Weber Q Gas Regulator Upgrade

bbaker2001 wrote:
How can I tell if mine is going bad.?
the flame is really low.

Burner will light but grill won't get hot, just warm. If that's what is happening with yours then the regulator is pooched. And yes, it is a common problem with the Q series of grills and even though Weber claims the newer 1000, 2000 series has a better regulator it still does happen. My Q220 sits on the deck here at the house year 'round in all kinds of weather so I wouldn't doubt that may have something to do with it ... regardless, it's a PITA when it does happen and a greater PITA that the authentic Weber regulator is so expensive and so difficult to buy in local stores.

could I remove the regulator and connect to tank with a larger psi rating

Propane tank pressure isn't the issue - it's the same whether we're talking a 16.4 oz canister, 5 lb, 10 lb, 20 lb, 30 lb tank, etc. The Weber Q expects to see tank pressure and with a properly operating regulator it works quite well. :B

To address an earlier post from camp-n-family as to why I don't remove the regulator entirely and run it from a low pressure feed off the trailer - this particular Q is my Q220 which we use here at the house so there is no low pressure feed available. Neither have I modified my Q120 which we use for camping because our trailer doesn't have a low pressure feed on the curb side of the trailer. Yes, I could add one but I have no reason to as the grill works just fine using a 5 lb tank as the high pressure propane source. However, having already replaced the Q120's regulator twice now there's no question this one will eventually go as well so now that I know this mod works I'll either make up another one and carry it in the camper so I don't get stuck with a non-operable Q while camping OR since we normally camp on electric sites I may just invest in a Q1400 electric version which will obviously sidestep the crappy regulator issue entirely. :)