Cracked BGE

[pne123]

I picked up a slightly used BGE Small with nest. I have never used on but the price was right. It seems the guy dropped it and it has a spiral crack from the vent to hinge. Seems pretty structurally sound but should I do something to fix or stabilize or should I just use it as is?

 

[kilo charlie]

I'm not familiar with these types but have you fired it up? if it's leaking smoke through the crack, then it's leaking heat through the crack and it's not going to be as efficient as one that is not damaged.

I would not try to fix it. I would run it and see what happens and if it fails then move on. If it doesn't fail, run it!

 

[clifish]

IDK, I would try and patch it inside and out with high heat JB weld. I did not research enough to see if it is food safe so I would do that first, at least before you patch the inside. No reason you could not fix the outside.

J-B Weld HighHeat Syringe Epoxy- 25 ml - Walmart.com

Buy J-B Weld HighHeat Syringe Epoxy- 25 ml at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[normanaj]

I would also take a look at JB-Weld Extreme Heat as it's rated for much higher heat and says it's usable on ceramic and grills. This would be great for the inside provided it's food safe. It's rated to 1000℉ not the 2400℉ stated in the below link.

ExtremeHeat

J-B Weld™ ExtremeHeat™ is formulated to allow for repairs to iron, steel and metal in high temperature environments (2400°F / 1300°C).

www.jbweld.com

Either way like @clifish posted the regular high heat epoxy should be fine on the outside.

 

[chopsaw]

Last time I had my fireplace flue cleaned , the guy patched a bad spot on the fire box lining . Still holding , so they make something for doing that . Maybe contact green egg .

 

[pne123]

I'm not familiar with these types but have you fired it up? if it's leaking smoke through the crack, then it's leaking heat through the crack and it's not going to be as efficient as one that is not damaged.

I would not try to fix it. I would run it and see what happens and if it fails then move on. If it doesn't fail, run it!

smoke doesn't leak out. crack is tight. think I will run with it. thanks

 

[kilo charlie]

smoke doesn't leak out. crack is tight. think I will run with it. thanks

Fingers crossed it works for many years to come.. don't forget to follow up and let us know!

 

[indaswamp]

I know a guy that had the same issue. He searched around and found someone that had a BGE that had a cracked base. He bought the top cheap and swapped out the tops on his BGE. I think he paid like $20-40 bucks for the new top. If you can find one, this would be the best route to go IMO.

 

[thirdeye]

When the original BGE forum was still online, there were a lot of people that repaired cracks using furnace cement. I recall the procedure was to grind a "V" into the crack from one side, then fill with cement and let it cure. Then repeat the procedure from the opposite side. So, now you have a double "V" configuration.

 

[pne123]

thanks for all the input. I will have a lot to work with if it gets worse. I only paid $80 for it so I don't have a lot invested.

 

[forktender]

Personally I'd contact BGE I'm sure they know what works best.
If they don't for sure I'd run a bead of
JB Exteme Heat on the outside.
I'd go 1/2" or so onto uncrack material.The follow JB's curing recommendations.

But that's just me and my OCD ways.
LOL!!!

 

[Winterrider]

Yep, wouldn't be scared to run a bead on the outside. Might not look the prettiest but "oh well".

 

[dr k]

No leaks, no need to make it ugly. Only you know it's there and the weight may keep it together forever. I'd wait until it Humpty Dumpty's and all the Kingsmen have to put it together again.