Smoke Vault Challenges - Bigger Vent or Plug Burner Holes

[JRC]

I have had the Smoke Vault for about six months. I have been going through the learning curve and have been doing a lot of reading here. A great group and a lot of good knowledge.

I added sheet metal around the base to knock down the wind issues, and I have added a needle point valve for better control of the flow of propane.

The issue I have is I cannot knock the temperatures down. I have not been able to hit much less then 250 degrees. Forget any idea of hitting bacon and sausage temperature ranges. When I get the needle point valve to the point where I should be able to run at 225, the flame is very weak and I have a flame-out.

From the threads I have read there seem to be two ideas for dealing with a box which is running too hot. One is to plug some of the burner holes, so as to run fewer flames, but higher flames. This may provide a larger temperature range and take care of the flame-outs.

The other suggestion I have been reading about it to go with a larger top vent. There seems to be some difference in opinions as to the diameter of the vent, height of the vent, and weather to run a damper or not. I saw one post from 2016 or so where a 6" damper was added to a male-male stove adapter.

What are some recommendations on how I can bring the temperature down inside the box without the flame-outs?

 

[JckDanls 07]

I'm thinking plugging holes in the burner... I think either tallbm or indaswamp has done this with a certain size nail that slides right in the burner holes...

Also... The pressure regulator... Is it a high or low pressure regulator ?? Thinking you need a low pressure one ...

See what others have to say...

 

[JRC]

I'm thinking plugging holes in the burner... I think either tallbm or indaswamp has done this with a certain size nail that slides right in the burner holes...

Also... The pressure regulator... Is it a high or low pressure regulator ?? Thinking you need a low pressure one ...

See what others have to say...

I am using the pressure regulator which came with the Smoke Vault. I made the assumption it’s a low pressure regulator.

 

[Winterrider]

I think SmokinAl may have had one. May chime in to assist.

 

[indaswamp]

I'm thinking plugging holes in the burner... I think either tallbm or indaswamp has done this with a certain size nail that slides right in the burner holes...

Also... The pressure regulator... Is it a high or low pressure regulator ?? Thinking you need a low pressure one ...

See what others have to say...

Yep...that was me. I used 4d nails that were about 1 1/2" long. Cut them down to 3/4~1" long to fit down in the outside ring of the burner jets.

I am using the pressure regulator which came with the Smoke Vault. I made the assumption it’s a low pressure regulator.

Post a picture of the regulator and we can tell you if it is low pressure or high pressure.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I’ve had a smoke vault 24 for years and never seemed to have that issue. Do you have both side vents and the top vents all the way open? Are you running wood chunks, chips, or splits?

 

[JRC]

Yep...that was me. I used 4d nails that were about 1 1/2" long. Cut them down to 3/4~1" long to fit down in the outside ring of the burner jets.


Post a picture of the regulator and we can tell you if it is low pressure or high pressure.

Here’s the regulator.

 

[JRC]

I’ve had a smoke vault 24 for years and never seemed to have that issue. Do you have both side vents and the top vents all the way open? Are you running wood chunks, chips, or splits?

I have removed the tabs from the vent covers, but run the lower vents at “factory default” where the tabs would stop the vent. About halfway. The upper vent is wide open.

 

[indaswamp]

Yep. 99% sure that is a low pressure regulator.

 

[JRC]

I’ve had a smoke vault 24 for years and never seemed to have that issue. Do you have both side vents and the top vents all the way open? Are you running wood chunks, chips, or splits?

I am running pellets to start, with wood chunks on top to get started.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I am running chips to start, with wood chunks on top to get started.

Saw a guy burning splits in his and had to ask. Figured that would cause for extreme heat increase. I burn strictly chunks in mine. Are you using the water pan?

 

[JRC]

Saw a guy burning splits in his and had to ask. Figured that would cause for extreme heat increase. I burn strictly chunks in mine. Are you using the water pan?

I stopped with the water pan when I had a smoke that resulted in black liquid pouring out the bottom of the smoker. I think it was not far enough above the wood tray, resulting in black smoke which I think mixed in the moisture.

I could go back and try the water tray again.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I stopped with the water pan when I had a smoke that resulted in black liquid pouring out the bottom of the smoker. I think it was not far enough above the wood tray, resulting in black smoke which I think mixed in the moisture.

I could go back and try the water tray again.

Interesting. I’ve noticed when I don’t put water in the pan the temps soar. That could be the issue. Another tip would be to place an aluminum pan under whatever you are smoking to catch the drippings so they don’t go in the water. Not sure about your other mod’s but try another smoke with water in the pan the whole time and all the vents all the way open. Burn only chunks and see what happens. Never had an issue keeping low temps if wanted.

 

[JRC]

Yep...that was me. I used 4d nails that were about 1 1/2" long. Cut them down to 3/4~1" long to fit down in the outside ring of the burner jets.


Post a picture of the regulator and we can tell you if it is low pressure or high pressure.

Did you do every other burner hole? Every third? I like the idea of nails instead of screws. It causes less permanent damage should I decide to reverse course. I assume they stay in pretty well?

 

[Winterrider]

Converting Masterbuilt Pro Smoker from propane to Natural Gas

So I was thinking of converting my new smoker to natural gas. It is 15,400 BTU. Based on a standard chart the natural gas orifice should be 48. A few questions that I hope someone here can answer. Masterbuilt refuses to help. I am assuming this is strictly a legal disclaimer. I figure the safest...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Pictures of plugged holes

 

[JRC]

Converting Masterbuilt Pro Smoker from propane to Natural Gas

So I was thinking of converting my new smoker to natural gas. It is 15,400 BTU. Based on a standard chart the natural gas orifice should be 48. A few questions that I hope someone here can answer. Masterbuilt refuses to help. I am assuming this is strictly a legal disclaimer. I figure the safest...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Pictures of plugged holes

Thanks.................Since I am working with a side burner I may need to go with the screws instead of the nails.

 

[mike243]

Chunks were all I used in my gas smoker, don't shut all of the air off at the bottom, that's how you make a bomb, I still have mine but have not used it in 7 years or so

 

[indaswamp]

Did you do every other burner hole? Every third? I like the idea of nails instead of screws. It causes less permanent damage should I decide to reverse course. I assume they stay in pretty well?

This was for a regular 18,000 BTU burner that I use in my large 36cu.ft. smokehouse....not in a smoke vault. Don't know if it will work in a smoke vault burner or not....

I put nails in the entire outer ring of burner jets, leaving the inner ring of jets free. They stay in place and do not move...