Smoker not getting above 230

[TK421]

I have a Masterbuilt Pro dual fuel propane smoker. Ive had it about 3-4 years now and suddenly have a problem where I cant get the temp higher than 230. Before, I would have this on the lowest setting and it would settle in around 225 but now I have it as high as it will go and it wont go more than 230. The flame is definitely not big while on high, in fact, the difference in flame from high to low is minimal. Ive tried the regulator reset thing, ive tried a few different propane tank (yes full) and swapped out the regulator itself. Last thing I did was replace the burner, nothing changes. I dont know what else to try. Anyone out there have any experience with this?

 

[gmc2003]

Clean out your tubing. Small insects(spiders mainly) like to make their home in the gas line.

Chris

 

[daveomak]

The tank has an idiot valve... Did you try to reset it ???? Close the valve to the burner... Close the tank valve.... Open the tank valve SLOWLY ... You should hear a click as the idiot valve sets (seats) so it can go to full flow... The idiot valve MUST see pressure in the line to the burner before it will set itself to full flow....
Maybe that's it... hard to tell for sure.....

 

[pineywoods]

Since you've tried multiple tanks and changed the regulator and burner I'd go with GMC's idea of something in the hose look and you should find a silver device inline in the hose it should have a part that adjusts which changes the amount of air that gets in. It also should have a screen and often times it's not fine enough to keep out things like spiders. Try cleaning that out and try firing it up again

 

[Winterrider]

The tank has an idiot valve... Did you try to reset it ???? Close the valve to the burner... Close the tank valve.... Open the tank valve SLOWLY ... You should hear a click as the idiot valve sets (seats) so it can go to full flow... The idiot valve MUST see pressure in the line to the burner before it will set itself to full flow....
Maybe that's it... hard to tell for sure.....

I have found this out also on my bbq grill and also an ice house heater. Open to fast and doesn't allow it to open up completely.

 

[solman]

Another possibility is that a connection may be loose. You said you've tried different regulators so i would double check those fittings. I suggest this because I've made the same mistake and wondered why my flame wouldn't adjust higher.

 

[TK421]

When i said i replaced the regulator, i also replaced the hose as well. Ive made sure to open tank slowly. When replacing the burner, I made sure everything was clear and fittings were good.

 

[solman]

The only thing left then is the control panel may be faulty.