MES - Fill Tube question

[dwdunlap]

I use the expandable smoke tube but having trouble keeping it lite. I do the advised tricks: store pellets off the floor; microwave 3 min before loading; lite with a torch and let burn 10 min; chip loading tube pulled out 4" and rotated; top vent wide open; and I use LumberJack mesquite or hickory pellets. Makes having a PID controller, smoke tube, good pellets, everything for a set-and-forget smoke -- only to go out and find the smoke has stopped and I'm just BAKING the Meat!!

I am aware that many have have gone to the mailbox conversion and I wonder if that would fix my problem? I'm considering building one myself but would like to see first if others have tried removing the fill tube completely to get in more air and keep the pellets lite. Maybe removing the whole chip loader from the MES??

Any experience with my problem is welcome.

 

[browneyesvictim]

Do you have the Gen 2 MES? If you do, then if it were me I'd definitely go the mailbox mod route. I had a hellava time keeping pellets going in my brothers gen 2. Only ever got Amazen pellets to burn in it- Nothing else worked to stay lit.

 

[tropics]

I use the expandable smoke tube but having trouble keeping it lite. I do the advised tricks: store pellets off the floor; microwave 3 min before loading; lite with a torch and let burn 10 min; chip loading tube pulled out 4" and rotated; top vent wide open; and I use LumberJack mesquite or hickory pellets. Makes having a PID controller, smoke tube, good pellets, everything for a set-and-forget smoke -- only to go out and find the smoke has stopped and I'm just BAKING the Meat!!

I am aware that many have have gone to the mailbox conversion and I wonder if that would fix my problem? I'm considering building one myself but would like to see first if others have tried removing the fill tube completely to get in more air and keep the pellets lite. Maybe removing the whole chip loader from the MES??

Any experience with my problem is welcome.

Try putting 2 muffler clamps on it so it can get air from bellow.
Richie

 

[dwdunlap]

Do you have the Gen 2 MES? If you do, then if it were me I'd definitely go the mailbox mod route. I had a hellava time keeping pellets going in my brothers gen 2. Only ever got Amazen pellets to burn in it- Nothing else worked to stay lit.

Try putting 2 muffler clamps on it so it can get air from bellow.
Richie

Richie, I'm intrigued. Put clamps WHAT? Are there air vents in the bottom of the MES?

 

[chopsaw]

Like this . I only use one at the front .

 

[daveomak]

Pulling out the chip tube 4" may exceed the opening measure... Try pulling it out 1.5" and see if there is air flow....

 

[chopsaw]

This is the thread on the u bolt mod by normanaj
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/u-bolt-mod-for-the-amnts.271846/
Expanding oval might be a bit different , you'll just have to try it to see what works . It does help . I use a mail box , don't have trouble with it . I never had trouble with it inside either , just to much smoke in there for me .

 

[normanaj]

@chopsaw put up the link.A lot of good info there.

 

[tropics]

Richie, I'm intrigued. Put clamps WHAT? Are there air vents in the bottom of the MES?

The grease drain gives a little air.Pull the draw out a little put a throw away pan under what you are smoking.
Richie

 

[dwdunlap]

Hey all! Great information.

I think the muffler clamps must be to act as legs so the TUBE isn't resting on the bottom and blocking the bottom from getting air circulation. Add legs or u-bolts might solve it flaming out. I'll be checking out all your posts.

The fill tube could be pulled out to far as well.

However, since I do not use chips for smoke... why do I even need the fill tube at all? Same with the chip tray and the housing? I'd think I would get more intake air and just make a cover to protect the bare coil. Anyone tried that?

I have more reading to do but many thanks

DW

 

[normanaj]

Hey all! Great information.

I think the muffler clamps must be to act as legs so the TUBE isn't resting on the bottom and blocking the bottom from getting air circulation. Add legs or u-bolts might solve it flaming out. I'll be checking out all your posts.

The fill tube could be pulled out to far as well.

However, since I do not use chips for smoke... why do I even need the fill tube at all? Same with the chip tray and the housing? I'd think I would get more intake air and just make a cover to protect the bare coil. Anyone tried that?

I have more reading to do but many thanks

DW

Leave the cover that protects the coil and nix the chip tray.Use the loader as an air regulator.Place the modded tube in the bottom left.Using ground pellets in the tube makes for great tbs.

 

[Hawging It]

Like this . I only use one at the front .
View attachment 408519

Chopsaw, I use mine for smoking cheese. It is exactly like yours except I have a U bolt on both ends. Works great!

 

[Hawging It]

Chopsaw, I use mine for smoking cheese. It is exactly like yours except I have a U bolt on both ends. Works great!

Both ends.

 

[Hawging It]

This is what I use for Cold Cheese Smoking Always a full burn.