I recently noticed a sputtering sound from the rear of my Gas oven while it is operating. Today I pulled the unit out for a cleaning. I removed the oven door and the lower plat covering the main oven burner. I set the oven to 350 and here'a what happened:
1. ignitor began to glow
2. gas cut on, good flow, burner lites, good flame
3. gas shut off, burner went out
4. burner re-ignited, only about 1/2 the amout of flame and the sputtering sound began.
5. I tapped on the safety valve with the handle of a screw driver and periodically the sputtering would stop.
6. The burner stays lit with the sputtering noise but it does not have a full flame.

Do you think I need a new safety valve? Could it be debris or condensation in the valve?

Any help is appreciated.

Darrin