I purchased a Jenn-Air propane gas grill model 720-0061 LP from Lowe's in Rockingham, NC sometime in early 2004 and believe the purchase price was $ 800 or 600 bucks, but not sure of the price.

My bride nicknamed the grill "Chicken Grill" because I only prepared a Sprite Can Chicken recipe for a while on the grill.  I grilled our steaks and venison loin aka back straps on a Weber kettle charcoal grill because it is hard to top the charcoal flavor imparted versus a gas grill.  Opinions widely vary, however I can certainly taste and smell the difference between gas and charcoal prepared foods.  Those than cannot, my reply is that you have a diminished sense of taste and smell in my humble opinion!

My main usage of a gas grill is for convenience, especially for things needed in a hurry and there is enough real estate on cooking surface.

SMOKE & FIRE

The Jenn-Air grill suffered a internal cabinet fire (grill unattended for at least 30 minutes) from a ruptured gas line hose that put the gas grill out of commission a couple years ago and just now getting around to finding replacement parts; e.g., replacing the gas valves that were locked up from the excessive heat generated.  I soaked the internals of the gas valves with Kroll Oil, but they remained seized up.  The side burner valve was working and only one (1) of the main gas valves was still working.

NOTE:  When I observed some serious black smoke coming from the grill as viewed from our Kitchen window, my thoughts were, "No way the food is being burned."  Black smoke was coming from the hood rear vent louvers like a wood burning locomotive engine climbing a steep mountain grade with Jesse James and his gang in hot pursuit!  I opened the grill lid and there was no visible fire, however when I opened the cabinet doors, the gas tank hose was ruptured and spitting fire out like a WWII flame thrower!  I retrieved a glove/mitt and managed to turn the gas tank supply valve off without getting burned, but the damage to the controls aka gas valves, igniters was already done.

REPLACEMENT PARTS A NIGHTMARE

One thing is for certain, I have gotten my moneys worth from the usage of this grill in my humble opinion!  However, Jenn-Air licensed/outsourced their grills to Lowe's, Nexgrill overseas and there has been very bad reviews for their grills with getting replacement parts a nightmare for sure which I am personally experiencing, especially the main gas valves which are discontinued along with most of their earlier model grills!

If you get ten (10) years of service from some of the name brand Chinese made gas grills, you are doing good and fifteen (15) years might be the exception as in my case!

One of the major complaints was the usage of light gauge stainless steel below the burners and the thin stainless steel heat shields aka flavor enhancers which is .026 inches thickness.  The idea behind the heat shields is to keep dripping grease directly off the cast iron burners and sending "flavor" back from the grease hitting the hot heat shield and preventing a grease fire flair up!

I believe the gas valve for the rear rotisserie burner is still working, but not sure.  If not, I will not attach it to the gas tube manifold and/or seal off the manifold opening to that gas valve since I rarely if ever used the rear burner which is above the regular cooking grids.

APPLIANCE FACTORY PARTS

I found one excellent on line source for grill parts at Appliance Factory Parts in Denver, Colorado hyperlinked here.

I looked on line and the exact replacement gas valve I needed being part # Nex09000510A0 was no longer being manufactured and did find two valve types that "might" work, but not an exact match.  I received the first valve ordered and it will work, however I had to relocate two blind rivets at each valve location on the front panel Bezel (control Knob Seat) and the metal gas line manifold was about 1/2 inch forward, whereas the original main gas valve that was still working would not work with the replacement valve on the manifold together and the rear rotisserie burner gas valve.

I placed an order for the other valve Nex09000138A0 mentioned and will see how it matches with the original main valve.  Which ever gas valve works the best, I can return the other valve for a refund/credit and/or swap and go ahead and purchase one more valve needed for a total of three (3) new gas valves.

The gas valves are not overly expensive, however I could purchase another grill for what I will have invested in parts, but after looking at similar manufactured grills; e.g., Charbroil, Weber and Nexgrill with a price tag less than $ 600 dollars, being light duty in construction with tube style main burners and what I call "Rube Goldberg" or Cloverine Salve in comparison to the Jenn-Air model 720-0061 LP grill which has its pros and cons, I wanted to rebuild this grill.  American manufactured gas grills prices range into several thousand dollars with about 4 to 6K being the norm for the higher end models and I definitely don't do that much gas grilling to rationalize such an investment for home use and definitely don't care about trying to impress someone either with a high dollar gas grill!

I plan to replace the cast iron main burners and the heat shields aka flavor enhancers over them also, however the original cast iron burners and heat shields are still operational, but need to be replaced.  One of the heat shields has succumbed to the effects of the propane gas which can certainly be corrosive even to thin stainless steel when the flame is close enough to the stainless steel.  BTW, exact replacement specification cast iron burners and heat shields are still available for the above model grill.

While waiting for the other main gas valves to arrive, I will add some pixs of what I am doing.  I believe I originally took pixs when I started disassembling the gas grill last year or earlier, but was not able to locate the pixs on any of my back up external drives.

LETS BEGIN  

Above pix is what the new grill looked like in 2004 when new.  Remember the Sprite Can Chicken?

AFTER THE GRILL FIRE

As stated earlier, I basically removed, left side cover, the front cover that housed the gas valves, tube gas manifold, removed the cooking grids, the burners and heat shields.  I started taking the side burner loose, but didn't need to take it all the way off to remove the burner gas line hose.

The grill looks worse than it actually is due to the accumulation of black soot from the burning rubber hoses and plastic igniter housing for the rear rotisserie burner.

The stainless steel should clean up with some elbow grease applied and good strength cleaner in combination with my hand held polisher/buffer and appropriate compounds.  I am not that concerned with the inside of grill, but will get all the loose debris and soot scraped and vacuumed out

Pix of the three (3) main gas valves, knobs and small assembly hardware.

A close-up pix of the one main valve that still works properly.  This valve assembly has the built in igniter, whereas one of the replacements ordered did not have the built in igniter.  

Replacement valve attached to the front panel and attached to the gas manifold.  The space showing on the gas valve is where the the igniter assembly would be housed, etc.

I had to relocate two rivets that attached the Bezel to the front panel in order to mount the above gas valve.

As stated earlier, I did locate a replacement main gas valve Nex09000138A0 that fits the Jenn-Air model 720-0062 LP which has the built in igniter and hopefully it will work with the front panel and the gas manifold.  Per the manufacturer's specifications, it should fit this manifold which is .625 inches outside diameter.  The main difference between the Jenn-Air 720-0061 LP and the Jenn-Air 720-0062 LP, whereas the Jenn-Air 720-0062 LP has four (4) main burners.   

As soon as the other main gas valves ordered arrives, I will post additional pixs and information.

RIGHT CHOICE OR NOT

As to whether I made the right choice to rebuild this gas grill or find a similar replacement grill, remains to be seen; the jury is still out!  I have certainly made some bad choices in the past on purchasing products and you definitely cannot fully depend on product reviews which are one sided and biased to say the least with some of the large internet sellers doing their own product reviews to enhance product sales!

I am certainly thankful to God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that I did not get burned or harmed while turning off the gas valve to the propane gas tank and no other property damage!

Web page published by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-09-2021 and updated on 03-10-2021.

RECEIVED CORRECT GAS VALVE

I received the gas valve Nex09000138A0 ordered that would fit the Jenn-Air model 720-0062 LP grill and it fit like a glove and the body was indexed the same as the original gas valve that fits my model Jenn-Air 720-0061 LP.  The orifice tube assembly might be 1/4 inch shorter, but that will not be a problem fitting into the cast iron gas burner opening since there is plenty of length available for the gas valve assembly.  The igniter is upside down, but this is fine and will not affect the functionality of the valve.

With this gas valve, I didn't need to relocate the bezel rivets, but that is ok too.

The original rear rotisserie burner gas valve should fit on the gas tube manifold since the spacing between the mounting and the gas tube manifold appears to be the same, otherwise if it doesn't fit, will leave it off since I rarely ever used the rear rotisserie burner anyway and seal the opening to the gas tube manifold.  I could not locate a replacement gas valve for the rear burner.

I placed an order for another gas valve Nex09000138A0 and as stated, returned the other gas valve to swap for the correct gas valve needed.  The one original gas valve that was still working will be used as a spare aka backup and hopefully will never need it!

I also ordered a set of cast iron gas burners and stainless steel heat shields aka flavor enhancers and the high pressure regulator and supply line arrived today.

The grill body is in need of some serious cleaning and polishing and will tackle that job next week, our Lord willing of course.  I will check and see if our local auto parts store can swedge fit brass hose ferrules to the 3/8 inch gas supply line fittings to the side burner, otherwise I will use an adjustable tubing hose clamp.

NOTE:  Our local auto parts store does not swedge fit brass hose ferrules and ordered a 18 inch length hose with female 3/8 inch flare fittings on each end via the internet.

NOTE:  Received the gas hose on 03-18-2021.

NOTE:  Received the cast iron burners and stainless steel heat shields on 03-19-2021.

REMOVED ROTISSERIE BURNER GAS VALVE

I removed the rotisserie burner gas valve from the grill which will make it easier to install onto the front panel.  I remember it was a "dawg" to get it loose from the gas manifold when I removed the front panel that houses the gas valves and the gas manifold.

The rear panel had to be removed from the grill to access the flexible metal gas line coming from the gas valve.

Pix with the rear panel out of the way.

Close up of the flexible gas line connection to the rear rotisserie burner.

Insulated wire from the front panel Igniter that was cremated in the fire.  I might try and find a replacement, however I don't plan to use the rear rotisserie burner at this time.

Rotisserie gas valve with the flexible metal gas line attached.   

As stated earlier, the rotisserie burner gas valve is still working and have a rubber gasket/seal on order with the other two main gas Nex09000138A0 valves.  All the gas valves will need to be installed onto the front panel and the gas manifold connected to each valve before attached to the grill body which is held in place by four (4) screws; two at each end.

I am waiting on two (2) main gas valves to arrive, a couple rubber gaskets for the manifold; only need one for the rotisserie gas valve and several wire cone brushes in order to complete this project.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-12-2021, 03-18-2021 and 03-19-2021.  

GRILL DEEP CLEAN STARTED

While waiting on the gas valves to arrive, I decided to start the cleanup on the grill body.  I didn't soak down the inside of the grill with any type of cleaner yet, but used a flat putty knife to remove the caked up soot and vacuumed the residue left.

It was drizzling rain and didn't get too much done, but took a few pixs of the progress.

The above shows the accumulation of soot and grill debris and definitely cannot remember the last time this grill had a thorough deep cleaning.  If you look closely you can see the lower bottom of the rear frame that has three holes that the rear of the cast iron burner locator pin fits into and the gas flame/temperature has eroded the front portion of the round hole out which really isn't a problem.  The locator projection from the rear of the gas burner has a hitch pin that keeps the burner in place.

There is an after market replacement fix for the lower stainless steel sheet metal below the three (3) main burners that is held in place by four (4) drop down stainless steel tabs at each corner which has a gap all around for proper air flow and provide heat protection to the lower cabinet which houses the propane gas tank.  Grease will also flow off the tapered sheet metal onto the grip catch pan pull out tray below it.  The above stainless steel sheet metal part is definitely light gauge in my humble opinion and should have been a thicker gauge, but it is still holding after about fifteen (15) years of usage which isn't too shabby!  Thinner materials used equals more profits for the manufacturers.

There is a after market replacement strip that will go over the top of the existing metal that houses the locator protrusions from the three (3) gas burners also, but don't see a need for it.

The rear rotisserie burner and "mud dobbers" nests since the grill has been sitting idle.

The initial scraping with the putty knife got most of the soot and debris loose and vacuumed it out.  It will look much better once I give it a good soaking with some cleaner, however I might just use a home made solution of water, vinegar and baking soda to not leave a chemical smell since this grill has been well seasoned, not discounting the fire from the burning gas line hoses and plastic igniter housing which no doubt cancelled all the years of good food seasoning present.

I just noticed when I uploaded the pixs from my camera that the grill drip catch pan in the right background hasn't been cleaned yet either............grin if you must!

I later soaked the grease catch pan with some purple Super Clean grease cutter along with the stainless steel grids.  I plan to wire brush the inside of the grill using a 4 inch and 3 inch cup brush in my 4 1/2 inch Milwaukee angle head side grinder and wire brush the stainless steel cooking grids as well.

I attached the side burner front control panel to the grill body frame and started cleaning the stainless steel cooking grids and the side burner components.  There are few replacement parts for the side burner available.

I removed the four (4) screws that held the slide out gas tank holder in place and will move it over to the left side of the cabinet since I prefer the tank in that position for whatever reason.

GRILL DEEP CLEAN CONTINUED

I received a couple 3 inch diameter wire brush cone wheels for the Milwaukee 4 1/2 inch angle head grinder and started wire brushing several of the components including the stainless steel cooking grids which were very "nasty" looking.  I had prior soaked them with Super Clean and brushed some of the heavier stuff off with the grill brush. 

The grids were badly pitted in some places, but they did clean up pretty good.

You can see the difference between the front grid that has been wire brushed and the rear grid.   

I also removed the grill hood and soaked it with Super Clean, wire brushed it and rinsed it off with the water hose.

The grill hood inside wasn't pitted much at all and went over the inside with my buffer/polisher using a foam pad and McGuire's liquid polishing compound.

The grill is cleaning up very well after fifteen (15) years of usage.  I have brushed the grids and heat shields off in the past, but have not done a deep clean, of which you should do at least once a year.

I moved the slide out tank tray to the left of the cabinet and secured it in place with blind rivets.

A close-up pix of the inside of the grill after deep cleaning and will probably not try and remove any of the heat discoloration which would take some serious polishing and metal removal which would really not serve any useful purpose except "eye appeal" and that would be eliminated after a few times of grill usage!

The right side of the cabinet suffered a good amount of discoloration due to the heat from the "flame thrower" e.g., ruptured gas line hose which was pointed in that direction. 

I will do some additional hand polishing to the right side of the cabinet.  The foam pad is junked up with grease and is headed for the trash.

I am waiting on one (1) gas valve from Appliance Factory and will place the gas manifold onto the gas valves and pressure test it before installing the front panel to the grill body which houses the gas valves and the manifold.

I received a Piezo Spark Ignition Push Button Igniter Kit and installed the push button Piezo Spark Igniter onto the front panel and will splice the insulated ignition wire to the existing wire for the rear rotisserie burner when I attach the front panel to the grill body.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-23-2021.

GRILL IS BACK OPERATIONAL AGAIN

I received the last gas valve ordered this afternoon and got it installed on the front panel along with the rotisserie burner gas valve.

I then installed the gas manifold to the gas valves and pressure tested everything.  I closed off the side burner manifold connection to complete the test.  There was an initial slow leak at the input connection to the manifold from the gas tank and the manifold tapered fitting was pitted and had to use a rubber gasket that was supplied with the gas tank valve manufacturer.  I used soapy water to ascertain the leaks.

The piezo ignition spark generator body was too long and cut in back where it would not interfere with the front panel going in place on the grill body.  I left the housing in tact strictly for looks since I do not plan to use the rotisserie burner anyway and if I do, I can always use a lighter.

I really didn't need the high pressure adjustable regulator and cut the gas output down to probably 1 pound of pressure, but had it set at 10 PSI for the test.

As stated earlier, I let the grill heat up to around 550 degrees F. to burn off any chemical cleaning residue.  It didn't take the grill long to reach the temperature of 550 degrees F.

I didn't put the cooking grids in place, my bad.

I am well pleased with the results of the gas grill rebuild and as stated, the parts were a little over 400 bucks and hopefully I will pay closer attention to routine annual maintenance and test for gas leaks.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-29-2021.

VENISON BACK STRAPS AKA LOIN STRAPS

We had a "winy" roast for the Gonzales Grandkids on April 4, 2021 and Xander and myself grilled a few venison back straps, of which is one of Xander McKnight Gonzales favorites.  The sun was very bright and not the best for getting a decent pix of the back straps, but took one any way.

I soaked the venison back straps in a brine solution consisting of 1 quart of regular tap water, 1 tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of brown sugar and placed in a plastic zip lock type bag and removed as much air as possible, sealed it and placed the bag in my basement game refrigerator for about five (5) hours.

I then rinsed the back straps under running cold tap water, hand cubed with a mallet and gave each a good sprinkling of Wild Bills Meat Rub and let sit for about 45 minutes at room temperature.  The back straps were dipped in melted butter and Worcestershire Sauce, then grilled at high temperature around 450 degrees until medium rare.

Xander and myself helped ourselves to the grilled venison back straps immediately off the grill.

Today is Easter Sunday and The Wadesboro Church of God had a wonderful morning service followed by Communion.  Please read my comments under the LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE section below.  Jesus Christ has risen and He is coming back again!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 04-04-2021.

REPLACED TEMPERATURE GAUGE

I replaced the grill temperature gauge that was inoperative and fired up the three burners for a while and the new gauge is working great.  I believe the original gauge went bad before the grill fire.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 04-05-2021.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-12-2021, 03-18-2021, 03-19-2021, 03-23-2021, 03-29-2021, 04-04-2021 and 04-05-2021.

LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please take this moment to accept him by Faith into your Life, whereby Salvation will be attained.   

Ephesians 2:8 - 2:9 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Open this link about faith in the King James Bible.

IN GOD WE TRUST - GOD BLESS AMERICA - "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE"   JOHN 3:16 KJV