How can I replace a discontinued gas burner on an LM 27, or find a compatible used one?
One of the gas burners on my LM 27 has stopped working, and I think the burners are discontinued. Where could I find a compatible used burner, or would it be better to replace the whole hob?
Answer
You can often repair the existing burner or get parts from an identical donor cooker, but identify the cooker's make and model before buying. The LM 27 model alone does not establish compatibility, and a blocked jet or flame-failure fault can make a serviceable burner seem beyond repair.
Check the burner fault
Establish whether the burner will not light, burns poorly or goes out when you release the knob. Each symptom points to different parts. Replacing the visible burner head will not fix every fault.
Turn off the cylinder before removing parts and ventilate the cabin. Have a marine LPG technician handle gas connections, valves and injectors, then test the installation before use.
- No flame, while the other burner works: suspect a blocked injector, an obstruction in the burner mixing tube or a fault in that burner's gas tap. The shared supply is less likely to be responsible.
- A flame that dies when the knob is released: follow the cooker's lighting instructions and hold the knob in for the specified time. If it still dies, check the thermocouple position, its connection and the safety valve.
- An uneven or yellow flame: check that the removable cap is correctly seated and the burner ports are clean. Corrosion or debris can disturb the flame.
With the supply isolated and the cooker cold, clean removable caps and rings according to the appliance instructions, then dry them thoroughly. Do not push a drill or steel wire through the injector: enlarging its calibrated opening changes the gas flow. Never bypass the flame-failure device.
Identify the cooker and part
An older LM 27 may still have its original cooker or a replacement fitted by a previous owner. Look for a data plate underneath the hob, behind the cooker or inside the door if it has an oven. Photograph the make, model, product number, gas type and operating pressure.
If the plate is unreadable, take clear photographs of the complete cooker, control knobs, burner assembly and underside. A cooker specialist may recognise it from these details. Names to check on older Scandinavian installations include Optimus, Primus and Plastimo, but the boat model does not identify the cooker.
Specify the part you need. The removable cap, flame ring, complete burner body, injector, thermocouple and gas tap are separate items. Record the burner diameter, mounting-hole spacing and any stamped numbers. A cap that looks similar can sit incorrectly and produce a poor flame.
Find a matching donor
Start with the LM owners' association and LM owner groups, then try marine salvage dealers, boat-breakers and second-hand chandlery. For a Danish boat, search DBA and GulogGratis; Swedish Blocket is another place to check. These are places to look, with no confirmed availability of a suitable part.