GOSM Big Block

[jbear]

I just recieved my new Big Block and assembled it.  So far I´m pretty impressed.  The assembly went easily, and my first batch of chicken turned out really well. 

My question is...The door doesn´t fit very tight and smoke leaks out; Do I care?  Has anyone modified this smoker with a door gasket?

 

[matt1124]

I just got a GOSM BB today! Where did you find yours? I looked all over online and only saw them on the manufacturer's website. I got lucky and found mine at a closeout store.

I've had the little ~24" one for a couple years now, sometimes smoke comes out from around the door, I just ignore it. Is it really bad?

 

[retread]

There was a thread about this in January.  I did a search with Primo and gasket and found it.  here's the link:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/101028/gosm-big-block-door-gasket-mod-results

I have not done this mod myself (though I am still thinking hard about it)

What I do right now is use a bar clamp on the top of the GOSM an dhold 2 long, thin pieces of 3/4" plywood against the top of th eback and the front door.

Like I said, though, I am REALLY thinking about the gasket mod.

 

[Fife]

Good Luck

 

[duanes]

Smoke leaking out the door is not a major problem but I smoke a lot in cold weather and every little bit to keep the heat in helps.  Ideally, you want the smoke to go up, around the meat, and out the stack/vent.

On my GOSM, I used the Red high-temp RTV silicone gasket maker (any auto parts store & Kmrt, Wmart have it low cost ~$4.00 a tube).  It is rated to 650 degrees and specifically says for oven doors on the package.  You need to clean the edges off thoroughly before applying.  I recommend applying it to the box frame, not the door.  I used some other silicone junk my first attempt and only used masking tape on the door to keep the silicone from sticking - long story short, the door didn't want to open and I messed it up and started over.  Second time I still put masking tape on but then carefully placed plastic wrap over masking tape and it worked much better - door opened easily after it cured.  I used 2.5 tubes on my door (mine is medium sized GOSM) and I expect you will need 4 of the 3 oz. tubes for a big block.  I generously applied the gasket maker to the box frame and carefully closed the door and latched.  I waited 2 days before opening and then used a utility knife to trim away the excess.

It is still not absolutely leak proof but way better than without.  You should be careful with GOSM doors on windy days.  It got away from me one day and swung around hard and bent the hinges a bit and the door sagged enough I had to lift it to close it.  I had to take the door apart and bend the hinges back.  If that happens after you apply the gasket, it may cause it to not seal as well.

Here are pics of my gasket:

 

[richoso1]

The small amount of smoke that leaks out usually won't effect the end product. One exception to this is if you are smoking in a cold outdoor environment, then it's more of a heat leak than a smoke leak, It's all good my friend.

 

[sqwib]

Before you do any mods make sure to check the frame and door for misalignment or obvious damage, they really should not leak that much.

I was lucky with mine.