Weber Q Gas Regulator Upgrade

ScottG wrote:
My Q100's regulator is removed and a quick disconnect in its lace. I just use a hose to plug it into the trailers supply. Do the same thing with the fire pit and camp stove.
It's nice not having to store a separate tank.

yup same here, never used the regulator as I bought the webber q because it didn't have the gas control knob built into the regulator so it would be easy to modify to run of the rv supply

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. :)

How can I tell if mine is going bad.?
the flame is really low.
could I remove the regulator and connect to tank with a larger psi rating

Webers are famous for orifice failure.

I had the same problem with my Q2000; the regulator stinks so I got rid of it. In its place I installed three brass fittings that allows me to attach a normal, five foot long propane hose. The hose came with its own, standard regulator and attaches to a standard propane tank. Got the how-to on you-tube.

FYI Amazon has the regulator assembly for the Q220 (which is the one I have) for $49.95 and is Prime so will be delivered in 2 days. Had one shipped to our campground when mine quit while on a trip. Love the grill but the regulators do seen to be a weak spot.

camp-n-family wrote:
There are 4 Qs in our family, several years old, and never had a regulator failure. What are you doing with them? As Scott mentioned above, why not just get rid of the regulator and put a quick disconnect fitting on it to connect directly to the tt system? That's the most common modification.

I have sort of done both. I can quick connect to the on board lp or I can connect to a portable tank. Connecting to the RV is OK but sometimes depending on the site setting grill up away from the RV is a better option. Having the ability to do both is the best of both worlds.
I am also sort of curious what is happening to the OP's regulator. I was not aware of regulator failure being an issue

There are 4 Qs in our family, several years old, and never had a regulator failure. What are you doing with them? As Scott mentioned above, why not just get rid of the regulator and put a quick disconnect fitting on it to connect directly to the tt system? That's the most common modification.

My Q100's regulator is removed and a quick disconnect in its lace. I just use a hose to plug it into the trailers supply. Do the same thing with the fire pit and camp stove.
It's nice not having to store a separate tank.

We just purchased a Q1000 a few days ago. We're in Canada so won't be using it until the spring. Thanks for this information. I'll file it for future reference.