Help, ribs are burning, Brinkmann Upright Propane

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jfherring

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 8, 2012
17
11
Central Minnesota
Seems like the last several times I've used this, I can't get the temp down.  Right now, I've got the smoker turned all the way down, the gas tank just barely cracked the tiniest bit open, flame so small that the wood isn't even smoking.  I have 2 external digital therms in there right now, both say the internal temp is 264.  What can I do?  I was about to get my drill and punch some holes in it, but figured I'd come on here first and see if anyone has any thoughts.  ASAP would be sweet, the ribs are torching right now!  Thanks,

jfh
 
Not familiar with that model. Does it have a top vent? Open it wide. That's how I cool my MFP. Crack the door open? Lol
 
Your ribs shouldn't burn at 264*. The last time I did spares I smoked them at 275* and they didn't burn at all and came out better than when I do them at 225*. I would just let them be, they should be fine.

For the future you can install a needle valve to control the gas flow, it helps a lot. My GOSM wouldn't go below 250* when I got it and after the needle valve I could get it down to 185*.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/needle-valves-for-gassers

I see this is your first post here, when you get a minute would you do us a favor and go to "Roll Call" and introduce yourself so we can get to know you and give you a proper welcome, also would you add your location to your profile, we like knowing where you are when we talk to you, Thanks!
 
Search mods for that model in the search bar and see if anyone else has had that issue. I think I would leave the bottom door cracked open until you can get some more info and do some mods
 
I looked at the picture from Home Depot, I did not see any intake vents on the bottom. If there are some crack them wide open, if not try opening the bottom door a bit to regulate the air intake.

Also if you have a water pan, or any kind of alum pan, load it up with ice.

Hope this helps Bro, and remember, the great thing about smoking is.....We can always eat our mistakes..
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Keep us posted ... ok?

Al (PaPaGrizz)
 
Your ribs shouldn't burn at 264*. The last time I did spares I smoked them at 275* and they didn't burn at all and came out better than when I do them at 225*. I would just let them be, they should be fine.

For the future you can install a needle valve to control the gas flow, it helps a lot. My GOSM wouldn't go below 250* when I got it and after the needle valve I could get it down to 185*.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/needle-valves-for-gassers

I see this is your first post here, when you get a minute would you do us a favor and go to "Roll Call" and introduce yourself so we can get to know you and give you a proper welcome, also would you add your location to your profile, we like knowing where you are when we talk to you, Thanks!
yeahthat.gif

Search mods for that model in the search bar and see if anyone else has had that issue. I think I would leave the bottom door cracked open until you can get some more info and do some mods
That's what I love about this place, while I was typing 2 more replies chimmed in to help out a Brother...
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Last edited:
Thanks guys.  I'll roll call when I get this under control.  Moved it to the shadiest (and most bug infested) part of the yard, pulled the top chimney completely off.  Sitting at 292.  Gonna drop some ice in the water pan and crack the door a bit.  I'm wondering it the issue has to do with cleaning.  It has progressively gotten worse, I thought about scrubbing it out good, but don't want to lose the seasoning...
 
Thanks guys.  I'll roll call when I get this under control.  Moved it to the shadiest (and most bug infested) part of the yard, pulled the top chimney completely off.  Sitting at 292.  Gonna drop some ice in the water pan and crack the door a bit.  I'm wondering it the issue has to do with cleaning.  It has progressively gotten worse, I thought about scrubbing it out good, but don't want to lose the seasoning...
I don't think it has anything to do with build up inside of it.

Where are you located? You said "it has progressively gotten worse", how many times have you used it? What were the weather conditions when you've used it? I know there is a heatwave going on and high ambient temps will affect your smoker temp.

I think a needle valve will fix you high temp problem. Another thing I did to mine because I wanted it to go below 160* to smoke jerky was to put a smaller burner in it. I took the side burner from my gas grill and put in it, about 1" smaller in diameter. Now I can maintain 135* without a problem.

Hang in there and like others said "open the door" and let some heat out so you can get through these ribs and then think about doing some mods later. And when you do any mods always give it a dry run to see how it reacts.
 
Thanks!  In Minnesota, in what (we consider) a heatwave.  I've been adding some ice, and opening the door a lot more than I thought I would, but keeping it between 250 and 300.  i hope they come out okay.

I think i'll be ordering that needle valve kit from Amazon, is this the complete kit, I just need to replace what I have now? 
If I do any other mods, I'll be sure to post about it.  I thought about punching some more holes in the top and sides and putting some adjustable vents on them...
 
You could buy the whole hose assembly for over $30 or get just the valve, a couple of hose barbs and clamps for about half that and install the valve right in line on the hose like in the pic. That's how I did mine.

dc8ce5ca_needlevalve.jpg
 
That isn't my pic, just one from that link I sent you. I don't know what kind of smoker that is or why the hose looks like it is inside. 

I installed mine close to the regulator so it's right by the tank. Did this probably 6 months ago and had no problems at all.
 
Sorry I didn't reply sooner.  They turned out pretty good (pic below).  Not my best, but my wife and boys loved them, so it all worked out.  Went down good with a cold beer and some Mexican Street corn.  Required a LOT of babysitting, constantly opening the doors,  putting ice in the drip pan, etc.  Still was around 290ish the whole time.  At one point, I had to run inside for about a half hour.  Went back out, and the bottom door had swung completely open.  I don't know how long it was open, but it was still at about 271!  Anyway, thanks for all the advice, guys.  I think I need to do some mods real quick here (supposed to do a whole butt next weekend for a family picnic).

7a38269c_yum.jpg
 
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Looks like it turned out ok. On my gosm I can put the knob between high and off and it will make a smaller flame than on low .:yahoo:
 
Yeah, thanks to everyone's advice, and a lot more babysitting of them than I planned, they came out pretty good.  Pretty sure if this forum weren't available, I would have completely torched them! 
 
I found some comments about plugging some of the gas/flame holes in the burner to help keep the heat down.  I think I'll do that, hopefully before the weekend.  Probably use some small brass screws to plug some of the holes, that way it's reversible.  When I get the mod done, I'll start a new thread with some pics.  Thanks again for all the help!
 
 
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