Question about my 1994 Performer


 
L

Lucinda Ayers

New member
Hello all. My name is Lucinda. I am a new member and so happy to have found you! I am the very happy owner of one of the earliest Performer grills (and I love it!). The original LP tank is no longer available, as you know, and I'm trying to convert my beloved grill to use a small disposable LP tank. I thought I remembered a conversion kit but I can't find it anywhere, or any other information about how to accomplish my objective. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance!
 
Hi, welcome Lucinda.

Can you post a pic of your current LPG hose ?

Another option is to buy a new 5 lb propane tank for around $50.

www.walmart.com

Flame King 5-lb Empty Propane Tank LP Cylinder with OPD Valve, YSN5LB - Walmart.com

Buy Flame King 5-lb Empty Propane Tank LP Cylinder with OPD Valve, YSN5LB at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com

You may need to change the connection on your current LPG hose to work with a new style tank so either way a picture of your hose will help.
 
Thanks for your quick reply. For complicated reasons, I don't have the old hose. My original grill finally died a few years ago and I was Weber-less. Then a friend gave me his Performer, which was the same vintage (1994) but he no longer had the original tank and connection, and he had been using a chimney to ignite the coals. I am trying to restore a gas ignition system but I'm starting from scratch. I'm hoping someone can tell me what kind of hose and connection I will need to do that. Any thoughts?
 
I can see three options for getting the gas ignition to work.

Hose to 1lb
Hose to 5lb
Hose to 20lb

Can you provide a pic of what you have existing? Do you have the igniter / burner ?
 
I wouldn't recommend going to the small 1lb bottles. The 5lb tanks last much longer and will be much cheaper over time. I converted my SSP bracket to use a more modern 5lb tank, see post below.

Mike-GA

Post in thread 'Older performer propane connection'

I only discovered my new Flame King didn't mount to original bracket after filling propane so there was no turning back. I had to make it work. This is what I did:

Cut top of original SSP Metal bracket with Angle Grinder. De-burred metal edges. Shaped Wood into Quarter Sphere to ease tank insertion & create tight fit. Sanded. Painted. Drank Beer. Painted again.

Metal - Wood Work SSP tank.jpg

Pic of how tank it fits inside
Mounted MOD SSP tank.jpg

Finished look of tank mounted in SSP.
Finished Solution SSP Tank.jpg
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This is all great information, so thank you both, but I think my problem is even farther back in the system. I do have the igniter, it's the connection to the LP tank that isn't complete. I'll take pictures of what I have later today and see what you think. I'm excited to have found you and this forum. I think with your help I'll have my beloved Performer up and running again soon!!
 
Welcome to the fun! If the repair is possible the folks here will walk you through it! Great information, generous members sometimes TOO helpful. Before joining I had what many thought was an overstock of grills and equipment! Now, I have filled half the garage (wife still wants the car to live in there) and a small shed filled with grilling/smoking equipment and supplies!
Personally, my “Overperformer” is pre performer gas assist and if I had that feature, I’d do the 20# tank conversion, less fussing about in the long run.
Enjoy the circus that is TVWBB!
 
IMG_3469.jpgIMG_3470.jpgIMG_3471.jpgIMG_3474 (1).jpg

Here are photos of the motley collection of things I have. The first 2 are from the original connection system - what seems to be missing is a clip to attach it firmly to the grill. I think I have the wrong hose but someone recommended it. And I'm sure the LP tank is too small... And do I need a regulator of some kind? Can you look at this and help me figure out what to do? Thanks so much for taking the time.
 
Your 2 pics on left appears to be the original stock system with regulator. I used my original Regulator like yours and it still works well. You will need the Burner Retaining Clip.

Burner Retaining Clip, Weber Go-Anywhere And Performer (2004 to Current)| Grill Parts | grillparts.com

Grill Parts: 41552 - Burner Retaining Clip, Weber Go-Anywhere And Performer (2004 to Current). grillparts.com
www.grillparts.com www.grillparts.com

You just change out the old cone shaped quick connect brass piece with a Acme Nut Propane Fitting Adapter so you can attach a current day 5lb & 20lb tanks.

I believe you can then you can find an adapter from that to a 1lb bottle.
 
R Chin said:
If you convert to a 1# bottle - what would you use as a shutoff valve?
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Good and important point. You'll need some sort of shutoff valve for the 1lb bottle. I recommend you stick with a 5lb tank that it is designed for rather than a 1lb bottle.

On my Gen 1 SSP, I mostly use a mounted 5lb tank or sometimes a 20lb tank but I have never tried to use a 1lb bottle. The shutoff valve knobs are integrated on the 5lb and 20lb tanks.

I believe a shutoff valve comes integrated with the Regulator on latest Gen 4 Performer since it is designed to use the 1lb LP bottles. I'm not sure how you would mount it to the Gen 1 SSP. It has been a while since I owned and used the latest Gen 4 Performer (a 2015 model). When I did have the Gen 4 Performer, I may have used a 1lb bottle once or twice but quickly converted it to use 20lb tank which only required an adapter hose. I'm sure with some research you can come up with a safe alternative to achieve what you are looking to do with 1lb bottle. I do not know the best way but maybe someone here will chime in to help you further. Good luck.
 
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You guys are amazing! I knew once I found this forum my problem would be solved. I agree with you all - the 1lb bottle is a bad idea. I'll get the 5lb tank you recommend. OK, I'm off to get the things I need. I'll either be back with more questions, or back to post a pic of the glorious finished product. Thank you thank you thank you and stay tuned. And happy grilling this Memorial weekend!
 
Lucinda Ayers said:
One more question - will the hose I show in the above pics work or do I need a different hose to connect to a 5lb tank?
Click to expand...
The hose on your regulator is likely good, just give a cleaning and check it over to confirm it's in good condition. The cone shaped brass fitting by the regulator is the old style quick connect which is obsolete now. That needs to be changed to an Acme Nut Propane Fitting Adapter (like the one linked above) so you can attach to any newer 5lb or 20lb tank.

When you put the Acme Adapter on the Regulator, seal it with appropriate Yellow Gas line Tape or "dope" thread sealant (make sure rated for gas applications) to prevent leaks. Check connection with soapy water... bubbles = leak.
 
Lucinda Ayers said:
You guys are amazing! I knew once I found this forum my problem would be solved. I agree with you all - the 1lb bottle is a bad idea. I'll get the 5lb tank you recommend. OK, I'm off to get the things I need. I'll either be back with more questions, or back to post a pic of the glorious finished product. Thank you thank you thank you and stay tuned. And happy grilling this Memorial weekend!
Click to expand...
Regarding 5lb tanks. Check out in this link:

Mike-GA

Post in thread 'Older performer propane connection'

5lb Tanks are not all created equal. In my research, I found two styles of 5lb tank with different handle placement. One fits SSP original bracket and the other does not without modification. (Neither has the old quick connect)

5lb tanks.jpg
2 Styles of 5lbs Tank:
1. Manchester for $90-$125: The Manchester tank has one handle opposite the valve which I believe fits the original SSP bracket perfectly. Made in USA and probably originally supplied to Weber (with old Quick Connect) for the SSP. Expensive!

2. Flame King for $50-$75: The more common Flame King tank...
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Such good information - but sadly for me I didn't see it in time. I already ordered the Flame King tank and it arrives today. Do you think I should send it back, or is it fairly easy to make the modification? I have a fairly handy person with tools who can help me if it's not too complicated. Whaddaya think?
 
Lucinda Ayers said:
Such good information - but sadly for me I didn't see it in time. I already ordered the Flame King tank and it arrives today. Do you think I should send it back, or is it fairly easy to make the modification? I have a fairly handy person with tools who can help me if it's not too complicated. Whaddaya think?
Click to expand...
The Manchester tank is usually more expensive but I don't think it requires modification. You may want to return the Flame King and order a Manchester especially if you can find it on sale.

I bought the Flame King from beloved Costco because it was half the price ($49) of the Manchester ($90+) at the time and came with an integrated fuel gauge (which is loosely accurate but I still like it). I had already filled the tank before I realized the handle design didn't fit the existing SSP tank holder bracket so I couldn't return it. It took me probably 1-2 hours and a couple beers to plan/modify/paint the bracket as seen in above post #5. I enjoyed the project since this is a hobby. To others who are sane, doing the modification would be a waste of time/money.

I like the Flame King from Costco so much I eventually orderd a 2nd tank as back up (and to use with a Weber Traveler grill when I go on trips).
 
By the way, you can use your grill this Memorial weekend by starting coals manually like a regular kettle while you sort out the gas assist/tank stuff. The Gas Assist Ignition/tank is just a nice convenience but not necessary. Have a great weekend.
 
You are the best! I'll return the Flame King and get a Manchester since I've come this far. And yes, I've been using the beloved Weber all along with my trusty chimney starter and I will do it today. But I love the gas ignition and I'm determined to restore it - which is now imminent thanks to YOU!:love:. Stay tuned for pictures !
 
Lucinda Ayers said:
You are the best! I'll return the Flame King and get a Manchester since I've come this far. And yes, I've been using the beloved Weber all along with my trusty chimney starter and I will do it today. But I love the gas ignition and I'm determined to restore it - which is now imminent thanks to YOU!:love:. Stay tuned for pictures !
Click to expand...
Awesome. Looking forward to the pics!
 
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