How to Fix Your Loco Turkey Fryer When It Won’t Stay Lit

As Thanksgiving approaches, you may be planning to fry a turkey in your Loco turkey fryer. However, when you go to light it, you find that it won’t stay lit! This can throw off your whole Thanksgiving meal plans. Don’t worry – in most cases, this issue can be easily fixed with some troubleshooting. In this article, I’ll walk through the common reasons a Loco turkey fryer won’t stay lit and how to fix them, so you can get back to frying turkeys.

Why Your Loco Turkey Fryer Won’t Stay Lit

There are a few common reasons why your Loco turkey fryer won’t remain ignited

• Empty propane tank – The most obvious issue is that you’ve simply run out of propane in your tank. Check the gauge on your tank to see if you need a refill.

• Damaged gas hose or valve – A leak anywhere in the gas line can prevent the fryer from getting the constant gas supply it needs to stay lit Listen for any hissing sounds around the hose and valve connections

• Clogged burner – Leftover food debris can clog the fryer’s burner ports, preventing proper gas flow. Check the burner for obstructions.

• Loose connection – If the gas hose or burner is not securely attached, that can allow gas to escape rather than flow to the burner

• Faulty igniter – The igniter may not be sparking properly to allow the gas to initially light. Inspect the igniter visually and listen for the clicking sound when triggered.

• Dirty thermocouple – The thermocouple senses the burner flame. If it has grease buildup, that can prevent it from working properly.

• Bad gas valve – The valve may be failing to properly allow gas to flow even when triggered. This will require replacement of the valve.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Now let’s walk through a systematic troubleshooting process to identify the issue:

1. Check propane levels – Confirm your propane tank has sufficient fuel. The gauge should not be on empty. If it is, you’ll need to get it refilled before continuing.

2. Inspect connections – Make sure the burner is securely attached to the propane tank, and the gas hose is tightly connected at both ends. Tighten or replace if loose.

3. Check for leaks – Spray a small amount of soapy water around the gas valve and hose. If you see bubbles forming, there is a leak that needs to be addressed.

4. Clear burner ports – Remove any visible food debris from the burner with a toothbrush or pipe cleaner. Compressed air can also be used.

5. Trigger igniter – Turn on gas and ignite. Listen for clicking sound. If no click, igniter will need replacement.

6. Hold down igniter – After clicking igniter, keep holding down the button for 30+ seconds to heat thermocouple and allow gas flow.

7. Clean thermocouple – Use steel wool or sandpaper to remove any grease or corrosion from the thermocouple probe tip.

8. Check flame color – Once lit, the flame should burn blue with little or no yellow/orange. Yellow tips indicate a problem with gas flow.

9. Replace valve – If the flame won’t stay lit even after cleaning the thermocouple, the gas valve likely needs to be replaced.

Preventing Future Issues

To help avoid your Loco turkey fryer having issues staying lit in the future:

• Only use your fryer outside in an open area for proper ventilation.

• Keep the hose, valve, and burner clean and clear of debris after each use.

• Fully disconnect the propane tank after each use and store properly.

• Perform periodic leak checks on the gas system.

• Have the burner SERVICED once a year prior to Thanksgiving for optimal performance.

• Immediately address any new ignition issues rather than continuing to attempt to relight the burner repeatedly.

When to Call a Professional

If you still can’t get the fryer to remain lit after working through the troubleshooting steps, it’s best to call in a professional:

• A licensed plumber can help diagnose and service faulty gas system components.

• The manufacturer can provide support if faulty internal components need repair or replacement under warranty.

• Your propane supplier can test your tank and connections to identify any issues.

Don’t take chances with a propane leak or malfunctioning turkey fryer gas system. The pros have the proper tools and expertise to safely get your fryer functioning reliably again.

Get Back to Frying Turkeys!

With a little diligent troubleshooting, you can likely get your Loco turkey fryer back up and running again in time for Thanksgiving. If the burner still won’t stay lit no matter what you try, call in a professional service technician to get the job done right. Properly functioning gas appliances are crucial for safe operation. Once the fryer is working properly again, you’ll be back to cooking amazingly delicious fried turkeys in no time!