I just fired my dyna-glo up today,I sealed any and all air leaks when I assembled and then found a few more.So closing up any air leaks will help you control temps better.Check doors for leaks and Look especially where flange from fb meets cc. I had a 1/8 in. gap the whole width of fb. after letting the rtv sealant cure. I fired it up today, bc I was looking to run the smoker to season it I did not use the charcoal basket and minion bars. The smoker held 250 deg. to 225 deg. for 3 1/2 to 4 hrs.If you are having a hard time holding temps start with sealing any gaps even If you have to take it apart.Buy some 650 deg. red rtv sealant (amazon) seal any gaps and small holes.Then if you have a charcoal basket buy some minion bars (lavalock) since I have a 10 in. by 12 in. charcoal basket I was able to find 6 in, minion bars the bars are designed to make an S with you charcoal so that it won't burn all at once giving too hot a fire.Just light 12 briquettes and put in first minion bar space along side of adjoining coals after filling coals in next two spaces in minion bars, facing the fb intake, . the purpose of minion bars is to slow down combustion and make your charcoal last longer Once you are within 5-10 deg. of your target temp start throttling down intake vent on fb and leaving you exhaust at least 1/2 open till you reach your desired temp. Hope this will help you better maintain target temps.
