I just got a camping grill. I hooked up the propane tank and it makes this loud ticking sound. What is it?

Question

It is a hand-me-down grill. I have cleaned the heating element. When I go to turn the grill on, it ignites normally, but makes this loud, fast, clicking or ticking sound. I'm afraid the propane cylinder is going to blow up in my face. Does anyone have any idea why this ticking sound occurs? Is it normal?

Answer 1

That's the sound of the igniter. My gas stove with electric ignition does the same thing. And I'm pretty sure our propane grill does that also. (I don't cook on it much, my bf does)

After lighting and then turning the flame to the desired height  (turning the k**b away from the "Ignite" position) it should stop ticking.

Answer 2

If it is metal heating up it should only tick for a couple of minutes.  If the noise is lasting longer than that I would check the propane connection.  After it ignites, does it burn evenly? Or do the flames sputter?  Is there an igniter on the unit?  Is the igniter sticking?  The sound you describe sounds like an igniter switch is sticking on after the fuel is lit.

Answer 3

if it is a self igniting type turn the dial a little bit further and it should stop clicking if it is not you may have a bad pressure regulator which could be dangerous

Answer 4

metal sometimes makes noise heating up or cooling down