getting lower temps in smoker?

[eppo]

i have a vertical propane smoker. at the lowest settign i will get temps about 225-250. what are some ways to lower the temp in the smoker? i have a feeling when i start smoking when its hot outside my temps will run even higher. would more air vents in the top help? the vents at the bottom are always open, no way to close them, would modding my smoker to close those help, or is that just for charcoal? any advice would be great. thanks                                                                                                                        d

 

[SmokinAl]

Wish I could help you eppo, but I don't know much about gassers. I'm sure one of the guys will be along shortly. 

 

[eman]

There was a few post about replaceing the stock regulator w/ a needle valve regulator for alot more precise adjustments. This may be what you need to do.

 

[Fife]

Sorry I cant help either

 

[pineywoods]

Search "needle valve" on the site and you should get some decent info

 

[eppo]

sweet, just what i needed. i have one of those on my Burner for my brewing system.\n thanks

 

[eppo]

Would this work? i'm just looking to see if i can get it local:   http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[sqwib]

Would this work? i'm just looking to see if i can get it local:   http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

No that wont work, before you do your mod have you worked your vents, do you even have vents, is the flame clean (blue)?

However, I am unfamiliar with that smoker.

Heres a post from justpassingthru

and hers the link

I don't know what the measurements are of your valve, but I ordered mine from King Kooker and it has 1/4 inch pipe threads male and female, the connection on my regulator is 1/8 inch pipe thread, yours is probably the same.

What you will need in fittings are:

1 - 1/8 inch NPT male x 1/4 NPT female reducer

1 - 1/4 inch NPT male x 1/8 inch NPT female reducer

The 1/8 inch end of the male reducer screws into the regulator, the valve then screws into the 1/4 inch female end, then the 1/4 inch end of the male reducer screws into the valve and then the hose will screw into the 1/8 inch female end.

If your valve has both ends 1/4 inch NPT male then order:

1 - 1/8 inch male x 1/4 inch female reducer

1 - 1/4 inch female x 1/8 inch female

I ordered mine online from a plumbing supply store, just google plumbing supply, then brass fittings.

I hope that helps and isn't too confusing, and yes it is difficult living on an island in the middle of the ocean, but, ...we have our perks.

Gene

 

[eppo]

i know i'm going to need the fittings, but if i get that valve, and the proper fittings will it work. just want to make sure that all needle valves are the same, and that when i get everything connected, that valve will work for me. i have vents at the bottom of the smoker, but they are all open, no way to close them. the flame produced is blue.

 

[sqwib]

It will definiely give you more control over your burner so I would think it should work, nut like I said check everything else out first, could be a bad burner.

 

[duanes]

As Gene pointed out, make sure you have as much blue flame as possible.  If you want to use a needle valve, you should be careful with it.  If you set the flame too low, you have a chance of the flame being blown out.  Windy days increase the chance of this happening.  I can get my GOSM under 150 degrees while keeping adequate flame - also makes fine tuning higher temps easier.  The needle valves are directional with an arrow pointing in the direction of flow (the purpose is to eliminate constant pressure on valve stem seal when valve is closed).  Make sure you turn off the propane tank when done - if you leave tank open, burner valve closed, and needle valve open, you have continous pressure on the valve stem seal - not a big deal but just good practice to turn tank off when not in use.

I got my needle valve online at Big Way Sales, but there are other online sources.  they did not sell 1/8 so I had to add 1/4 to 1/8 reducers - be sure to use the right pipe dope/tape on all of the fittings.