Yesterday I went out and got the parts needed to install a needle valve. I have a Smoke Hollow propane 30" that I have always had trouble keeping under 250*, except in very cold weather. I called American Leisure Products and they were good about it and they sent me a new regulator, hose and fitting assembly, but ultimately I had the same problem. I have been propping the door open at the top & bottom with magnets but I was losing smoke and therefore losing flavor and this was a difficult way to keep temps steady. After reading threads here and deciding this was a good solution I went to Hometown Propane in East Hanover and brought my regulator and hose to get the right fittings. The 3 guys behind the counter really tried to talk me out of it - they told me this way was unsafe and "they didn't want to read about me in the newspaper." I thought I could trust my brothers and sisters at SMF on this one. I used pipe dope on the fittings, tightened and checked for leaks with soapy water. All is lookin' good. Mod cost me $26 (bought new low pressure regulator because they didn't have the fittings to fit the original thrread sizing) and it does let me tune in the flame. I was able during warm-up and testing to hold as low as 140* and now I'm heated up and dialed in at 225*. Thanks guys for all the good posts.
