I am beginning the process of modding my OKJ Longhorn Offset smoker. I have had this smoker about 2 months now, and have done three smokes so far. Last weekend, I did my best to seal the lids with aluminum foil for that smoke, and the firebox door and smokestack where it exits from the chamber. I got much more consistent temps this last time.
Now I feel I am ready to start doing some modding, to make what for me at least is a good smoker, into hopefully a really good smoker. I certainly am still quite the rookie, but have learned a lot from the great folks on this forum, so thought I would share some of what I do as I go along.
My first step: I ordered a Nomex gasket kit from BBQ Gaskets, they offer specifically for this smoker. Along with the gasket, came a tube of hi-temp RTV silicone (red) to apply it with . The OKJ is bad to leak around the cooking chamber lid, firebox lid, and where smokestack exits. I will probably just leave the aluminum foil I wrapped around the stack rather than try to seal it with silicone.
I have applied the gasket with the silicone tonight, it is supposed to cure in 24 hours and be ready to go, so will certainly be ready for my Sunday smoke.
Below is a pic with the gasket applied to the smoke chamber and firebox:
Tomorrow, I should be receiving my custom ordered convection plate and charcoal basket for this smoker, that Horizon offers - has been a bit of a wait, but finally it is almost here. I will also be picking up some bolts/nuts to raise my fire grate more, and perhaps an elbow to bring the smokestack down at least closer to the cooking grate.I will update this thread as I progress on this project. Perhaps someone might come along like myself, that finds this info helpful as well.
Now I feel I am ready to start doing some modding, to make what for me at least is a good smoker, into hopefully a really good smoker. I certainly am still quite the rookie, but have learned a lot from the great folks on this forum, so thought I would share some of what I do as I go along.
My first step: I ordered a Nomex gasket kit from BBQ Gaskets, they offer specifically for this smoker. Along with the gasket, came a tube of hi-temp RTV silicone (red) to apply it with . The OKJ is bad to leak around the cooking chamber lid, firebox lid, and where smokestack exits. I will probably just leave the aluminum foil I wrapped around the stack rather than try to seal it with silicone.
I have applied the gasket with the silicone tonight, it is supposed to cure in 24 hours and be ready to go, so will certainly be ready for my Sunday smoke.
Below is a pic with the gasket applied to the smoke chamber and firebox:
Tomorrow, I should be receiving my custom ordered convection plate and charcoal basket for this smoker, that Horizon offers - has been a bit of a wait, but finally it is almost here. I will also be picking up some bolts/nuts to raise my fire grate more, and perhaps an elbow to bring the smokestack down at least closer to the cooking grate.I will update this thread as I progress on this project. Perhaps someone might come along like myself, that finds this info helpful as well.
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