Picked up a CL Performer Friday, need some gas assist advise.

[John Goin]

Hi all,
Long time griller, long time lurker on this site, there is so much good info here. Now I am in need of some advice please. I picked up a '96 green Performer off of Craigslist this weekend. It's in pretty good shape, needs a little paint, new cleaning system, grates, TLC, etc. But I need some help on the gas assist. It came with the 5# tank, but it has the old valve system (non OPD). Does anyone know if there is an adapter(s)that will let me use disposable camping cylinders with the fittings from this era? I would rather go that route than having to hook it up to a 20# tank or buying a new 5-10# tank. Thanks!

John G.

 

[John Goin]

Well, with the lack of replies here I've been feeling like I'd farted in church. But that's OK. As I was cleaning up the performer I found that even though the 5# tank does not have the proper shaped handle it does have a label on the tank stating that it does have an opd valve. Had it filled at the local rental place (they were not going to fill it until I pointed out the label), hooked it up, pushed the igniter for the gas assist and --- nothing. And no luck on the next 20-30 tries. But when I used a long butane lighter the gas popped right off with perfect flames. Fantastic! I decided to remove the igniter and see if a cleaning might make it work or if a new one would be needed. After I sprayed some penetrating oil on to make removal easier I was going to let it sit for a bit and let the oil work in. But of course I had to give it one more try. One push of the igniter and it lit up like a jet engine, and has been working ever since. The oil must have been just enough to let the electrodes get a good spark, I've had several cooks on it now, and the performer is a pleasure to use. It makes lighting a chimney of lump a breeze, so I'll be using it to light my WSM cooks from now on too.

Anyway if anyone else is picking up an older performer, and the tank does not have the triangular handle, take a closer look to see if it might have an opd valve sticker on it.

And thanks for letting me rave on here. The people on this forum best understand what a pleasure it is to find a good deal on a grill that needs some TLC and then to cook on something that you have restored.

 

[Pat Smith]

Congrats on the Performer - I got an old SS model, but without the gas assist - about a year ago and it has been a blast to use. It's getting ready to go into the garage for its annual cleaning and paint touch up and the like, then right back outside and back on duty!

Pat

 

[Bob Correll]

John,
Congrats on getting the Performer fired up!
Fixing/cleaning it yourself just makes it that much more special, better than a new one.

I'm sure that your info about the opd valve sticker will help others.

I have the newer, but purchased used, style Performer, and love it.

Sorry there were no responses earlier.
Perhaps the ones that read your post were like me, and didn't have an answer.
One thing, you did post it in the right area, but it seems many members never come "down here" on the board.

Also, if a post gets no response in a day or two it may get lost in the shuffle.
It might help to bump it back up, perhaps with a simple "can anyone help?"

Best of luck on your cooks!
Looking forward to more of your posts!

Bob

 

[Bob Correll]

PS: If you get a chance, take a picture of your grill and post it.
I, and I'm sure others, would like to see her.

 

[doug ep]

Congratulations on the new Performer. Sorry, I don't recall seeing your original post, but I try to not be the first poster/answerer, and give others a chance to respond.

I also had igniter problems, when my first P was new. The next spring, I took the igniter wires off, cleaned and reassembled, and it has worked flawlessly ever since.

My buddy picked up a blue SS P off CL 2 years ago, and had the same tank problem. Hardware store refused to fill it. So, I queried a little to find out what the guy was really looking for, he said the old style handle was a indicator that it was non-OPD. So, I pointed to the OPD sticker, at which he said "It is?" Then he filled it right up!

However, there is a time limit (12 or 15 years?) when they expire for safety. The mfr date is stamped on the tank, at the top handle. I don't know if it can be recertified. So, having the old handle indicates the tank is pretty close to expiring, and you will soon be forced to buy a new tank, or go to a 20 lb LP tank. Other posters have said they are available at Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, etc. I recently saw some 5 lb tanks sitting on a shelf at my local Ace Hardware. So, you could order directly from Weber, or from Ace.

BTW, now that you really appreciate the ease of using the Performer, it will be well worth the $55 to get a new tank, and be good for many more years.