Gasser temp fussy

[jkindgren]

I just sealed my door on my master built propane smoker with the high temp red rtv (I think that's what it is called). Seal works great, but I tried season the seal by running some smoke through it and had a hard time holding temp. It was either 200 or (after very slight gas adjustment) it was running about 350. Any thoughts on getting temp to settle at 225-240. I am smoking some ribs tomorrow. I did not have water pan in at the time. I have heard that the water or possibly sand helps stabilize temp. Any thought would be helpful. Also the sooner the better. Thanks in advance.

 

[pineywoods]

Small adjustments on the temp dial and either water or sand in the water pan. Top vent wide open