Problems with regulators using 20# tanks?


 
J

John Strange

New member
Hi, this is my first post on here...
I have a Q200 that I replaced the regulator on a couple years ago and it has had very light use (10-12 start ups in 2+ years).
The regulator went out again and when I called Weber to get a replacement the guy told me that using the 20# tanks cause regulators to go out quicker.
When I emailed Weber with this information they denied it and said that using the large tanks shouldn't make an impact.

Curious if anyone else has had trouble with the regulators. Weber didn't offer to cover the cost on the replacement I ordered a few days ago...but they also didn't give me a very good reason as to why it would go out so quickly. All they said is that regulators are "sensitive"!

Anyone use an external regulator? Curious to see if that is a good alternative...

I also have a Genesis Gold (natural gas) and a Performer.

Thanks.
 
Do you want to maintain the ability to use both portable tanks and 20 pounders? There have been several threads where people have modified their Qs, eliminating the small bottle connection, which usually eliminates the regulator issues.

Also, if you take a look at some of the threads dealing with issues, you might find that your regulator is just fine, but there's a tricky sequence you have to go through to get full pressure to the burners.
 
Tom,

The two smaller "Q" grills are designed to be used with propane torch bottles. They have an optional adaptor (with regulator) to use 20 pounders. That adaptor with regulator is the finicky bit.
 
The long hose on adaptor can cause the safety mechanism on tanks to trigger .
Either open tank very slowly , or open tank close valve with hose pressurized for 30 sec & reopen.
 
But isn't that regulator not designed by Weber for just this purpose? There should be no issues! However, maybe it's just easier to refill the smaller bottles from a 20 pound tank using an adapter. I do both.
 
Once upon a time you used to get in a car and pump the accelerator before you started it. Now you don't touch the accelerator before you start a car. Having operating quirks is not an "issue". Read the book, follow the instructions.
 
This is from Webers web site see the bold type about the Qs and the six foot hose.


http://www.weberindia.com/support/faq/faq.aspx?id=1

I should have put this in but I couldn’t find it again until now. The bold section explains why they work fine with the small bottles.
This is from the Weber web site it explains what’s happening and how to fix it but not why it’s such a problem with the Qs. It does appear that it is the regulator shutting down

Frequently Asked Questions My LPG gas grill won't get hotter than 120 to 150 ℃, even with all burners on high. Why?


Since 1995 all regulators (the part that attaches to the gas cylinder to regulate the flow of gas) have included a safety device that restricts the flow of gas in the event of a gas leak. This safety device can be inadvertently activated in two ways, putting the grill into what is commonly called “bypass”. The first way for the device to be activated is to leave one or more burner control knobs in the “ON” position when the LP cylinder valve is opened. The second is not to wait long enough to “start” the grill after opening the LP cylinder valve. The safety device in the regulator is activated each time that the LP cylinder valve is opened. The device resets itself when the gas pressure equalizes between the closed burner control valve and the regulator, through the hose. If a burner control knob is turned on before the gas pressure can equalize, the device will remain in “bypass”. The length of time necessary to wait to “start” the grill after turning on the LP cylinder valve is dependent on the length of the hose and outside air temperature. It is always good practice to wait a few seconds after opening the LP cylinder valve before turning on the burner control knob to start the grill.

Keep in mind that the safety device reacts to a gas leak. If a grill is in bypass, the gas connections and hose should be tested for leaks with a soap and water solution.

If the grill is in bypass, after checking for gas leaks, do the following to get the grill out of bypass:

•The Weber Q100, Weber Baby Q, Weber Q200, and Weber Q cannot go into bypass when used as sold.
•When using an adapter hose with the Weber Q/Baby Q grills, the grill CAN go into bypass just like any other LP grill. Follow these steps to correct it: Close the LPG cylinder valve
•Turn all burner control knobs to the OFF position
•Now, start the grill by doing the following:
•Open the grill lid
•Turn the LPG cylinder valve until it is completely open
•Wait at least 1 minute. Due to the length of the hose (6'), it takes longer for the gas pressure to equalize.
•Turn the burner control knob to HI/Start
•Press the igniter to light the burner
•Turn any remaining burner control knobs to High
•The grill should preheat to 260-290 degrees ℃ in 10-15 minutes.
•NOTE: Cold weather can delay the time it takes to equalize the pressure
 
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