Is Your Camper Stove Lit? Check This Way

Knowing whether your camper stove is lit is important for your safety. If your gas stove is working correctly, you should hear a woosh as the gas ignites. You will still smell a faint odour of gas. Then, you should feel the inside of the stove getting warm quite quickly. If the gas doesn't ignite, you will smell a very strong odour of gas. This indicates that your stove is not lit. If your stove is not staying lit, you may need to check that the heat pin is inside the flame when the stove is lit and that it is clean.

Check the heat pin is inside the flame when the stove is lit

When lighting a camper stove, it is important to ensure the heat pin is inside the flame. The heat pin can only be moved by hand when the stove is cold, so be sure to check this before igniting the stove. If the heat pin is not inside the flame when the stove is lit, pull the heat pin upwards to fix the issue. If the heat pin has come loose and fallen through the bottom of the stove base, you will need to pull it upwards and ensure it is secure before igniting the stove.

The heat pin should also be regularly cleaned, as it can become coated in baked-on foodstuff or carbon. To clean the heat pin, use a cloth and water, or a pot scrub or scourer if available. For the best results, use sandpaper to polish the pin back to a silver colour. If the heat pin is not clean, the stove may not stay lit.

Ensure the heat pin is clean

Ensuring that the heat pin is clean is an important step in making sure your camper stove is lit. The heat pin is a crucial component of the stove, and if it is coated in baked-on foodstuff or carbon, it can interfere with the stove's ability to function properly.

To clean the heat pin, start by using a cloth and water. If you have access to a pot scrub or scourer, this can also be effective in removing any built-up residue. For more stubborn stains or to achieve the best results, you can use sandpaper to polish the pin back to a silver colour. This will ensure that the heat pin is free of any debris or buildup that could impact its performance.

It is important to note that the heat pin should only be adjusted when the stove is cold. Once the stove has cooled down, you can pull the heat pin upwards to adjust its position if needed. By following these steps, you can help ensure that the heat pin is clean and functioning properly, which is essential for the overall performance of your camper stove.

In addition to cleaning the heat pin, it is also important to ensure that it is properly positioned. The heat pin should be inside the flame when the stove is lit. If the heat pin has come loose or fallen through the bottom of the stove base, you may need to adjust its position. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above and ensuring that the heat pin is clean and properly positioned, you can help ensure that your camper stove functions optimally and safely.

Check the gas bottle is full

If your camper stove is not lighting, one of the first things you should do is check that your gas bottle is full. This is a common issue, especially for those newer to camping, and an easy one to address. No gas means no flame, so your stove won't be able to operate.

If your gas bottle is full but your stove still won't light, there are several other things you can try. First, check that the bottle is fully open. Sometimes the cause of a stove that won't light is as simple as a closed propane tank.

If your bottle is full and open, the next thing to check is your pilot light. If you have an oven in your camper, it may have a pilot light that needs to be lit. Some newer models don't have a pilot light at all, but if yours does, it may have gone out. You can usually relight it manually by turning the oven knob to the "Pilot Light" position and pressing and holding the knob. This will open the valve for the pilot light gas so you can ignite it with a match or a long lighter. You should see a blue flame when the pilot light is ignited, but you'll need to hold the knob for around 10-15 seconds before releasing it so the pilot light remains lit.

If your gas bottle is full and your pilot light is lit, but your stove still won't light, you may have a blocked orifice or a problem with your thermocouple. The gas line that feeds your stove has a tiny orifice that maintains a low but consistent flow of gas. If this small orifice becomes blocked by grease or other gunk, the gas can't flow properly. You can try to clear the blockage with a small wire or needle, or by unscrewing the tip and soaking it in a solvent like acetone or alcohol.

The thermocouple also plays a key role in keeping your stove lit. It must be clean and positioned properly at a certain distance from the gas port for your stove to light. The thermocouple needs to be properly heated to send a signal to the gas valve to remain open, allowing gas to flow. If the thermocouple isn't positioned correctly, the gas won't be able to flow. Try repositioning the thermocouple, and if that doesn't work, you may need to replace it.

Check for a kink in the supply line

If your camper stove is refusing to light, it's important to check for a kink in the supply line. This could be preventing enough gas from reaching the stove, causing the flame to go out. If you suspect a kink in the line, first locate the gas line. This should be connected to your propane tank and run to the stove. Follow the line and check for any signs of crimping or kinking.

A kinked gas line will allow pressure to build up, which can cause the stove burners to go out. If you find a kink, try straightening the line to restore the flow of gas. If the line appears undamaged, the issue may lie elsewhere, such as a faulty regulator, tank pig tail, or tank switchover valve.

In addition to checking the gas line for kinks, it's also worth inspecting the orifice that releases gas into the burner. This small opening can become blocked by grease or debris, restricting the flow of gas. Carefully clean the orifice with a small wire or needle to ensure gas can flow freely.

If your camper stove continues to have lighting issues, there are several other potential causes to investigate. These include an empty propane tank, a closed propane tank valve, a faulty thermocouple, or issues with the igniter. Remember to exercise caution when working with gas appliances and always ensure proper ventilation.

Check the pilot light is on

Checking that the pilot light is on is a crucial step in determining whether your camper stove is lit. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

Locate the Pilot Light: Begin by identifying where the pilot light is positioned in your camper stove. It is usually found at the back of the oven, near the bottom. This is where the flame should be ignited and sustained.

Check the Flame: Observe the pilot light area to see if there is a visible flame. Ensure that the stove is not on or recently turned off, as the flame should be constantly burning. If there is no flame, proceed to the next steps to address the issue.

Ensure Propane Supply: Confirm that your propane tank is adequately filled and fully open. A closed or empty propane tank is a common reason why pilot lights go out. If the propane supply is insufficient, refill or replace the tank and try igniting the pilot light again.

Inspect the Thermocouple: The thermocouple plays a vital role in keeping the pilot light ignited. It must be properly positioned, cleaned, and functioning. Make sure it is within the correct distance from the gas port, and realign it if necessary. If the thermocouple appears damaged or cracked, it may need to be replaced.

Relight the Pilot Light: If you have addressed any propane or thermocouple issues, attempt to relight the pilot light. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual for the correct procedure. Typically, you will need to turn the oven knob to the "Pilot Light" position and press and hold the knob while igniting the flame with a long lighter or match.

Maintain the Flame: After igniting the pilot light, continue holding the knob for around 10-15 seconds before releasing it. This ensures that the flame remains lit. If the flame goes out shortly after releasing the knob, you may need to troubleshoot further or seek professional assistance.

Remember, it is important to keep your camper stove well-maintained and in proper working order. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions related to your particular model.

Frequently asked questions