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Solved problems · Galley · Crew answer

Why won't my boat's propane stove light?

If the galley stove won't light, check the tank, the solenoid switch and its fuse, and the burner's flame-failure device. If you smell gas at any point, stop and get it professionally checked.

Symptom

Burners won't light or go out as soon as you let go of the knob, the solenoid light is off, or there's no gas at the stove even with a full tank.

Likely cause

Boat propane systems have a tank valve, regulator and an electric solenoid valve that the galley switch opens. A blown fuse, a failed solenoid, a closed tank valve or an empty tank stops gas reaching the stove. Many stoves have a flame-failure device on each burner that needs the knob held in for a few seconds so its sensor can heat. A dirty or misaligned sensor or a clogged burner also stops it staying lit.

Stop now if

You smell gas, a gas detector alarm sounds, or a leak test shows pressure dropping. Put out all flames and don't touch any electrical switches, including lights, the galley solenoid switch and the bilge blower. Close the tank valve by hand, open hatches and ports, get everyone off the boat, and call the marina or 911 from a safe distance. Don't go back aboard until the smell has cleared. Have a qualified LPG technician find and fix the leak. Never look for a leak with a flame.

The fix, in short

  1. Check the tank and valve. Make sure the tank valve is open and the tank has gas. Weigh it or use the regulator gauge as the maker explains.

  2. Check the solenoid switch and fuse. Turn on the galley solenoid switch and check the indicator light. If it's off, check the switch's fuse or breaker.

  3. Hold the knob in long enough. Many marine stoves have flame-failure devices. Hold the burner knob in for several seconds after the flame lights so the sensor heats up.

  4. Clean the burner. With the gas off and the stove cool, clean burner ports and make sure the flame sensor sits in the flame.

  5. Run a leak test after any work. BoatUS describes the ABYC check using the system's pressure gauge. With all appliances off and the solenoid open, open the tank valve, close it again and watch the gauge. It should hold steady for at least three minutes. If it drops, find the leak with leak-detection fluid or soapy water on each joint, never a flame.

  6. Leave repairs to a professional. Replacing a solenoid, regulator or hose, or chasing a leak, is work for a qualified LPG technician working to ABYC standards.

  7. Keep the gas detector working. Propane is heavier than air and settles low. BoatUS says the sensor goes low in the living space, often near the propane appliance. Fireboy-Xintex says to mount it as low as practical, as close to the appliance as possible, and where it stays dry. Test the detector often as its maker describes, and replace a damaged sensor.

Written by Sailor Cruiser crew. General guidance, not an inspection of your boat.

Equipment involved

  • Galley: Propane (LPG) stove and oven, tank in a vented locker, regulator, pressure gauge, solenoid valve and switch, gas sniffer

Related guides

Sources

Background reading we checked while writing this answer. The wording above is our own.

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