With the Rock Grate removed, the burner/venturi assembly (the heart of your grill) is now exposed. Gently lift and remove the burner assembly from your grill (fig. 11). The burner may be held in place from underneath with clips or pins (fig. 12), so check before attempting removal.

Also, if your grill is equipped with an ignitor and collector box attached to the burner, the wire must be disconnected before burner removal (fig. 13). Lightly brush the burner with a wire brush to remove loose rust and scale (fig. 14).

Inspect the burner for holes or split seams. Replace if necessary, as a new burner will give superior performance and dependability. If burner passes inspection, next inspect the venturi.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to clean the Venturi tubes of any obstructions, such as spider or insect webs, etc. A small web can block the gas flow and cause poor burner performance or a flash back fire. A specially made flexible spider brush should be used to clean the venturi tubes (fig. 15). Special care should be taken to make sure the brush passes through any curve in the venturi tube.

If a spider brush is not available, you may flush out the tubes with a strong flow of water from a garden hose (fig. 16). Pay special attention to how the water exits the burner port holes, as clogged holes are easily spotted. Clogged holes can be opened with an awl or piece of wire (fig. 17). Clogged holes can cause a grill to have hot and cold spots because of uneven flame characteristics.

The valve system can now be checked. Valve Knobs should depress, turn and release (pop up) freely (fig. 18).

If they are sluggish, remove knobs and carefully spray a small amount of WD40 or similar lubricant onto the valve stem area (fig. 19). Work knobs a few times to distribute the lubricant. Valves that bind severely should be replaced.

Also, check the hose connection at the-valve for tightness (fig. 20). In the final step we will again check this connection with a soapy solution.

Small insects also have a peculiar habit of spinning webs inside the valve orifice, which will restrict gas flow. Debris in the lines may also clog these tiny holes.

So, remove the hex head orifice (fig. 21) with the appropriate size wrench, and make sure the hole is completely clean. Also, check the inner portion of the valve from where the orifice was removed. Webs can be removed with a small piece of wire or toothpick. Re-install orifices and tighten.

That's wraps up the burner and valves restoration. In step 4 we'll clean-up the grill interior.