MES Seasoning - possible sealant issues

[kumatae]

So I'm just setting my MES that I picked up couple of months ago due to moving and all that.  I did everything I'm supposed to do with seasoning and I got the AMNPS going and the smoke is going up the vent just like it used to on my WSM.  But my question, I see smoke seeping out of the right side of the door.  The black seal isn't as thick and so I see smoke coming out.  Should I be concerned?  I did make the door fairly tight, should I loosen it a bit so that it'll give an even seal?  Any help would be much appreciated.  BTW, I have this model.

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• kumatae
• Aug 2, 2012

 

[hkeiner]

The black seal isn't as thick and so I see smoke coming out.  Should I be concerned?

Leaking smoke from around the door is nothing to be 'concerned' about in regards to safety or functionality of the smoker. However, the leaking smoke can be annoying and cause a bit of a build up of oil/residue around the leaking area over time, which can become unsightly. It is hard to suggest the best fix without seeing first hand exactly what is causing the leak. Adjusting the door hinges and/or door latch comes to mind as the likely first option. Bending something in to shape or changing the gasket may be other options. Hard to say...

 

[red dog]

My new MES 40 I seasoned yesterday had one small leak middle top of door. I was not concerned  after having a propane smoker, which leaked a lot. Still produced great Q. I guess you could tighten it too much and spring the hinges. Did you tighten it because it leaked?

 

[kumatae]

Thanks for the feedback!  I didn't think I'd be too concerned with some leak.  I just went ahead and smoked some beer chicken today and it was fabulous!  Q view in a different post.  I'm never going back to charcoal ever!