Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
With the purchase of our Catalina 25,along with it came a Magma BBQ propane grill. The grill is in not so great shape..But we have taken it apart and have bought replacement parts . The only problem is the burner assembly is lterally rusted to the center post and I can not unscrew it.I have used <b></b>LOTS<b></b> of WD40 to loosen it with no luck. In fact, the top part of the burner assembly has disintegrated due to my pulling and twisting. But the bottom flat part is still in tact. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I have even tried useing a pipe wrench to no avail. Thanks for all your advice.
Alan & Eileen 2001 Catalina 310 Hull #155 "Anam Cara" ex-1987 C25 TR/SK #5612 "LEPRECHAUN" Troy Ohio USA / Lake Erie-Catawba Island ASA 101 103 104
"The clink of an anchor - chain, the 'Yo-Ho!' of a well time crew, the flapping of huge sails - I love all these sounds."
Hi Alan We had a Magma "Marine Kettle Combination Stove & BBQ" on our previous boat and declined the opportunity to remove it when we sold the boat. On warm calm days, the lowest setting was too hot. On cool breezy days, the highest setting was too cold. We did like the rail mount, but given the problems you've had so far, I'd toss the POS over the side. Others, of course, will offer alternative and more useful opinions. Good luck. Jack 83 FK/SR 3944
'Sounds like that burner is REALLY rusted up ... I suppose you might have to cut it out if nothing else works.
When I was a kid (a bazillion years ago) we used a product called "S'OK" to soften up rusted hardware. I don't even know if it is made any more, but, if you can find it, it would be worth a try. I remember it smelled like orange juice, and it performed miracles.
Have you tried heat? A small propane torch or something similar might help you get it free ... just don't start a fire with all the flammable stuff you've been squirting on it. Vice-grip pliers will help you get a good grip on whatever material you've got left to work with.
Jack, Thanks for the Information, Ours also has a rail mount. We do occaisionally race and we might not want it on the stern rail all the time but it is an option I think at this point we want to use. We have an Origo Non Pressure stove But 1st mate wants cook out..Not cook in :) Thanks I will wait to hear from others. Alan 87 TR/SK #5612 "Leprechaun"
Thanks Buzz, I also used Simple Green, Good Point I do have Lots of Stuff in there! Fire Scares me, I can be Too dangerous. I hope others have other product ideas..This baby is really rusted ! Alan #5612 "Leprechaun"
The Magmas I've had have had 2 settings-- ON and MAGMA. Called the factory and they said there was nothing wrong with the regulator and it was working as designed.
My current boat came with another Magma, but the regulator looked a little different that the others (maybe older?)and it does not seem to cook as hot. I also about doubled the number of bricks over the burner in it so that may be why it seems to cook cooler.
I mounted my newer one from the boat I had sold, on the deck at my house, and use it during the winter (like when it is below 40 degrees--it cooks great then.) Nothing like grillin' in the snow to make a Magma cook as designed.
The Magma that came on Mental Floss had the burner rusted through like Alan's. Try using some true penetrating oil rather than WD40, like Kroil or any that says Penetrating Oil on the label. WD40 doesn't work really good in the case of heavy rust. Then if you can clamp the the base of the BBQ in a vise and use a small pipe wrench on the remainder of the burner. Gentle taps and some carefully applied heat from a propane torch will help also.
It was a difficult job, but it can be done. Good Luck!
OJ, I annnot drill the center out as this is threaded on a pipe, I am going to give tonys idea a shot over the holiday weekend, if I get a chance between sailing. I think that the penetrating oil is another idea that I will try and let you know. I have tried a pipe wrench with no luck and vise grips cant get a grip. I will let you know. thanks.!
We have a charcoal magma grill too, it works just great but it looks decidely odd since I used it as fender berthing one stormy afternoon. Stainless is awful hard to panelbeat. Andy and Barb Flying Fish
Thanks for All the great suggestions! I intend to try the Penetrating oil and will let you know..Iam set on using propane as I have used the charcoal magma grills before, they make an AWFUL mess cleaning up..But taste good! I will let all know
I have the party size Magma, and I use it all winter on the deck, and I find it cooks great on the boat. I have heard the smaller sizes cook too hot. Mine used to go out in the slightest breeze, but a new regulator seems to have solved that problem. I usually find when the center post gets stuck that I can lever it off by applying leverage to the propane supply pipe. I agree with others that cleaning a Magma requires extraordinary commitment to spit and polish.
I second the penetrating lube and persistance. Don't toss it overboard, I know a power boater that is looking for a cheap Magma if you give up My Magma works well and is adjustable down to cook hot dogs or steaks without burning. Left on high the handle becomes too hot. It is rail mounted and a great addition to the boat. Mine is the standard propane, am looking for the insert to also use it as a stove.
I just e-mailed to Magma about a couple of parts. Perhaps you could do the same for the insert that you need. I couldn't find a parts link, so I just wrote to their web address.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.