MHP TJK Rotary Spark Ignitor System, Electrode Replacement or Adjustment, Flare-Ups, Maintenance

Maintenance

General Maintenance

Rotary Spark Ignitor System

If you experience an occasional “No-spark-No light” condition here’s a check list to troubleshoot the problem.

1.Inspection. WITH GAS OFF, position a mirror in front of the collector box and rotate the ignitor knob several times. Observe the condition of the spark.

(Low light conditions are the best for seeing the spark.)

B. Check spark. Pull the connector wire from the col- lector box (see “X”Fig. 46). Bring wire to bottom or top of control panel, hold about 1/8" away and operate the ignitor. Check for spark.

If there is no spark replace the Rotary Ignitor. If there is a spark the Rotary Ignitor is OK, but the Collector Box/Electrode assembly should be replaced (the ce- ramic insulator could be cracked).

C. Check Knob, confirm quality of the electrical ground at the Rotary Ignitor. Remove the knob, loosen and retighten the mounting screws.

A. If there’s a good spark, but the grill won’t light, gas may not be flowing to the burner and into the collector box. The gas orifice or the venturi tube may be blocked. To clean, follow “Flashback” instructions.

B. If a weak spark arcs down around the ceramic insulator, the insulator should

be cleaned. The insulator has a coating of grease or it is wet. Use an old tooth brush to break up the conductive electric path.

2. If there is no spark in the collector box.

A.Check the wire connections at the ignitor and electrode under

the grill. Lubricat- ing (use WD-40 or equivalent) the star wheel and tension spring of the ignitor will help connection con- tacts and improve operation.

Electrode Replacement or Adjustment

The electrode inside the collector box is pre-set for optimum spark.

The tip is 1/8" from inside sur- face of the collec- tor box. To re- place, remove the collector box by loosening the large nut from the bottom of the grill. Check the gap of the new part be-

fore installing. Loosening and tighten the two jam nuts will move the electrode tip, set at 1/8".

Flare-Ups

Expect and encourage a moderate amount of flare-up to enhance flavor. To control excessive flare-ups - trim excess fat before cooking, lower the heat setting, move meat to other side of grill if possible, cook with lid down.

For immediate control of flare-ups, throw a small amount of baking soda directly on the briquettes and lower heat setting. Do not douse flare-ups with water, this only worsens the flame.

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