Why does my gas grill make noise when it's on?

Question

I have a gas grill that after it gets heated up makes a loud kind of a squeal/whistle noise. Does anyone know what this is or how to fix it? It only started doing this recently and does it no matter how full the propane tank is. Thanks.

Answer 1

You have a bad seal/O-ring between your tank and regulator. You say the squealing happens when the grill heats up, but what's actually happening is as the propane passes through the regulator, it gets colder (it doesn't actually get hot until it's ignited in the burner plates of your grill).

The rubber seal, over time, gets brittle, and may develop cracks or deep grooves. When the (VERY) cold propane passes along the damaged seal, it can leak out through the little cracks or grooves. That's what's causing the whistling.

This can actually be a bit dangerous; there's free propane floating around "outside" the grill, which can ignite if it contacts the active flame inside the grill. Don't panic, however...the concentration of gas outside the grill is very low. If it was bad enough to be a serious hazard, you would see propane "spray" out of the tank, around the regulator.

All you need to do is go to a place that sells grills, and write down the make and model of your grill. They should be able to sell you a new seal (I think they're pretty universal), and it might cost you two or three dollars, at most.

Answer 2

About the only sound I hear on mine is a gentle "whish" sound of the flames. And sizzles if the meat is on!

I wonder if the holes in the pipes that let the propane out have gotten clogged from meat drippings and stuff? Maybe the propane is having to be forced out, causing a whistle. I think I'd disconnect it all and get some pipe cleaners and get to work.

Answer 3

What are you cooking? Maybe the meat is still alive ;)
J/K I hope you can fix this

Answer 4

check your regulator