Coleman Propane Stove Burner Adjustment Fix

The flame adjustment dials on coleman propane stoves are prone to not holding the position you try to set them in. They also tend to bounce back a little after you try to adjust it. It almost feels like they're on a rubber band.
While looking through some Amazon reviews I found a number of folks posting an easy fix by removing the factory lubricant and replacing with some silicone grease. I thought I'd give it a shot and share my results.
Silicone grease used: a.co/d/4nPUZLq

[@garychiang2568]

Thank you for sharing this. Totally fixed the only major problem I’ve ever had with my Coleman stove. It’s pretty much invincible otherwise!

[@nickpearson5734]

Scout troop says thank you for the instructions. Kids fixed the stoves in no time. Did just the trick. Before we had half a millimeter of range between full power and off. Now we can easily control the temperature.

[@2fs2ns]

That's awesome! Go scouts!

[@texdegarie]

I was having this exact same problem. Then I found your video, followed your clear instructions, and voila, the problem is solved. Thank you, Dan!

[@2fs2ns]

awesome, glad it helped you out too!

[@Steve_K2]

Great video. No wasted time, no stupid "music" in the background. Wondering why Coleman decided it was a good idea to make so many of us so unhappy with all the grease they put on their stove. It seems to come this way from the factory, as my new one was also coated with grease.

[@2fs2ns]

It's a mystery, glad it helped ya out.

[@erikthepitmaster6116]

Very nice video. Great walkthrough and concise commentary. You've percolated above 95% of videos of this genre.

[@2fs2ns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danthomas7812]

Skeptical? Yes. Super frustrating for years. Cranked flame or goes out bouncing around. But wow, this fix works like a champ! Thanks Dan H!

[@2fs2ns]

I was too, but still happy with the results!

[@derekosborne2546]

Thanks for the video. This is a nice and easy fix that allows for a simmer flame to be achieved if the dial is very carefully adjusted. But there remains a major problem with these valves. The simmer flame setting is at about -3º to -5º on the dial. From no flame at all to the the very highest flame possible requires the dial to be adjusted as little as 22º. It is much too sensitive and does not allow for quick, easy adjustment. The dial can continue to be turned through a full 360º to 720º and further but it makes no difference to the flame. For the price of this stove Coleman should providing a more sophisticated valve with a much more user friendly adjustment. It is a major shortcoming to a stove which otherwise has some very good features.

[@brianmock551]

Exactly!

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

exactly bad design

[@RK831]

Thanks for the fix. It worked beautifully. Instead of using a stringy piece of napkin I wrapped the napkin around an old-school meat thermometer and that cleaned out 100% of the old grease. I agree with not using petroleum grease because petroleum dissolves plastic and rubber, which is why you should never use Vaseline with your condoms--a completely different topic, by the way, hehe. I used a tiny bit of white lithium grease and it works like a charm. I reversed the procedure, except when replacing the black knobs I set them such that when they point to 12 o'clock the valves are fully tight and firmly set.

[@smitha1958]

I burned my bacon last weekend - twice! I have never burned bacon in all my many, many years of cooking. I had to fix it. I saw the saw the review info as you did and ordered that silicone grease but I needed a visual. It worked! Can't wait to go camping again next week and try cooking bacon again. Thank you for your video.

[@kevinmaret2763]

Thanks for sharing. I saw the the same review and appreciate you walking us through it. Last camp out the food burnt. This worked in my Coleman stove. Looking forward to getting more years out of this basic camp stove. Thanks

[@scetis]

I think I just read the same review on Amazon and came to KZbin to find some videos… I’m not too mechanical so thanks for the help!

[@BlondieSL]

I'm just doing a maintenance on our 3-burner Coleman. I had not even thought about the adjuster thing. I'll do that to, now that I see this video. I'm also trying to get some ideas on which solution to use to clean the burners themselves in the ultrasonic cleaner. Our stove is much older and doesn't have those updated, nice elements like you have on yours. I wish!

[@pezking124]

Perfect video. It wasn't too long, you showed me exactly what the problem was and how to fix it (the Amazon review is kind of confusing, at least it was to me, and that's what brought me here). Thank you!

[@seanalexander6310]

Good to know. I picked up one in prep for hurricane season and haven't tried it out yet (or even taken out of the box). I bought the grease, so I'll probably do this before even firing it up for the first time. Thanks for the video demonstration.

[@MichaelKeelphotography]

Awesome. I have a two burner bought back in 2005. Still works like champ. But since day 1 of 2005, it's had that sensitive issue. I'm doing this tonight. Thanks for doing this video. Cheers.

[@MrDrewdawg87]

Not a crappy video at all, much appreciated. I will be doing this tomorrow seeing I haven’t been able to get a low flame period on this Coleman since day one.

[@2fs2ns]

Glad you got around to trying it out!

[@Mykem1977]

Mate you are the man, thank you so much worked a treat for my Coleman fyrecadet. A little tricky to get the knobs off and the valve out but so glad I did this, thanks again.

[@2fs2ns]

Sure thing man, glad it helped you out too!

[@danmulkiewicz5515]

I read that review also and am happy to see someone take the time to test it on youtube. Nice work and thank you for taking the time to report. :)

[@2fs2ns]

Sure thing!

[@leslie6362]

I have had the same Coleman stove you show in the video for almost 20 years and was always annoyed at not being able to get a low enough flame to perk the coffee with out boil over or cook the bacon without it trying to burn. In fact the last camping trip last fall I didn't even clean it when I got back since i was going to purchase a new one and toss this old one. I kept reading reviews and thought I had settled on one only to see other reviews complain about not being able to adjust the flame. So I happened on this video a while back while I was actually searching for KZbin reviews on camp stoves and thought, worth a try. Well tonight I finally took the time to do the process and except for one knob that really didn't want to come off without a fight I finally got the process done quickly. I tested it out and was amazed just how low I could now adjust the flames. Now I have to scrub up the greasy stove and get it ready for the upcoming camping trip. Thanks for such a straight forward video on this fix!

[@2fs2ns]

Fantastic!

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

I almost bought another stove/grill, too, and then I read every review on amazon. I found the Bayou Classic control valve. This installs of the outside of the stove and is $13. I was a little afraid that I would not be able to take that knob off, and then if I did I might have lost or dropped something too small to see. Thank goodness for the ability to research.

[@tacoslosgatos3883]

Ordered the grease and got this done tonight. Works perfect, thanks!

[@xjinit]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@2fs2ns]

xjinit hope it helps!

[@joseluiscaceres1458]

I did this myself before watching your video, but I took the whole thing apart, replaced a cracked O-ring where the tank connects, and cleaned out the whole inside of the stove so it shines. My problems were leaking fuel and a left burner that wouldn’t ignite. My point is, I probably could have just done this and fixed most of the problems (except for the leaking fuel). Good video!

[@joseluiscaceres1458]

Oh, and I used Vaseline instead of silicone grease. MSR recommends it for their O-rings. Research it here or just trust me: mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/25018/does-vaseline-dissolve-rubber

[@juxtabros]

I knew there had to be a way! Thought I may need to buy completely new valves- didn’t expect it to be this simple. Thanks for the vid man 🍻

[@2fs2ns]

Sure thing! Glad it helped out.

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

Watch the video THE CORPORATION. Psychopathic corporations are doing this to all of us on purpose. Then buy the Bayou Classic control valve for $13. All the stoves/grills on Amazon had this same problem. I read everyone of those reviews.

[@thewesternway7797]

Dan, I thought your video was well done it is nice to see somebody make a video that knows what they’re doing.

[@2fs2ns]

thanks man!

[@abugg78]

I am so thrilled with how easy and effective this was!! I'm not handy at all, but was sure there must be a way of fixing this issue. Previously I could only get a low flame on one burner. Now I can make pancakes without burning them on our camping trip this weekend! Thank you for the helpful video!

[@2fs2ns]

abugg78 excellent! Glad it helped!

[@abugg78]

I also shared this on a tent camping FB group I'm part of. Lots of positive responses, so I think you'll be helping lots of others too! =)

[@eddysmith5902]

Great video, thanks. Any idea where to get replacement o-rings? Mine are not in great shape. Thanks again.

[@MrDrewdawg87]

I commented about a year ago, but this fix works. I didn't get to it until tonight, both flames are fully adjustable now without burning everything. Last i posted they were ok still fighting to get a low flame. After camp this year the knobs were absolutely unbearable, only boiled water because the temp control was so bad. I used sil glyde from napa which i use on most my brake parts.

[@2fs2ns]

Yeah, makes the stove so much more versatile!

[@toxicslix]

That's AWESOME....!! easy fix for a reliable stove....

[@jerryp3551]

Thanks for the video! I was having the same issue and I hope this will fix it.

[@naynay5637]

Thank you for this! Read the same review, and came here after trying to pull the valve stems out, rather than unscrew them out, haha. Thanks for a great video!

[@2fs2ns]

You are welcome!

[@dnhman]

thanks I had the older model that allowed to adjust the bottle and the burner this model never seems to allow for a lower flame will be trying this as soon as i get to camp.

[@brianwest5348]

Love the torch striker. Great way to light the stove and not worry about it working it not.

[@2fs2ns]

Right on!

[@yellowdog762jb]

Excellent tip! I cuss my stove all the time because of those crazy knobs. I was Very skeptical that just changing the grease would make a difference. Wow! I was about to add a couple of bent washers behind the knob to add tension, like on a fishing reel drag. I'm definitely going to change the grease first. Then I may add a rubber washer as suggested in another comment.

[@2fs2ns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

Watch the video THE CORPORATION. Psychopathic corporations are doing this to all of us on purpose. Then buy the Bayou Classic control valve for $13. This will fix the problem on the outside of the stove. All the stoves/grills on Amazon had this same problem. I read everyone of those reviews.

[@anthonynatale8416]

You the Man. Worked like a charm. Thank you for ending my 2 year long frustration. Now if Coleman would get off their Asses and tell the assembly departments to use the right lube, maybe we wouldn't doubt buying their products. But these days, that's like asking a bear to shit in a toilet.

[@coopercarguy]

Thanks for the video, going to try it with mine.

[@Javad01]

Thanks for sharing the trick. By the way, do you recommend this stove? I know there is a Triton series which looks really similar.

[@2fs2ns]

It does the job, nothing special, but it's a fairly inexpensive one. Worth the $ i think.

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

You should read every review for every stove/grill on amazon. You will be amazed that ALL OF THEM have this same problem of flame control.

[@dereknoto9969]

Wow I had zero flame control out of the box and it would actually explode into a fireball when starting.10 minutes and this stove went from a piece of junk to an awesome stove with plenty of flame control and no more fireballs.Crazy colemam would jeopardize the safety and function of the product for such a minor overlook of putting garbage grease on thier valves.

[@LauraGarcia-ez9of]

Great - Gonna try this. Just gotta order the silicon grease. The Welding torch striker that you have...did you take the round dome off of it - or did you get it that way? Is it a single striker or a triple? thanks so much. standing by for your reply.

[@2fs2ns]

That came with a torch head I bought for those small green bottles a long time ago, I don't think it ever had a dome on it but I honestly don't remember.

[@timothysparks6293]

Appreciate this video. Good to know info.

[@2fs2ns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jensenemetchie]

Thanks for the video, worked just like you said!

[@2fs2ns]

Jensen M awesome glad it helped!

[@rickitseven]

Works, thanks you, great video!

[@snowvalley11]

That's rad. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! I will be trying this on my stove in order to fix this issue!!!!

[@jonpattersonlpc2153]

New Coleman stove in transit - will do this first thing.

[@2fs2ns]

Jon Patterson LPC awesome, I'm happy with it, definite improvement for mine.

[@matthewhwang5938]

Thanks for the video. You rock!

[@2fs2ns]

sure thing man, glad it helped!

[@row8017]

excellent thank you

[@redoak3809]

Nice video.

[@wcoyote2276]

I have the Coleman eventemp 3 burner stove. I had the same issue. To fix it the process is a little different. First you have to remove the thin coverplates on the end of each knob. I used a razor blade, this will reveal the screws holding the knobs on to the unit. Next remove the 8 screws holding down the inner plate. Third, unscrew the right and left burners. The plate should then lift up. There are two large black screws holding the handle in place. Unscrew them and remove the handle. Next there are two small screws on the back side which hold the black plastic covers (2 covers). Remove those screws and plastic covers to access the valves. Proceed as indicated in the video to clean the valves. Reverse the process to return the stove to normal.

[@2fs2ns]

Very cool, thanks for the updated instructions!

[@grammiegale]

Wow! Thank you

[@johnlefucker9323]

You transformed my old shitty coleman stove a coleman stove! Thanks man.

[@barryrabold5728]

I looked everywhere for this tip. Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for.

[@2fs2ns]

Barry Rabold I'm still happy with the results!

[@barryrabold5728]

Great to know Dan! I’m just having trouble finding a very small tube of silicone grease as I’ll probably never need it again...

[@2fs2ns]

Barry Rabold the $3 one from Amazon in the description is pretty small.

[@barryrabold5728]

Couldn’t find that one on the Canadian Store. Ended up buying the Moen Silicone lubricant from Home Depot for $7, used your technique, and everything worked amazing! Guess that’s what matter in the end. Now I just have to show all my buddies who have he same stove ;)

[@birchwhitehd]

Works perfect…. Thanks

[@wendybyrne1301]

Well I’ll be danged. I’ve been cussing my Coleman stove for over 5 years. I actually replaced it once and just resigned myself to live with it that way. Shoot. This is great- thanks for the info!

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

Wendy I think Colman leaves the knobs unadjustible on purpose so people will keep on buying stoves.

[@tacovipecot8029]

@@hummingbirdbumblebee4618 or buy a more expensive model

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

@@tacovipecot8029 I thought more expensive would fix it. Then I went to every one of the models on Amazon up to $1200 and they all have some negative reviews. Now I don't remember if the $1200 one had problems with flame control. But all the others seemed to have. Of course some people like one large flame and don't care about control. Look up the Bayou Classic control value. People have found out that this is what is supposed to be on these stoves. It costs about $13. Now why would you think something like $13 would stop grill makers from installing it? It came to me that this is their method of getting people to buy more grill/stoves. But I refused to buy another coleman. I felt like this was done on purpose.

[@timbfoto5823]

Does this control air mixture? My right burner the flames are yellow!

[@2fs2ns]

Tim Bfoto good question, it might a little but I'm honestly not really sure...

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

Thanks for the pro tip, gonna try this tonight. We nuked an entire pack of hot dogs on ours last night, the kids said they tasted like the trash! haha and they did :)

[@MrLmm001]

As for the cleaning, I strongly believe that Brake Cleaner would do a better job at cleaning. It also Flushes and Evaporates. No paper or cotton fibers. Any doubters out there?

[@kenningosh1447]

I still have the same issue? Anyway else having the same problem

[@stevebadowski8828]

I did this, but i'm getting roughly 0% to 100% after a quarter turn. It's stable but all of the fine tuning has to happen in that quarter turn as opposed to using all of the turns left in the knob. Is this normal or something else not right?

[@2fs2ns]

Yeah, unfortunately there's no way I know of to adjust the flow, this process just helps the knob stay where you want instead of rebounding to a different setting. I wish there was a way to adjust that like you're saying. I've heard the newer models adjust across almost an entire rotation, not just a quarter turn.

[@MrRdmiller]

One of my rubber o rings is broke. Any idea where I can find one?

[@2fs2ns]

I bought an 770pc o-ring kit on amazon, I can't say for certain if there's a matching one in there but I bet there's something that would work.

[@brianmock551]

🎉

[@mattmuller1353]

What kind of flint striker is that?

[@2fs2ns]

Not sure the name, here's one like it: www.amazon.com/dp/B07STWYGCQ?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_481PDMV8ARS9DTYWGG81

[@bloodstorm1231]

Hmm guess i got lucky. I just bought mine and the valves work just fine. I can go super low to super high without issues

[@2fs2ns]

Aaron Lynn That’s good to hear, maybe they’ve got it figured out by now.

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

@@2fs2ns I watched a video where a man was demonstrating the exact colman stove I had a problem with. I wrote in the comments my problem and so did a few other people, but he wrote back saying all he saw were comments that had no problems --- on his own video. so I asked him if he would like me to copy and paste comments from Amazon that said they were having adjustment problems? I was looking for a new stove because I could not find a remedy like on this video. Dan? Why do you think those Colman CEOs would have a problem to begin with ? I think that they sold them like that on purpose. I read many comments where the people would just go buy another stove. How many years has Colman been making stoves? They know what they are doing.

[@oroGold-s5b]

Mine doesnt hold a flame

[@mannyoliveira8271]

The Coleman company should be ashamed and embarrassed. This issue should have been corrected during production. This is nothing but poor quality control and needs to be fixed!

[@cwebs1000]

DAM, try some soap and water on that stove. Not sure I would want to eat anything off it.

[@2fs2ns]

Yeah it's been used/abused. Cookware is always clean though :)

[@TheIrishAmish]

First thing to do is clean the entire stove.

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

Anybody here see the documentary called THE CORPORATION ? Either these grill/stove makers are really stupid or they are causing this problem on purpose. So I read every review on amazon looking for this problem on other brands. ALL of these brands had the same problem ! I found out the Bayou Classic control valve will fix this problem. It costs $13. I almost bought another grill/stove, but then thought that this is so agitating that I don't want to buy another problem. I think that these grill/stove makers got together in parties and decided to cheat all the rest of us. Corporations are called psychopathic in that video. How are you going to know this if you don't research?

[@haizekhaze8868]

All I hear is Manny from 1ce age....🙈🙉