MES 40 Vent Stuck...

[beernuts]

Hi Everyone,

The question I have is that when I was adjusting the vent on my MES 40 this weekend I found the thing was stuck solid.  Wouldn't budge.  Is there a way to loosen it so it moves?  I loosened the screw/nut that holds the parts together but to no avail.  I then cleaned out the area with cleaner and it worked for a couple of minutes then stuck again.  I was adjusting the vent during the somking and it suddenly gave way while I was pushing it and it darn near cut my probe cables.  It's seems very temperamental.  Any ideas?

It's been "sticky" since I purchased the unit but I thought it would have loosened by now....

 

[deltadude]

There has to be a reason it hangs up.  Closely examine the parts, and try to figure out the problem then the cure.  You might try a little Pam or veg oil to lub it before cooking, and see if when the heat gets high enough and metal is expanding that the lube keeps it working.

 

[mike johnson]

IMO it should always stay wide open.Smoke needs good airflow so it wont get stale.

 

[daveomak]

Dude is right...... there must be something inside the slide hanging up.... Take it apart and find the problem..... tale pictures of the process for others to learn from....  This could be a valuable learning experience for others.....  Dave

 

[deltadude]

IMO it should always stay wide open.Smoke needs good airflow so it wont get stale.

In general Mike I'm with you, my vent is full open if using wood chips via the MES wood chip/smoker assembly or pellets with the AWNPS.

However there are times, like using sawdust, where very little exhaust is required.  I have some new hickory wood flakes, not chips, not sawdust I'm going to try on my next smoke, which may require the vent being less open.

 

[beernuts]

I'll take it apart tonight and see where the hangup is.  My guess is that the metal work is a bit rough and there's places where the metal vent palte rubs against the vent grill.  I'll let you know what happens...

 

[mike johnson]

I know mine is stuck but in the wide open position when cold. I believe its from a mixture of smoke and moisture.Try using rubing alchohol on it to clean it. Thats what I use on my window.