Having issues with higher temps...

[Craig Ward]

I've been having issues controlling my temperatures lately, its getting a little colder outside with the fall weather. My current set up's have 8 1/2" exhaust holes in the lids and 3 3/4" ball valve intakes (They are reduced port so more like 1/2"), two of the intakes have 90's and a 24" pipe and ones just straight out. Could my issues be not enough air intake? My temperatures with everything wide open barely make 250. I've read a few places that 1/2" intakes is fine. Could it be something else? My charcoal basket is 17" wide by 12" high, I usually run it about half full (Full bag). Center of intakes to grate level is 24" (I know it should be 26" but I didn't have the vertical height). Everything is sealed off nicely.... not sure what else I could tell you....

 

[fivetricks]

3x 3/4 should be enough air intake. I'd suggest extending your exhaust to increase draft, but not sure how to advise you how to do that with drilled holes

 

[daveomak]

Morning... Increase the exhaust holes to 3/4" - 7/8".... Not enough air out... won't allow for air in....

 

[Craig Ward]

The valves are 3/4 but not full port, so more like half... I ordered 3 full ports to replace. I'll try drilling the exhausts out as well

 

[Craig Ward]

Do you guys think charcoal basket design plays a role at all? The one I'm currently using is short and wide. I also have a tall and skinny one that seems to burn nicely but creates a huge hot spot in the center

 

[daveomak]

Get a diffuser plate.. try a pizza pan with the holes in it...

 

[fivetricks]

I use a couple of those aluminum disposable Pan's you can buy at the grocery store. I cut the corner so that I can lay it out flat and drill a couple three holes in the middle of it. That way when it gets too nasty I can just toss it make another one.

 

[Craig Ward]

I've got that exact diffuser plate that was posted but never use it because it kills my temps. I tried on the weekend and with the plate off I was getting around 270 and with it on around 200 with all vents open

 

[forktender]

Craig, add a 1'' nipple right at you fire basket height, you don't need a valve on it. Just make sure you have a IPS cap to close it off if it starts running too hot. I have 3 3/4'' air vents with full bore valves and a 1'' nipple at the fire box that just has a cap. If I leave them all wide open it would get way to hot for smoking but I like the option of having it there in case I want to run a brisket or butt at 275 to 325*.