Important information about our FREE shipping

FAQ - How far should the valve and orifice go into the venturi tube

Help Center - Frequently Asked Questions

How far should the valve and orifice go into the venturi tube?

A customer recently asked: How far into the venturi should the valve and orifice go? Even though I just replaced the burner and venturi in my old Arkla grill a week ago (July 2008), I couldn't answer his question with confidence. I just reassembled everything as it was to begin with and the grill produced a nice blue flame.

Having no good answer, I decided to consult the Grand Grill Master, who has been in the gas grill business since it's infancy over 50 years ago and knows all that is knowable about gas grills. The Grand Grill Master says that, while he doesn't recall ever seeing a specification for this, he likes to be able to see the orifice just inside the air hole in the venturi. He says that the gas comes shooting out of the orifice like a jetstream, going right past the air opening and into in the venturi tube. As this "jetstream" passes through the air opening, it draws air into the venturi tube and mixes with it. If the orifice goes too far into this "chamber", this "air drawing" effect can be reduced. Some old-timers even called the orifice a "jet" because of this jetstream, he added.

So, it seems that the location of the orifice in the venturi tubes is determined, to a certain extent, by the location of the air intake hole. Insert the valve and orifice into the venturi tube until the orifice is visible in the air intake hole. This may be as little as 1/8" in some newer stainless steel tube burners with the air baffle near the end of the tube.

In some cases, due simply to the design, it may not be possible to insert the valve far enough into the venturi to reach the air intake hole. Sometimes the design of the valve and venturi is such that one cannot push the valve too far into the venturi tube because the shoulder of the valve is larger than the opening in the venturi tube.

The opinion of the Grand Grill Master, as well-reasoned and insightful as it is, is offered as a general guide. We recommend you refer to your owners manual or consult with the manufacturer of your grill for information about your specific grill.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that the answer to this question and other FAQs on are our site are simply our opinion, based on many years of working in the gas grill business and the many thousands of interactions with our customers. We strive to provide useful and accurate information and hope you find it helpful.

NOTE: The information provided on this site is for reference only. Always consult your grill owners manual and manufacturers specifications before attempting any repairs. Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Use only in compliance with applicable codes. When in doubt, contact the grill manufacturer or your local gas company.

WARNING: When improperly installed, repaired, or operated, gas grills can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable replacing parts, we recommend you contact a local gas appliance service company for assistance.