Long time lurker in Nashville

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jtmace

Newbie
Original poster
Oct 1, 2011
1
10
Hello SMF!!

I've been lurking this forum for a long time now it's necessary that I now contribute . It's been VERY helpful on my BBQ journey. I figured I'd make an account and share my experience with my smoker thus far.

I got a Charbroil smoker last December from Wally-world. I was terribly unhappy with the quality of it. It leaked heat and smoke from any and every place possible. It's taken a while, but I'm slowly getting it working better.

What I've done thus far:  High temp RTV on all the leaky areas. Attached angled aluminum (probably should have used angled steel) around the bottom half of the chamber which the chamber's lid now rests on instead of original .25" gap. Added 2 more accurate thermometers on each side of the chamber. And today I bought a 58,000 BTU fish fryer (30 dollars from Academy sports 10lb adjustable regulator), pulled the burner and regulator, and made a new steel door for the firebox to accommodate the new propane burner. So far it seems like it will work nicely. I had the temp up to 200 F quickly and I think I should be able to get a steady 250F pretty easily.

This is before the angled aluminum lip, I was hoping the RTV ring around the chamber would suffice.
2db5d501_DSCF2631.jpg


It still leaked smoke and heat like crazy after the first dosage of RTV
cb600ceb_DSCF2632a.jpg


But some ribs and steaks turned out nice, despite battling with the temperatures and coals for hours
becd4a7f_DSCF2632b.jpg


Todays propane mod

ede97759_smokermod.jpg


And tomorrow morning this 6lb butt will be thrown on to test the propane conversion.
eca576a7_DSCF3105.jpg


What still needs to be done: Replace the cheap plastic wheels with some larger, beefier rubber wheels. Make a sturdier bottom shelf. Cut some tuning plates. And it's a Charbroil, so chase down all the other leaky spots and figure out how to seal them.

Thanks for all the info so far guys and gals. Keep on sharing!
 
welcome1.gif
   Glad to have you with us!

Looks like you putting out some good Q, with the mods you've made.
 
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