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Ron3rd's avatar
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2015

Propane torch won't light!

I have a propane torch I use for pluming jobs (rarely). I probably haven't used it in 5 years. I shake it and it sounds like it has plenty of propane. Open the valve and your hear gas escape. The torch won't light though! The gas has a faint smell of propane, not a strong smell. I would think it would light if you can hear plenty of gas escaping! Easy answer is to replace the cylinder, but I'm curious why it won't light.

4 Replies

  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 17, 2015
    I've had an old torch head that would not stay lit until it had warmed up for awhile. I don't know what the underlying cause was. It was a lot easier to use a candle to light it than a pile of matches or whatever.

    My solution was to replace it with a new torch with a trigger igniter valve. I don't regret that in the least; the trigger control is much more convenient, and the new torch head has a noticeably hotter flame (whether by better design or just not being clogged and mucked up).
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jan 17, 2015
    BTPO1 wrote:
    You might have the torch valve open too much. That has happened to me before. JMO


    This answer! I had the valve open too much. I slowly opened the valve and it lit right up. Did not know that. Thanks!
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jan 17, 2015
    100% LP will not burn. You must have a mixture of Air and LP. Do not open the valve as much and see if it lights. Then adjust the flame level. Doug
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2015
    You might have the torch valve open too much. That has happened to me before. JMO

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