Q just doesn't get hot enough.

[TheDude]

Some of you may remember the $20 Q200 I picked up a couple months ago. Pretty cool cooker, but not getting as hot as I like. Maybe I need a new burner tube? I see flame thoughout the whole thing. I've only cooked dogs and precooked sausages, but they take much longer and don't get the char my kettles do. Can't imagine cooking a burger or steak on this thing. Am I doing something wrong, or do I need some repairs? I don't have a lot of propane experience, so I'm a bit lost. I don't need it for much than dogs, but even that is lack luster, compared to my kettles.

[pbe gummi bear]

Are the burner holes clean? Take a wirebrush to the burner holes and make sure that the holes aren't clogged.

[TheDude]

@pbe gummi bear The thing was molded to the cooking grate, when I brought it home. The entire thing has been gone over with a wire brush. There is flame all the way around.

[Cellar2ful]

@TheDude - Are you preheating the grill for at least 10 minutes prior to use? I have no problems getting grill marks when using my Baby Q. My cook times on the Q are equivalent to cooking on the charcoal kettle.  If you are preheating the grill then there may be a problem with the gas regulator.  As long as you have flames showing through the entire burner, I don't know what else it could be.

[pbe gummi bear]

Are you using a 20lb tank? If so, you might need to prime the regulator

[TheDude]

@Cellar2ful At least 10-15 minutes.

[TheDude]

@pbe gummi bear The little green tanks. Didn't see the point in upgrading, if it's just a hot dog cooker.

[Cellar2ful]

If your not getting grill marks as in my photos, it has to be a problem with the gas regulator.  Do you have any WKC members that live close to you that you could borrow a gas regulator from them to rule out it being the issue?

[pbe gummi bear]

Did you clean the inside of the tube? Spiders like to go in there and build nests.

[Cellar2ful]

Did you clean the inside of the tube? Spiders like to go in there and build nests.

I forgot about that.  That would restrict the gas flow.

[TheDude]

@Cellar2ful @pbe gummi bear I'll try that. With all the mold that was in the fire box, that could be the issue. Thanks guys! Will report back.

[Heyjude]

Take the tube out. Polish or clean it with some emery paper. Make sure all the holes are clear.
Rinse it out and be sure to clean the air vent. Carefully as its more fragile
Make sure the brass part that inserts into the tube is clean and clear.
If after all that it doesn't get to temp, its probably a bad regulator.
@TheDude