Newb; My GOSM smoker has a stuck valve knob. It's literally stuck...been outside for a few seasons

[pointbob]

Hi all...I'm hoping for some advice....

My GOSM propane smoker has a stuck valve knob (the burner which controls med/high/etc). It's literally stuck...been outside for a few seasons. I tried forcing it with a vice grip and it seems to have gotten a bit unstuck but still very sticky. I pulled the plastic knob off and its got some real rust on the two screws holding it ....i have not attempted to remove it yet...

Would it be safe to remove the knob and spray it externally with silicon lubricant...

Do i need to replace the valve (if so what am I looking for - model etc) or ideally can i somehow fix it myself?

Appreciate any help...

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

You can try spraying some WD-40 or White Lithium Grease along the valve stem.
Let it set and work in then work the valve stem back and forth.
If that doesn't work, then you should probably replace the valve if it is still available. Give GOSM customer service a call.
Attempting to take a valve apart and reassemble it isn't as easy as it seems.
Ask me how I know.

 

[bill1]

I'll bet if you carefully pry the plastic knob off, it will allow you to get to the metal parts easier. If it's only the outer parts that are stuck, it probably won't take a lot of magic WD-40 to free things up. But if it's hung up inside, I don't think any grease or oil will wick its way past the seals to get to the problem...only WD-40 will save the day!

But it may take more than a day. Squirt some in. Come back in an hour and check for some movement. Add more. Come back next day. Repeat until free, or WD40 can is empty.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

I'll bet if you carefully pry the plastic knob off, it will allow you to get to the metal parts easier. If it's only the outer parts that are stuck, it probably won't take a lot of magic WD-40 to free things up. But if it's hung up inside, I don't think any grease or oil will wick its way past the seals to get to the problem...only WD-40 will save the day!

But it may take more than a day. Squirt some in. Come back in an hour and check for some movement. Add more. Come back next day. Repeat until free, or WD40 can is empty.

The WD-40 brand white lithium grease in the aerosol can will....eventually.

 

[bill1]

...WD-40 brand white lithium grease in the aerosol can...

Wow, live and learn. Gotta' try it out. Thanks SHM! White lithium grease, to me, meant, well, grease.
But if it says wd40 on on the can, I'm sure it's a perfect product.
What? Is religion discouraged on this forum? :-)

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Wow, live and learn. Gotta' try it out. Thanks SHM! White lithium grease, to me, meant, well, grease.
But if it says wd40 on on the can, I'm sure it's a perfect product.
What? Is religion discouraged on this forum? :-)

WD-40 is a great solvent, but it lacks long term lubricity.

Yeah, I should have clarified about using the aerosol version.

Who doesn't have a can of WD-40 in the shop? No one I know.

 

[bill1]

before you know it, we'll be talking about how ArmorAll makes auto upholstery and dashes last FOREVER!

 

[pointbob]

Thanks all! the wd40 worked. I also disassembled the valve and applied a light coat of grease along the shaft...seems to work better then new now. I had the smoker partially covered in plastic since its stored out doors. I just don't have the space inside the apt...Its possible that condensation worked in over the past year....

also i found this video which helped out - the valve he cleans looks exactly like mine so a big strike of luck:

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Thanks all! the wd40 worked. I also disassembled the valve and applied a light coat of grease along the shaft...seems to work better then new now. I had the smoker partially covered in plastic since its stored out doors. I just don't have the space inside the apt...Its possible that condensation worked in over the past year....

also i found this video which helped out - the valve he cleans looks exactly like mine so a big strike of luck:

That is good to hear.