Near Miss - MAPP

4Runner · February 2009

I purchase the Bernzomatic TS8000 and have used at least 6 times without issue. Perfect actually. Tonight, I started torching my lump like normal and was almost ready to pull the torch and the next thing I know there was a whooomp type sound and from the burner tip to my yellow canister was on fire....I pulled the torch out and held it up and before I could turn off the switch (I had it locked on) my hand was hurting/burning from the flames, so I hurled the whole thing away from my house. It flew the air and looked like a molotov cocktail. It seemed like slow motion as it flipped over end to end through the air. It landed in a flower bed with dry leaves and pinestraw and of course that starts a nice flame too. I wasn't sure if there was going to be an explosion or not, but I grabbed the closest hose and rain water on the the unit until it was out. Gas was leaking from the top of the canister so I unscrewed the torch and no more leak. Not sure what happened. Maybe my tip was too close to the flame as the lump started to light? Maybe iy was leaking at the canister, just no way to tell at this point. Anyway, my torch days might be over. Might give the old paper towel oil oil trick a try. I'm open to safe suggestions.

Be careful out there.

ViennaJack · February 2009

On colder days (~20 degrees or less) I have to warm up the torch or the MAPP comes out as a liquid. With your "flames from tip to tank" description I wonder if some liquified MAPP had sprayed and spread around.

The oil and paper towel trick worked fine for me every time I tried it - it's my MAPP backup.

RRP · February 2009

scary INDEED! That's why I like this one with the 3 foot hose away from the tank plus having the tank outside of the egg when lighting. Hope you weren't burnt too severely and glad that there wasn't more damage.

Richard Fl · February 2009

Glad there was no serious fire issues. Hope the burns are not too bad. I have had a Bernzomatic TS4000 head for about 4 years and other than the sparker quitting last year, I bought a flint striker from a welding supply shop, I have had no problems.

See if there is a recall or warranty issue with the company.

http://www.bernzomatic.com/

thirdeye · February 2009

I'm with you on that model for lighting lump.

Bobby-Q · February 2009

I have never had an issue with a fire starter cube. Very passive, very easy, and no risk of explosion or burning down your flower bed.

Unknown · February 2009

i have the same and no problem ,, however fishlessman has thrown several torches into the lake
bill

Celtic Wolf · February 2009

If the match should happen to be dropped in the flower bed.....

Little Steven · February 2009

4Runner,

I would definitely contact the manufacturer. I am sure they would want to know and they would probably send you out a replacement. Glad there was no serious damage.

Steve

Celtic Wolf · February 2009

Sounds like you were a screw loose :woohoo:

Make sure it's tight before igniting.. or be like Bobby and use a starter cube.

Pork Butt Mike · February 2009

Thank God nothing drastic else happen and your ok. Your thread made me nervous just reading it. Like Bobby Q the main Man said starter cubes, thats all I use since I got my first egg. I gave up gas when I threw my Webber away and never will use it again. Good luck and be carefully.

StratoEgg · February 2009

Glad to hear all turned out well and there was injuries. I am a fire starter and a towel w/ a little oil as my secondary. If all fails I start rubbing two sticks together!

cheers,

Big Al

4Runner · February 2009

Thanks for the comments. Let me provide some additional info to help clarify what I know.

I'm in SC and it is 70 today. Crazy even for SC in Feb. Also, I was burning the torch on the lump for approx 40 sec before the flames started. My best guess as to what happened is my torch came a bit loose from the canister which had a slight leak of gas. As my lump got hotter and a flame started it chased the gas leak to the canister and caught on fire.

Everything is fine and my burgers were fabulous. I think I'm going to stick with the MAPP with a new canister and use my welders gloves when lighting.

Pork Butt Mike · February 2009

Ok I like the idea with the welder gloves. I bet your gonna check everytime you use it now that it's tight.

4Runner · February 2009

Absolutely! In fact, I might resort to removing the torch each time.

Salguod · February 2009

Scary! Hope that you are ok. I like starter cubes and/or the isopropyl alcohol method. I have also used a chimney with good results, but it can be a spark show when you dump it. Recently, I have replaced the chimney with a coffee can with both top and bottom cut out. I put a starter cube on the lump and then the can over the cube. Then I fill the can with more charcoal. When it comes time to dump it, I just lift the can straight up. That avoids the spark show normally associated with dumping a chimney and gives you a quick start with plenty of glowing coals.

Near Miss - MAPP

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