open up an MES Gen 2.5

[uncle eddie]

Sometimes I have to turn mine all the way off (unplugged even)...then back on to get it to work right. I think of this as "rebooting"

Also - try setting it with the control panel on the smoker OR the app...not both. Not sure if this makes any difference but my last call to Masterbuilt - they warned about this potentially causing a problem

 

[dr k]

If the Mav tests correctly in boiling water at your elevation then the Mes sensor/controller is defective.

 

[tallbm]

Searching for answers. MES 40. 3-4 years old. Not sure Gen 1 or 2? Buddy got it from QVC and never used it. Controller located on top to the back. Back panel riveted on. Cover Plate over the element has screws and is only removable access. Old connectors completely fried couple weeks ago. Replaced with stainless Hi Temp. Things seemed great when I tried it out. Maverick down vent matched digital readout on controller. 2 pork butts going now and the dang thing won't heat over 190 according to Maverick. I've got it set for 275 and control reads that it is at 270-275. I've seen a variation in controller temp reading vs Maverick before but never this bad. Getting ready to pull from MES and put in oven to finish.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should look at as the problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there and welcome!
Check that your connectors were crimped good and tight. If you see any burning around them then they are loose causing resistance which means over heating which results in burning up of the comopnents or wires.

Pull the back off the MES and look at the safety rollout limit switch connectors for the same thing (round disk thing you see in the back of the MES when you open it).

Once you check and confirm whether or not the connectors or any components at the heating element or safety rollout limit witch are burning up then let us know for the next steps :)

 

[Bearcarver]

Searching for answers. MES 40. 3-4 years old. Not sure Gen 1 or 2? Buddy got it from QVC and never used it. Controller located on top to the back. Back panel riveted on. Cover Plate over the element has screws and is only removable access. Old connectors completely fried couple weeks ago. Replaced with stainless Hi Temp. Things seemed great when I tried it out. Maverick down vent matched digital readout on controller. 2 pork butts going now and the dang thing won't heat over 190 according to Maverick. I've got it set for 275 and control reads that it is at 270-275. I've seen a variation in controller temp reading vs Maverick before but never this bad. Getting ready to pull from MES and put in oven to finish.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should look at as the problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I was just going to call for "tallbm", but I see he's already here.
He'll take care of you.

Bear

 

[macneilm]

Boy, this is when I feel like I need to buy you guys a beer! The help here is like having a great neighbor!! Double checked the element tabs. Look good and tight. No burning. I guess that leaves the limit switch. Assume I drill out the rivets and then reattach with sheet metal screws? Probably a few weeks before I get the time to give it a shot. I'll update when I get to it.
Greatly appreciate the info.
Mark

 

[Bearcarver]

LOL---I can answer that one, because it's not electrical or electronic!!
Yes, if you have to remove the panel that is riveted, Drill them out & replace with sheet metal, or self Tappers.

Bear

 

[tallbm]

Boy, this is when I feel like I need to buy you guys a beer! The help here is like having a great neighbor!! Double checked the element tabs. Look good and tight. No burning. I guess that leaves the limit switch. Assume I drill out the rivets and then reattach with sheet metal screws? Probably a few weeks before I get the time to give it a shot. I'll update when I get to it.
Greatly appreciate the info.
Mark

#12, 3/4 inch sheet metal screws work well for replacing the rivets. I use the hex head screws since they are easier to drive :)