Frying a turkey is a delicious way to prepare the centerpiece of your holiday meal. But if you’re new to using a propane turkey fryer you may run into some trouble getting the flame to stay lit long enough to cook your bird to golden perfection.
Having your turkey fryer flame continuously go out can quickly put a damper on your outdoor cooking plans Fortunately, with a bit of troubleshooting and maintenance, you can get to the bottom of what’s causing the issue and get your fryer running reliably again.
Common Causes of a Turkey Fryer That Won’t Stay Lit
There are several typical culprits when a propane turkey fryer won’t stay lit:
Faulty Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a heat-sensitive device that tells the gas valve when to stay open to allow fuel to flow to the burner. If the thermocouple isn’t working properly, the slightest breeze or small disruption in the flame can cause the gas flow to shut off The flame will light, but then go out after a few seconds or minutes
A faulty thermocouple is one of the most common reasons a turkey fryer won’t stay lit. The thermocouple may be corroded, cracked, or improperly positioned in the burner so it doesn’t get hot enough. Replacing the thermocouple or adjusting its position often solves the problem.
Blocked Burner Holes
For the burner to light and stay lit, fuel needs to flow freely through the small holes distributed across the burner surface. If some of these holes become blocked with food debris, insect nests, or rust over time, it restricts the fuel flow.
This can make the flame weak, uneven, or prone to going out. Carefully cleaning the burner holes allows proper gas flow again so the flame stays strong and consistent.
Kinked Fuel Line
Kinks or tight bends in the propane hose leading to the turkey fryer burner can limit fuel flow. The crimped hose creates resistance that prevents the burner from getting enough propane to sustain the flame.
Straightening out any tight bends or kinks in the fuel line allows full propane flow to reach the burner again. You may need to replace the hose completely if the kink is severe.
Windy Conditions
Having an outdoor turkey fryer means it’s exposed to weather conditions like wind that can disrupt the flame. Strong wind gusts or sustained moderate breeze directly on the burner can repeatedly blow out the flame.
This problem tends to arise more with basic turkey fryer designs lacking adequate wind guards. Creating a barrier around the fryer to block the wind allows the flame to stay lit uninterrupted.
Low Propane Supply
For the burner to fire up and stay lit properly, there needs to be sufficient propane in the tank and flowing at adequate pressure to the fryer. A propane tank that’s running low on fuel can’t deliver the consistent gas supply needed.
Make sure there’s plenty of propane in the tank before firing up your turkey fryer. Check that the propane regulator is attached correctly and delivering gas at the proper pressure level too. Monitoring the tank gauge allows you to change it out before it runs empty.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Turkey Fryer That Keeps Going Out
If your turkey fryer won’t stay lit, use this helpful troubleshooting guide to methodically isolate the cause and get it working reliably again:
Inspect the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is the first thing to check if the flame lights briefly then goes out repeatedly.
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Make sure the thermocouple is clean – use fine sandpaper to remove any corrosion, carbon buildup or debris on the bulb and probe.
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Check that the thermocouple tip is properly positioned about 1⁄4 inch into the edge of the flame, where it can get heated.
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Look for any cracks or damage to the thermocouple rod. Replace it if faulty.
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Verify the thermocouple connections at both the gas valve and burner are snug and intact. Tighten or reconnect if loose.
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If adjusting the thermocouple doesn’t help, replace it with a new one made specifically for your fryer model.
Inspect the Burner
A blocked burner is another prime suspect for a flame that won’t stay stable.
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Remove the turkey pot so you can access the burner.
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Use a wire brush, toothpick or compressed air to clean debris from the burner holes. Clear any obstruction so gas can flow freely.
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Remove any bird nests, dirt accumulation or rust flakes on the burner surface with a wire brush.
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Make sure the burner is properly aligned on the fryer frame so propane hits the burner evenly.
Check the Gas Hose and Regulator
An issue with the fuel line or propane source itself can also cause the intermittent flame problem.
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Inspect the propane hose for any tight kinks and straighten them out to allow free gas flow. Replace if severely damaged.
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Make sure the hose fitting is tightened securely at the regulator and burner ends. Tighten if loose.
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Confirm the hose doesn’t have cracks, holes or show wear. Swap it out if deteriorated.
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Verify the propane tank regulator is set between 10-15 PSI of pressure for proper fuel flow. Adjust as needed.
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Check that the tank has plenty of propane – the gauge should read at least 25% full before lighting the burner.
Create a Wind Break
For outdoor turkey fryers, wind is a nemesis to keeping the flame consistently lit.
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Position your fryer in a sheltered area like under an eve, deck or wall to block prevailing winds.
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Improvise barriers around the fryer using tarps, cardboard or plywood to deflect wind gusts before they reach the burner.
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Avoid lighting the fryer during extremely windy conditions. Wait for a calmer time to fry your turkey.
Review the User Manual
Always refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific troubleshooting tips related to your particular turkey fryer model and burner design. The manual will provide useful guidance to ensure proper use and maintenance.
Following this systematic troubleshooting approach makes it quick and easy to zero in on the root cause when your propane turkey fryer won’t stay lit. Taking the time to properly diagnose the issue prevents wasted time and propane from an unstable flame. With a bit of maintenance and fine-tuning, you can get the burner tuned up to deliver consistent high heat for perfectly fried turkey every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Fryers That Won’t Stay Lit
Why does my turkey fryer keep going out?
The most common reasons a turkey fryer won’t stay lit include a faulty thermocouple, blocked burner holes, crimped gas line, strong winds, and low propane level. Methodically checking each component and fuel flow path will reveal the failure point.
How can I stop my propane turkey fryer flame from going out?
Creating a wind barrier, cleaning the burner, replacing a damaged thermocouple, straightening kinks in the hose, and ensuring adequate propane supply will help the flame stay lit without interruption.
What should I do if the flame is weak or keeps blowing out?
A weak flame that’s prone to going out usually indicates insufficient gas flow due to blocked burner holes, kinked hose, faulty regulator or empty propane tank. Checking each part and clearing any obstructions restores full flame.
Why does my turkey fryer keep shutting off?
If the fryer repeatedly shuts down after lighting briefly, the auto shut-off thermocouple safety device is likely faulty and needs to be replaced or properly positioned in the burner flame.
How do I relight my turkey fryer if the flame goes out?
First address what caused the flame out, like wind, low gas supply, etc. Then simply reopen the propane tank valve, make sure fryer controls are set to “on”, and use the igniter button or manually light with a firestick.
Can I bypass the thermocouple on my turkey fryer?
While you can bypass a faulty thermocouple to keep the fryer lit, this is extremely dangerous and removes a key safety device meant to prevent gas leaks. Only do this as a last resort until you can replace the thermocouple.
A turkey fryer that won’t stay lit can quickly frustrate your frying plans. But a bit of focused troubleshooting and maintenance can usually get your burner holding a steady flame once again. Consult your user manual and always prioritize safety when dealing with propane and open flames. With a properly tuned fryer providing constant high heat, you’ll be enjoying juicy fried turkey in no time.
