MES40 Model# 20070311 - Heating Issues

[devildawg]

Hey Team,

Ok so the smoker is about two months old now, used four times. It seems to be gradually losing heat each time. I noticed a couple weeks again on a pork butt it was not able to get above 235 or so. This past weekend on a brisket 210 was the highest the ambient temp inside would get. This is verified with a Maverick temp probe and not just the smoker probes.

I have sent an email to Masterbuilt Cust. Service, but no response just yet. Since I am closing in on the 90 day limit I am anxious to figure this out.

Does this seem like a computer issue? Or a sensor of some sort?

Thanks in advance for your input and help.

 

[themule69]

Contact Masterbuilt again.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[bmaddox]

If the unit says that it is trying to heat but is not getting hot enough then you could have a bad heating element. I would try and call Masterbuilt. I have seen a lot of reports of people having good success calling them.

 

[mummel]

Call Masterbuilt, dont email.  They have not responded to 3 emails I sent them inquiring about the latest MES.  Pretty poor IMO.

 

[daricksta]

Since you sent the email within the 90-day warranty limit your issue will still be covered by it. It's not your fault they didn't respond but your dated email is proof of your attempt to contact them about this problem. I agree with Mummel that you should follow up with a phone call since this does get immediate and better results.

 

[devildawg]

Thanks for the input all. I actually got a response overnight with instructions to call in for Technical Service. They are sending me a new heating coil which should hopefully fix it. Otherwise I will need to exchange the entire unit out for a bad sensor. This could be tricky as I don't have the receipt, only the credit card statement.

 

[tropics]

Thanks for the input all. I actually got a response overnight with instructions to call in for Technical Service. They are sending me a new heating coil which should hopefully fix it. Otherwise I will need to exchange the entire unit out for a bad sensor. This could be tricky as I don't have the receipt, only the credit card statement.

If you registered it,you should have no problem. The Card statement will also be a backup.Keep us up to date.

 

[devildawg]

Hey Gang,

Wanted to post an update. Got the replacement element in yesterday and installed, but due to rains had to wait until today to try it. Took about 20 minutes but went all the way to 275. Held that for an hour and change, so I am thinking I might have gotten lucky. I really didn't want to have to switch the unit out.

I am doing a couple of chickens and some Pig Shots this weekend so it will get a full run test. Thanks again for the input.

Happy Smokin

 

[dcarch]

I general, when a heating coil goes bad, it get hotter than normal in some spots, then dies.

A heating coil operates exactly like a light bulb. It gets brighter and brighter then dies quickly.

dcarch 

 

[daricksta]

Good deal! Here's hoping you solved your MES problem.