Troubleshooting Your Turkey Fryer When It Won’t Stay Lit

Frying a juicy golden turkey is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience when you run into issues with your turkey fryer not staying lit. As someone who has fried many turkeys over the years I’ve dealt with my fair share of stubborn fryers that refuse to cooperate. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the common causes of a turkey fryer that won’t stay lit and provide fix-it solutions to get you back to crispy fried turkey bliss.

Why Your Turkey Fryer Keeps Going Out

Before jumping into repairs, it helps to understand what’s causing the problems in the first place. Here are the most common culprits for a turkey fryer that won’t stay lit:

• Faulty or Dirty Thermocouple – This sensor detects the pilot flame. If it malfunctions or gets coated in grease, it will shut off the gas.

• Gas Flow Obstruction – Kinked hoses, closed tank valves, or regulator issues can prevent gas from reaching the burner.

• Clogged Burner Ports – Leftover food debris or grease clogs the burner ports unevenly, disrupting flame.

• Windy Conditions – Strong winds blow out the fryer’s flame

• Damaged Fryer Components – Critical parts like igniters or gas valves wear out over time and need replacing.

Now let’s dive into diagnosing and fixing each of these potential issues.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps to methodically troubleshoot what’s causing your turkey fryer problems:

Inspect the Thermocouple

As a key safety device, the thermocouple should be checked first.

• Adjust positioning closer to the pilot light path if needed.

• Remove any grease buildup using steel wool or scrubbing.

• Check for cracks/damage and replace if thermocouple is worn out.

Check for Gas Flow Problems

Gas flow obstructions commonly cause fryer lighting problems.

• Verify propane tank valve is fully opened. Valves can get bumped closed.

• Inspect hose for kinks and straighten any out. Don’t let it get pinched.

• Confirm regulator provides proper gas pressure. Adjust if needed.

• Replace any hoses with cracks/holes allowing gas leakage.

Clean the Burner

A dirty burner struggles to stay lit evenly.

• Remove the burner and scrub out any debris clogging the ports.

• Use a pipe cleaner to clear the venturi tube mixing in air.

• Rinse and completely dry the burner before replacing.

Protect From Wind

Wind gusts disrupt the fryer’s flame.

• Place fryer in a sheltered area away from wind.

• Construct a temporary windbreak with plywood or cardboard.

• Avoid operating in excessively windy conditions.

Replace Damaged Parts

If troubleshooting doesn’t reveal the issue:

• Test/replace igniter if it’s no longer heating red hot.

• Inspect gas valve for defects and swap it out if faulty.

• Have a technician service the fryer if you’re unfamiliar with repairs.

Helpful Turkey Fryer Maintenance Tips

Besides troubleshooting and fixing issues, some helpful maintenance can prevent problems:

• Regularly remove grease/debris buildup from key components.

• Set up a windbreak and point fryer away from gusts.

• Avoid kinking the hose and inspect for damage. Store safely.

• Confirm valves, regulators, and connections are tight and leak-free.

• Keep a spare igniter on hand for quick swapping when yours fails.

Don’t Let Fryer Issues Ruin the Holidays

As you can see, there are a variety of fixes for a turkey fryer that won’t stay lit. The key is methodically troubleshooting whether it’s a thermocouple problem, gas flow blockage, damaged component, or another issue. With preventative maintenance and proper repairs, you can get your turkey fryer running smoothly again.

The main takeaways:

• Inspect the thermocouple, gas flow, burner, and wind exposure first

• Clean debris from ports, straighten kinks, and adjust regulator

• Replace any worn out thermocouples, igniters or valves

• Keep the fryer clean and sheltered from wind gusts

Don’t let a broken turkey fryer ruin your next festive fried turkey. Follow this guide to get that delicious bird cooking again! Your persistence will pay off with a golden, juicy turkey.