Side fire box "leaking"

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new 2 da que

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jun 27, 2011
30
10
Columbus, OH
Looking for some advice..  I am having difficulty keeping my temperature at a constant heat.  I'm playing with different amounts of charcoal / lump, etc.  but am wondering if the gap in my smoker is playing a part too.  Any suggestions on the importance of "fixing" the gap??  Should I leave it as it and continue messing with my fuel or should I look to seal it up??

Thanks for any input, advice, or suggestions!

e00734c3_DSC03930.jpg
 
i say you have a blow out, been feeding it to many beans.  
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however i would say that is playing a huge part in your nightmare of heat control

is the chamber warped and now oblonged or is it due to the end plate moving?
 
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Wow.  That is not a small gap.  Did your SFB get really hot and warp?  Or get smashed or something?  The ash pan seems to be a little sloppy on those because they're mass produced, but that is a massive gap.

You've got to figure some way to plug that gap.  You won't be able to control air flow with that.  You could close the vents all the way, but you'd still get tons of oxygen pulled through the gap, making it basically impossible to control your burn rate.  Maybe try loosely rolled aluminum smashed into the gap?  That would help, but might not be enough to allow you to control air flow effectively.  

You might just need to bite the bullet and buy a new SFB.  Maybe someone else will have a better fix it idea than I do, but that looks to be a really big problem to me.
 
Looking for some advice..  I am having difficulty keeping my temperature at a constant heat.  I'm playing with different amounts of charcoal / lump, etc.  but am wondering if the gap in my smoker is playing a part too.  Any suggestions on the importance of "fixing" the gap??  Should I leave it as it and continue messing with my fuel or should I look to seal it up??

Thanks for any input, advice, or suggestions!

e00734c3_DSC03930.jpg
Start by fixing the gap, try using a ratchet strap and wrap the outside, tighten and try to realign the side.

Then you need a way to keep it secure, you could drill it and use small stainless bolts but I would suggest tac welding if possible
 
As Sqwib said, may be just a warp, however if it is not that, then ,Yes,weld it toghther ,feed through the top and control heat as usual. Gives it 'patina'.LOL

I don't mean to laugh AT you, just WITH you...

Have fun and...
 
New 2, evening..... take some pics of the entire end of the firebox...... Need to see the entire thing....  Pull the ash pan out and take pics too.... measure for roundness... Dave
 
OK, this is confirming what I had suspected.  And that's good, because I was getting frustrated with my Boy Scout fire making skills!  The gap was like that when I purchased it, the lip that holds the charcoal shelf when it's pushed in doesn't align properly.  As Mormon suggested, I'm guessing it came off the line like this.  Dave, I'll take some more pics and post them soon.  
 
New 2, evening..... take some pics of the entire end of the firebox...... Need to see the entire thing....  Pull the ash pan out and take pics too.... measure for roundness... Dave
The firebox is warped!  Can't believe I didn't notice this..  Trying to work something out with CharGriler to get a firebox that isn't warped.  I'm out of warranty though...  we'll see if their customer service goes above and beyond...
 
New 2, evening..... take some pics of the entire end of the firebox...... Need to see the entire thing....  Pull the ash pan out and take pics too.... measure for roundness... Dave
The firebox is warped!  Can't believe I didn't notice this..  Trying to work something out with CharGriler to get a firebox that isn't warped.  I'm out of warranty though...  we'll see if their customer service goes above and beyond...
Drop a little note saying you are looking forward to giving the company high praise for their customer support on the smoking forums you are a member...  Sweetness and free advertising goes along way....   Dave
 
Dave - You're brilliant!!!  As of this afternoon a great fella by the name of Zach from Chargriller customer service worked some magic with his supervisor and they are sending me a new firebox free of charge!  Have loved their Duo Smoker and now love their service department!  Here is pic of today's smoke:  some baby backs!  Can't get enough of the smell and taste of good ole BBQ!!!
9eb41de8_DSC03945.jpg
There are a few who would totally disagree with you..... Bride included.....   

Dave
 
Dave - you're brilliant!  As of today, a great fella by the name of Zach from Chargriller customer service worked some magic with his supervisor and they are sending me a new firebox free of charge - even though my warranty was well expired!  Loved their Duo Smoker and now love their service!  Here is a pic from today's smoke:  some baby backs!

c4a84c14_DSC03945.jpg
 

Hey all - here is a pic of my new fire box CharGriller sent me!  No leaks!!!  I have 16 lbs of brisky in the fridge that will find it's way on the smoker this week to test out the new "leak-proof" firebox!  Thanks for all of you who posted ideas/suggestions.  I appreciate it!  This forum is awesome!
 

Here is one of the briskets that I pulled off the smoker.  I ended up wrapping it and finishing it off in the oven.  Planned on taking pics of the slicing process and smoke ring but my guests were hungry AND SO WAS I!!!!
 
My SFB tray fit very poorly when I got it ( not like yours) but still did not close tight, but 10 mins with a rubber mallet took cate if that!!
 
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