Kenmore / Sears Gas Stove burner flames too high: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

A gas stove needs a pressure regulator to keep the gas pressure steady. If it's not set right, or it's set for the wrong type of gas, the flames can get too high. This would affect all the burners. If you think the regulator is not working correctly or not set properly, it's best to check it. Adjust it or replace it if necessary.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Pressure Regulator

1. Shut off the gas supply at the main valve connection under the appliance. This helps prevent gas leaks.

2. Disconnect the gas line from the regulator by loosening the coupling nut with two wrenches.

3. Unscrew the mounting screws or bolts securing the regulator to the gas valve or range frame.

4. Gently remove the old regulator. Check that any rubber washers or gaskets remain in place.

5. Confirm the new regulator has rubber seals intact. Lubricate threads with gas-rated pipe thread sealant.

6. Mount the new regulator at same location using original hardware and tightening securely.

7. Reconnect the gas line by tightening the coupling nut firmly with two wrenches.

8. Turn gas supply back on at main valve; check for leaks using soapy water.

9. Relight the range's pilot lights if they were extinguished during replacement.

10. Check regulators functioning by listening for gas flow changes as knobs are adjusted.

Repair Instructions:

All orifices, or openings, are made and numbered based on their size. If a burner has the wrong orifice installed, the flame could be too high. It's important to make sure the right orifice is installed in the burner.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Orifice

1. Shut off gas supply to the appliance at the main valve connection.

2. Remove the surface burner grate and bowl. This provides access to orifice locations.

3. Using a wrench, remove the brass orifice from the underside of the gas manifold/valve.

4. Ensure the new replacement orifice is the correct size for your altitude and gas type.

5. Apply pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape to threaded end of new orifice only.

6. Thread the new orifice into the manifold/valve port hand tight plus 1/4 turn using a wrench.

7. Replace any burner bowls or grates that were removed earlier.

8. Turn gas supply back on at shutoff valve connection.

9. Check for gas leaks around orifice joints using soapy water solution.

10. Light the appliance and ensure proper flame appearance out of each orifice.

Repair Instructions:

A stove burner cap needs to sit flat on the burner base for the flame to spread evenly. If the cap is not level, the flames will be higher on one side. If the cap is broken, it needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Surface Burner Cap

1. Turn off the gas supply to the appliance for safety during repair.

2. Remove the burner grate by lifting it off mounting brackets or directly over burners.

3. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry the brass burner cap up and off of its mounting bracket.

4. Clean any debris from the burner base where the new cap will sit.

5. Position the replacement cap onto the center of the burner mounting bracket.

6. Press firmly around the rim until the cap is fully seated and level.

7. Replace the burner grate by aligning cutouts over the cap mounting posts.

8. Turn gas supply back on at shutoff valve connection.

9. Check for gas leaks around burner cap joint using soapy water.

10. Light the burner and ensure stable operation. Cap replacement is complete.

Repair Instructions:

For all burners to work right, they need the correct opening, or orifice, for the type of gas being used. If the burner flame is too high, it could mean the gas pressure is too high or the orifice is too big. You can check the parts diagram or the installation guide to find the right burner orifice.

Repair Instructions:

Some stove burners have a part called an air shutter near the opening. If it's not set right, the flame might make a hissing sound from too much air or look big and lazy from too little air. However, most newer stoves have air shutters that can't be adjusted.

Repair Instructions:

The burner cap on a stove helps spread the gas evenly around the burner. If it's damaged or bent out of shape, the flame might be higher on one side than the other. Check the burner cap for any damage, and if it's not in good shape, it should be replaced.