Is This Normal?? Firebox Door Gap

jtucker

Fire Starter

Original poster

May 23, 2013

41

10

AR

• Aug 17, 2014

• #1

I picked up the used Horizon 16in offset.  It is about 5 years old.  All in all, it is in great shape, but there is a noticible gap around the firebox door.  It is about 1/8in on the top and along the non hinged side of the door.  There is no lip, so gap is straight into FB.  Is this normal, or is it going to be a problem that I should be concerned about?  If it needs to be corrected, any suggestions?  Not a lot of surface area for a seal...

FB2.jpeg

• jtucker
• Aug 17, 2014

 

Last edited: Aug 17, 2014

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Aug 17, 2014

• #2

You will have a lot better temp control if you can seal it up. Do a test burn and see how it goes.

I am betting you don't have a welder. If you do I would weld a piece of strap inside. If not try high temp silicon.

Happy smoken.

David

 

cliffcarter

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Feb 28, 2010

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258

Old Town, Maine

• Aug 17, 2014

• #3

Probably not a concern, it just means that the intake won't need to be open as wide to maintain cooking temps. YMMV.

 

solaryellow

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Jul 26, 2009

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Orlando, FL

• Aug 17, 2014

• #4

I agree with test it and see. If it is a problem you could weld a lip on the non-hinged sides and use some type of stove gasket to get a better seal.

 

grillmonkey

Smoking Fanatic

Jun 15, 2014

850

80

Twin City, GA

• Aug 17, 2014

• #5

I agree with test it. If you can reach and hold the temps you want, I wouldn't worry about it. Is it just sagging from being moved around? If that's the case, remove the door (if it's removable) and tap the hinges back into place with a hammer.

 

jtucker

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

May 23, 2013

41

10

AR

• Aug 17, 2014

• #6

Thanks folks.  Appreciate it.  The door isn't removable, but I did try to tap/wiggle it up into the hinge a little better.  I did this before I posted.  The top gap was 1/4in before I did this. I might try squirting a little PAM down in to the two hinges to lubricate and try again.  The PAM should burn off setting the hinge in place.  I don't see any way to get the gap totally closed without welding a flap, which I don't really want to do unless i have to.  I've been cleaning and tinkering for more than a week.  Going to do a season tomorrow and i'll get a guage then.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Last edited: Aug 17, 2014

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Aug 17, 2014

• #7

Where are you in Arkansas? If your close I have a welder.

Happy smoken.

David

 

jtucker

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

May 23, 2013

41

10

AR

• Aug 17, 2014

• #8

themule69 said:

 
Where are you in Arkansas? If your close I have a welder.

Happy smoken.

David

Click to expand...

Bentonville.  You?

 

venture

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Aug 1, 2008

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Central California

• Aug 17, 2014

• #9

I agree with the above.

You need air intake into the firebox.  The natural flow would be thru the intake vent below the gap you show, into the firebox, then to the smoke pit, and out the chimney.

That gap would have to be pretty extreme as your heat should be headed toward the chimney? Your intake vents are placed pretty high.  Doubt there would be a problem.

Good luck and good smoking.

 

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Aug 17, 2014

• #10

JTucker said:

 
Bentonville.  You?

Click to expand...

Between Alma and Mountainburg off of 71. If you want some welding done let me know. I will be happy to.

Happy smoken.

David