Happy to report that I've found a source for a suitable replacement for the MAK FlashFire ceramic igniter! Installed one in my 2 Star General today, and it fit and worked great. I'll follow this up with part number/details this weekend, but wanted to let folks know there is hope for our MAK's.
The igniter is a physical dead ringer for the original, and fit perfectly. Install is not terrible....about a two beer job. Note: The power leads do not come with a connector, I installed my own.
First step is to unplug the grill, and remove the left end panel, the fan, and the motor/auger assembly. Then, from the underside of the main cabinet, remove these two button head screws( see photo ). this will allow you to slide the igniter holder out the tunnel that leads to the firepot.
Once you have the igniter holder in hand, remove the set screw, and unclip the strain relief from the power leads.
And the new igniter installed in the igniter holder.
Now put everything back in reverse order. I primed the auger with pellets, and put a small handful of pellets in the pot and hit Ignite on the FireBoard Pellet Drive. It took about 60 seconds to see glowing embers and smoke.
And at 1 minute 40 seconds.....flames!
Went from a cold start to a pit temp of 450°F/grill level temp of 520°F in about 17 minutes. Works for me. While it was fired up, grilled a strip steak with air fried tots, and a celabratory glass of Chianti!
The igniter is a physical dead ringer for the original, and fit perfectly. Install is not terrible....about a two beer job. Note: The power leads do not come with a connector, I installed my own.
First step is to unplug the grill, and remove the left end panel, the fan, and the motor/auger assembly. Then, from the underside of the main cabinet, remove these two button head screws( see photo ). this will allow you to slide the igniter holder out the tunnel that leads to the firepot.
Once you have the igniter holder in hand, remove the set screw, and unclip the strain relief from the power leads.
And the new igniter installed in the igniter holder.
Now put everything back in reverse order. I primed the auger with pellets, and put a small handful of pellets in the pot and hit Ignite on the FireBoard Pellet Drive. It took about 60 seconds to see glowing embers and smoke.
And at 1 minute 40 seconds.....flames!
Went from a cold start to a pit temp of 450°F/grill level temp of 520°F in about 17 minutes. Works for me. While it was fired up, grilled a strip steak with air fried tots, and a celabratory glass of Chianti!
