Post Fire Grill Repair Question

[TaylorTRoom]

I have a Char-Broil TEC (IR burner) grill. The propane is stored below the grill, with a grease catcher in between. A month ago, I let the grease get out of control, it caught fire, and dripped onto a Pam can and alderwood salmon planks I stored below (foolishly), setting them aflame. I was able to put the fire out, without exploding the propane, and the only apparent damage was to some plastic shims in the tray guide rails.

I have now replaced them (metallic shims, evidently a redesign, Char-Broil sent them free), and cleaned up everything. I decided to start the grill up to make sure everything is OK. On this grill, the propane bottle is connected with a quick connect/detach joint where a large plastic know screws the bottle to the grill hose. As soon as I started to turn the propane bottle's valve open (CCW), I heard a hiss and smelled gas. I fiddled with it (detached and reattached the bottle), and every time I started to open up the bottle, I heard the hiss (never heard it before while using grill).

I guess I can put soapy water on to isolate the leak. My questions are:

1. Could the high heat from the fire have damaged seals or something in the bottle and/or the connection?

2. What am I looking at to fix this? If I need a new connection, is that something I (a very mediocre mechanic) can handle? If not, what kind of professional does such things?

3. Anybody have any kind of similar experience?

Thanks.

 

[El Paso Way]

If I'm understanding this correctly, it sounds like the O-ring in the quick connect fitting may be damaged. I would go ahead and connect everything and use the soapy water to confirm exactly where the leak is. If its the O-ring, then it just needs replaced.

 

[DallasCowpoke]

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