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kitchen area, this indicates that more air is being exhausted than is being replenished and the burners
may be starved for air.
If the fryer’s gas and air supplies are okay, the problem is most likely with one of the electrical
components. Examine the ignition module and controller for signs of melting, distortion, and/or
discoloration due to excessive heat build-up in the fryer (this condition usually indicates improper
flue performance). A melted or distorted ignition module is automatically suspect and should be
replaced; however, unless the condition causing excessive heat is corrected, the problem is likely to
recur.
Verify that the ignition wire is tightly connected at both ends and free of obvious signs of damage.
Again, if damage is due to excessive heat in the fryer, that problem must also be corrected. Check
for proper operation by disconnecting the wire from the ignitor (spark plug), inserting the tip of a
screw driver into the terminal. With the insulated handle of the screwdriver, hold the shaft near the
frame of the fryer as the power switch is placed in the ON position. A strong, blue spark should be
generated for at least 4 seconds.
DANGER
Make sure you are holding the insulated handle of the screwdriver and not the blade.
The sparking charge is approximately 25,000 volts.
Examine the ignitor (spark plug) for any signs of cracking. A cracked ignitor must be replaced.
If all other causes have been ruled out, examine the burner tiles for any signs of cracking. If
cracking is found, the burner must be replaced.
Fluctuating flame intensity is normally caused by either improper or fluctuating incoming gas
pressure, but may also be the result of variations in the kitchen atmosphere. Verify incoming gas
pressure in the same way as for “popping,” discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Variations in the
kitchen atmosphere are usually caused by air conditioning and/or ventilation units starting and
stopping during the day. As they start and stop, the pressure in the kitchen may change from
positive or neutral to negative, or vice versa. They may also cause changes in airflow patterns that
may affect flame intensity.
Dark spots on the burner tiles are the result of an improper air/gas mixture. Adjust the combustion
air blower to reduce the amount of air in the mixture to correct this problem
Flames shooting out of the flue are usually an indication of negative pressure in the kitchen. Air is
being sucked out of the burner enclosure and the flames are literally following the air. If negative
pressure is not the cause, check for high burner manifold gas pressure in accordance with the
procedures in Section 1.4.
An excessively noisy burner, especially with flames visible above the flue opening, may indicate
that the gas pressure is too high, or it may simply be that the gas valve vent tube is blocked. If the
incoming gas pressure is correct and the vent tube is unobstructed, the gas valve regulator is
probably defective.
Occasionally a burner may apparently be operating correctly, but nevertheless the fryer has a slow
recovery rate (the length of time required for the fryer to increase the oil temperature from 270ºF to