MS 30 elec to propane

smoke-it-all

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Jan 3, 2017

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Minnesota

• Jan 3, 2017

• #1

I have a masterbuilt elec 30 that has recently quit heating. I assume it is the element (no wires were damaged at all) . But sense I have a party to smoke for this weekend and the ordered element would not make it in time, I upgraded to the masterbuilt sportsmans elite 40 electric. Which brings me to my questions. Is it possible to convert my 30 to a propane? Has any one done it?

 

mosparky

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• Jan 4, 2017

• #2

Not sure if it has been done or not, nor to what end. My first concern is with the insulation. I beleive the MES 30 and 40 units are limited to 275 deg for a reason. I don't think the insulation is rated for near the temps a propane unit is capable of. I'd be reasonably sure this applies to the insulation on the wires as well, if left in place. Any plastic trim pieces may be at risk from escaping fumes, exhaust, ect. as well.

 Not trying to rain on your parade, but nobody else responded and these are the concerns that immediately come to mind. If nothing else, this will give a bump and maybe someone with experiance will respond.

 

smoke-it-all

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• Jan 4, 2017

• #3

Thanks for your response. That's kinda what I was thinking. I have the fabrication skills to make it happen, I just have no idea if it will hold up to the change, or if I should hard line everything inside the fire box instead of braided line, etc... If I don't get any reasuring feedback I'll just replace the element and keep it as a back up, if it works. Or a jerky smoker sense I already moded it for 7 racks.

 

smoke-it-all

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• Jan 4, 2017

• #4

Also if I converted I would remove all wires I could, and drill new holes for probes.( I already have the back off)

 

Bearcarver

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #5

I have to agree with "Mosparky".

I believe Anything over about 325° is getting too high for the insulation between the walls of an MES.

I had a bad controller one time & mine got up to 330°, and I could hear the insulation creaking & crackling inside the walls. It stopped once it got down below 300° again, and I never let it get above 300° again.

If I were you, I would get the element working again.

Bear

 

smoke-it-all

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #6

Thanks for the reply bear. Yeah I'm not going to risk it. I'll just order the element and see if I can get her back up and running.

 

Bearcarver

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #7

smoke-it-all said:

Thanks for the reply bear. Yeah I'm not going to risk it. I'll just order the element and see if I can get her back up and running.

Click to expand...

You are sure it isn't the connectors to the heating element?

That's usually what goes in the MES units. I had one corrode off on my 6 year old Generation #1. Some have had one go in less than a year.

They're easy to replace. On mine it was inside a little cover on the back, about 3" wide X 2" high.

Just checking.

Bear

 

Last edited: Jan 5, 2017

smoke-it-all

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #8

I am sure. I pulled off the little window on the back for the element and all the wires will still intact and clean. Just to be sure they weren't damaged any where else I drilled out the riviets and took the back off. Everything looked good.

 

Bearcarver

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #9

smoke-it-all said:

I am sure. I pulled off the little window on the back for the element and all the wires will still intact and clean. Just to be sure they weren't damaged any where else I drilled out the riviets and took the back off. Everything looked good.

Click to expand...

OK---Just thought I'd mention it---I was hoping it would be cheap & easy for you.

Bear

 

smoke-it-all

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• Jan 5, 2017

• #10

I appreciate you mentioning it. I actually read it somewhere on this site and was really hoping that's what it was!