heat problem

[mcp9]

the last time i did a smoke, i found my tempature was getting too hot. (i used the maverick et-73 on the grate, so i believe the reading.) i was getting up to 270 with both vents closed! allowed some air through and just kept climbing. my only other idea is that i used too much charcoal and wood. but the pile of charcoal wasnt that big. plus i used a chunck of hickory say 12" x 4" until that burned out. then added. i want to be able to control the heat before i do an all night smoke. lets get ur suggestions. thanks

 

[smoke freak]

Might be too many coals at once. Try a smaller pile and keep em as far from the cook chamber as possible. I build my fire right next to the air intake, and keep the drawer slightly cracked open. Also might try splittin your wood a little smaller. Remember you can always add more fuel but its a little tougher to remove.

 

[mcp9]

thanks. any more suggestions from the pros?

 

[desertlites]

is a pretty big chunk of hickory-hardwood does burn hot-add smaller pieces maybe?

 

[smokin' joe]

When you say both vents closed...Do you mean the vent on the firebox and the exhaust stack were closed?

If so, the exhaust needs to be open at all times...adjust your temps with the vent on the side firebox only. If the exhaust was closed off you may have been holding quite a bit of heat in the cooking chamber not to mention smoke choking the food if there was any in there at the time.

Just a thought.