Possibly a bit late in reply, but this may help others.
I had the same problem with a Parkinson Cowan gas cooker. Knobs ceased up two days after cleaning fluid got in.
The oven was OK so this applies to the gas rings and the grill.
The front knobs don’t turn on the gas directly. There is a safety device to stop kids turning on the taps. The knobs are on a spring and have to be pushed in to turn. It was this that had ceased up. When pushed in it turns the gas valve.
To fix my problem I first turned off the gas as a precaution.
Then removed the knob. Behind it, is a spring and a plastic surround that comes away at the same time. Note which way is up and how they fit together for later replacement.
The spindle, the knobs where on, passes through a guide/bearing, it was this that had ceased up. Remove the 2 Phillips screws, and it comes away. Watch the spring behind does not fall out. (It’s about the size of one from a ballpoint pen.) Also note which way up it fits on as it only works one way.
Away from the cooker, use a liberal amount of release oil or WD40. To free the spindle, I had to use two spanners to get it moving. Then keep it moving and it eventually freed up.
Replace everything, and as the gas valve didn’t need removing there was no need for special grease.
Good luck.
Nigel
June 2012
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