes, I have replaced grates, heat shields, and igniter couple time that I had scavenged from grills out on curbs. If grates was too big, I just cut them down to fit.

[CarlR33]

Call Weber they may not be aware and give you a free one? The call is free and they may have suggestions for keeping it fresher longer.

[peachpit]

My experience is that it is not the regulator. The new LP tanks have a safety shut off in them. Try shutting off your LP tank and unscrewing your LP tank hose. Leave it off for 30 - 60 seconds. After this time the LP tank shut off will reset. Screw you hose back on. Open the LP tank valve VERY SLOWLY at least for the first full turn. I'd be surprised if you don't have gas though your regulator.
If this doesn't work, I'll give you my old Weber regulator that I replaced when it was working perfectly fine. I called Weber and they said, "you need a new regulator".

[tophcfa]

My experience is that it is not the regulator. The new LP tanks have a safety shut off in them. Try shutting off your LP tank and unscrewing your LP tank hose. Leave it off for 30 - 60 seconds. After this time the LP tank shut off will reset. Screw you hose back on. Open the LP tank valve VERY SLOWLY at least for the first full turn. I'd be surprised if you don't have gas though your regulator.
If this doesn't work, I'll give you my old Weber regulator that I replaced when it was working perfectly fine. I called Weber and they said, "you need a new regulator".

Thanks for the excellent advice. I disconnected the tank, opened up the burner valve knobs, brought the tank into the house to cool down, and went golfing with my wife. When we got home I closed the burner valve knobs, reconnected the tank, slowly opened the tank valve, then opened the burner knobs and the grill worked like a charm. The reset fixed the regulator problem and the blackened grouper on the cast iron was to die for. Thanks again : )

[Babubhat]

I’m wondering if others are having issues with the regulator leaking on their Weber grill. Our Weber grill up north is over 30 years old and the original regulator has never given us a single problem. The Weber grill at our Villages home is only about 9 1/2 years old and the third genuine Weber regulator has just started leaking, again. I’m wondering if leaving our grill outside year round in our southwest facing birdcage, in the intense Florida sun and heat, is causing the regulator to prematurely fail? Others experience would be appreciated. I’m getting tired of replacing the dam thing.

Weber has been excellent about replacing parts free. A set of flavor bars and regular were sent FedEx next day delivery. They don’t make them like they used to

[ElDiabloJoe]

Weber has been excellent about replacing parts free. A set of flavor bars and regular were sent FedEx next day delivery. They don’t make them like they used toGlad to hear this. I am a huge Weber fan, having had many and have totally refurbished more than one kettle and Q.
My last experience with Weber customer service was less than ideal. Claimed the part was unavailable (LP regulator for a Q2000), however I eventually found it on their site despite the search engine saying no and the lady on the phone saying no.

They haven't quite been the same since being sold to an Investment group in 2010 (Byron Trott), so if you can get your hands on an old kettle (preferably pre-2013 without the "taco shield" under the handle or even better a pre-2000 without the gray fiberglass handle) and it's not roached out, grab it. You won't find a better grill, overpriced green egg be d@maned.

[ThirdOfFive]

I’m wondering if others are having issues with the regulator leaking on their Weber grill. Our Weber grill up north is over 30 years old and the original regulator has never given us a single problem. The Weber grill at our Villages home is only about 9 1/2 years old and the third genuine Weber regulator has just started leaking, again. I’m wondering if leaving our grill outside year round in our southwest facing birdcage, in the intense Florida sun and heat, is causing the regulator to prematurely fail? Others experience would be appreciated. I’m getting tired of replacing the dam thing.
I can't address the issue of the leaking regulator other than ours (3 years old) is working fine. I'm not surprised though as it is obvious that things built recently are built more cheaply than things built some time back. My brother has the refrigerator our parents bought when they got married (1947) and it works as well today as it ever did.

[Bill14564]

Thanks for the excellent advice. I disconnected the tank, opened up the burner valve knobs, brought the tank into the house to cool down, and went golfing with my wife. When we got home I closed the burner valve knobs, reconnected the tank, slowly opened the tank valve, then opened the burner knobs and the grill worked like a charm. The reset fixed the regulator problem and the blackened grouper on the cast iron was to die for. Thanks again : )

When you initially mentioned a leak it didn't occur to me that you were experiencing a low flame due to the regular safety mechanism.

I've had this happen to me several times with my grill. It seems to come and go; I'll have the problem a few times in a row and then not for several months. Perhaps it is related to the outside temperature but I haven't paid that much attention.

While you allowed the tank to cool and sit for a period of time, the reset has always worked for me right at the grill in less than a minute: close the valves, disconnect and reconnect the line, then open the valves.

Glad you got it working without the hassle and cost of replacing the regulator.

[village dreamer]

if you shut off the tank befor shutting off the burner knobs it will lock up. always shut off burners first , then the tank.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

anyway way to eliminate the tank completely and go with the house gas?

just asking a probably useless question as the OP is smart enough to have made the conversion in the past.

[tophcfa]

anyway way to eliminate the tank completely and go with the house gas?

just asking a probably useless question as the OP is smart enough to have made the conversion in the past.

It can be done, a friend did that up north. We don’t have gas at our Villages home so it’s not an option. To do the conversion, you obviously need to run a gas line to the grill. You also would have to get a different type of regulator since you would be using gas instead of a regulator that is designed to convert liquid propane into a gas.

[RoadToad]

It can be done, a friend did that up north. We don’t have gas at our Villages home so it’s not an option. To do the conversion, you obviously need to run a gas line to the grill. You also would have to get a different type of regulator since you would be using gas instead of a regulator that is designed to convert liquid propane into a gas.

Actually pretty sure the propane regulator does not convert liquid to gas.
The liquid sublimates to gas as it expands in the bottle.
The regulator regulates the gas flow; not liquid.

[FredMitchell]

anyway way to eliminate the tank completely and go with the house gas?

just asking a probably useless question as the OP is smart enough to have made the conversion in the past.

Yes. Call a plumber.

[USOTR]

We have a twenty year old Webber gas grill and never had a regulator issue. I suspect the newer ones are not built as well as the older ones.

Regardless, Florida's sun and high humidity play havoc on anything and everything left outside. At least here at The Villages, we don't have salt mixed in like we did when we lived at the Beaches.

[Worldseries27]

actually pretty sure the propane regulator does not convert liquid to gas.
The liquid sublimates to gas as it expands in the bottle.
The regulator regulates the gas flow; not liquid.
you would probably have enjoyed a tour of an lng facility where the gas arrives in liquid form -260 ⁰f

[Worldseries27]

it can be done, a friend did that up north. We don’t have gas at our villages home so it’s not an option. To do the conversion, you obviously need to run a gas line to the grill. You also would have to get a different type of regulator since you would be using gas instead of a regulator that is designed to convert liquid propane into a gas.
attached is a photo of my natural gas bbq installation done at the build. The line travels from the gas dryer connection in the attic to the wall of the bedroom closest to the lanai and exits the home to a shut off valve. At that point it then enters the ground and cuts under the lanai and up.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Yes. Call a plumber.

for a plumber to come out and do what specifically
when LNG gas is not available at the location?

[Worldseries27]

We used to cook on our propane bbq up north in 5⁰ f or 95 without any regulator issues. My sister lived in the villages since 98 and this never happened to her either. Anyway lets blame it on the " safety devices" inside the tank. I use ng but if i used propane i would try wrapping the tank to insulate it before i dealt with the issues of connecting and reconnecting hoses.
Don't get me started about regulating high pressure regulators for dual fuel boilers using manometers.

[Worldseries27]

actually pretty sure the propane regulator does not convert liquid to gas.
The liquid sublimates to gas as it expands in the bottle.
The regulator regulates the gas flow; not liquid.
point of interest. I was riding in a car with an lng operator who spotted a gas facility off warm springs ave nb by the ftpk. He believed it was a small heat exchanger plant that warms up the super cold pipeline gas to more manageable pressures. We couldn't pull off to check.

[Bruceg0028]

We have had Webber’s for years and never had a problem with the regulator but I have had problems with some tanks. There is a small rubber oring where the tank valve hooks up to the regulator hose. I’ve seen them damaged or missing.

I also always turn off the tank when not in use. Just takes a minute to do and takes the pressure off the regulator.

[Miboater]

I had the same problem with my Weber and it was the tank and not the regulator. I have a spare tank and I would get both of them refilled at Ace. One of the tanks would work just fine while the other would shut off every 20 minutes or so. I finally did a tank exchange and never had another problem.

[Dgodin]

I've had my Weber grill outside, directly exposed to the sun for seven years without issue but I use a cover, which also keeps rainwater out of the grease trap.

[ton80]

you would probably have enjoyed a tour of an lng facility where the gas arrives in liquid form -260 ⁰f

I have worked on LNG plants design and operations and in US NG pipelines. I also have dealt with the LPG Tank regulator safety shutoff issues. So here goes:

1. The original basic problem was identified correctly in above posts as opening the LPG tank valve when the burner valves were not closed. The safety treated the very low pressure as a leak and reduced the LPG flow to minimum. Just close the LPG tank valve; close all burner valves; finally open the LPG tank valves slowly wait a minute then open the burner valves and light off.

2. Insulating the LPG tank will not do anything good to eliminate the low flow propane vapor issue..

3. LPG vapors are not the result of sublimation which is vapors going from solid to vapor without going through the liquid phase.

4. Pipeline NG is not at low temperatures. Pipeline gas is typically at soil temperatures say 50 to 90F in Florida. There is no heater on Florida NG distribution systems. Sometimes there are recompression stations which may have some controlled releases for equipment isolation etc.

5. In a LPG tank, the liquid Propane is at equilibrium conditions with the Propane Vapor. If the tank heats up the vapor pressure increases until the safety valve relieves the pressure. This high pressure release is not caused by ambient temperatures unless there is a fire.

That is enough for now.

[Bill14564]

We have had Webber’s for years and never had a problem with the regulator but I have had problems with some tanks. There is a small rubber oring where the tank valve hooks up to the regulator hose. I’ve seen them damaged or missing.

I also always turn off the tank when not in use. Just takes a minute to do and takes the pressure off the regulator.

Good advice, and it is what I normally do, but I bet this is what caused my problems.

I always turn off both the grill and the tank. It's easy enough to turn the tank back on and up north I've seen where squirrels have eaten through the rubber line leading to a leak. Turning the tank off protects against that and it is simple enough to start the grill, just spin the tank valve open and then work with the burner control.

BUT, I wonder if this sometimes leads to the safety issue. What if there was a slow leak, like a bad o-ring or a loose connection, that allowed the pressure in the line to dissipate? The leak could be small enough to never notice it, just enough that it allowed the pressure in the line to drop between uses. If that happened then when I quickly opened the tank and the fuel quickly refilled the line, it might have appeared to be a leak and triggered the safety.

I've gotten lazy and haven't worried about the squirrels so the tank has been left on with pressure in the line. I haven't had the safety issue since.

Seeing ton80's response, maybe I didn't need to disconnect/reconnect the lines, maybe doing that just caused me to wait a minute before turning the tank back on. If it ever happens again I'll try being more patient.

[ton80]

I have worked on LNG plants design and operations and in US NG pipelines. I also have dealt with the LPG Tank regulator safety shutoff issues. So here goes:

1. The original basic problem was identified correctly in above posts as opening the LPG tank valve when the burner valves were not closed. The safety treated the very low pressure as a leak and reduced the LPG flow to minimum. Just close the LPG tank valve; close all burner valves; finally open the LPG tank valves slowly wait a minute then open the burner valves and light off.

2. Insulating the LPG tank will not do anything good to eliminate the low flow propane vapor issue..

3. LPG vapors are not the result of sublimation which is vapors going from solid to vapor without going through the liquid phase.

4. Pipeline NG is not at low temperatures. Pipeline gas is typically at soil temperatures say 50 to 90F in Florida. There is no heater on Florida NG distribution systems. Sometimes there are recompression stations which may have some controlled releases for equipment isolation etc.

5. In a LPG tank, the liquid Propane is at equilibrium conditions with the Propane Vapor. If the tank heats up the vapor pressure increases until the safety valve relieves the pressure. This high pressure release is not caused by ambient temperatures unless there is a fire.

That is enough for now.

Some additional advice can be found on Weber site : why wont your gas-grill get hot its probably in bypass mode

Why Won'''t Your Gas Grill Get Hot? It'''s Probably in Bypass Mode. | Burning Questions | Weber Grills (https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/burning-questions/why-wont-your-gas-grill-get-hot-its-probably-in-bypass-mode/weber-29816.html)

They list:
1. Bypass mode required since 1995 as a safety measure
2, How to avoid creating the bypass mode flow restriction.
3. How to get out of the bypass mode if you have the issue

[Worldseries27]

i can't address the issue of the leaking regulator other than ours (3 years old) is working fine. I'm not surprised though as it is obvious that things built recently are built more cheaply than things built some time back. My brother has the refrigerator our parents bought when they got married (1947) and it works as well today as it ever did.
the film " a tree grows in brooklyn" 1945 depicts many old appliances in it. I especially liked the gas lighting and the little t valves and i know it was impossible for those not to have been leaking with the constant on and off usages. Some of the refrigerators of that era also were powered by ng.

[ThirdOfFive]

the film " a tree grows in brooklyn" 1945 depicts many old appliances in it. I especially liked the gas lighting and the little t valves and i know it was impossible for those not to have been leaking with the constant on and off usages. Some of the refrigerators of that era also were powered by ng.
Interesting. Back in the day my parents bought a piece of riverfront land and (with the help of one of my younger brothers) built a log cabin on it. Lighting was all gaslight (pretty efficient: Dad had rigged up a complete piping system to something like six gas lights overall), and they did have an LP refrigerator. I have no idea where they got it from.

[Ignatz]

Great thread. Looking back, I did have an experience where I thought I replaced a tank that I thought still had lp in it but the grill wouldn’t burn. Didnt know about the low flow.

My problem now is I can’t get the grill to burn lower than 400F regardless of the burner control settings. Bad regulator?