Switched from a Traeger to a GMG JB and struggling. HELP

[icanraceit]

So here it is... I have been smoking with a aTraeger for about 4 years. I typically smoke jerky but have smoked most meats cheeses and salts with my aTraeger.
My wife went big for my birthday and got me the GMG JB a few days ago. Ever since I've been getting my arse kicked. The grill is cooking very unevenly and barely smokes in the "smiloking temps (150-220). I have the stack opened to about 1.5 inches and am getting soot all over my meat. I have adjusted the heat/wind deflectors per the suggestions of GMG customer service. My brothers both have GMG's and they have not had any problems so they are not much help. If any of you have any suggestions that would be great. Thank all!!

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

First off, open your stack up more...

Make sure your heat/wind deflectors are not backwards or they won't work right !

Also on my DB, on the underside of the controller is a little white fan.... Make sure there's no wire or anything in its way... If it can't spin, the smoker won't work right ! I found this out the hard way !

 

[icanraceit]

First off, open your stack up more...

Make sure your heat/wind deflectors are not backwards or they won't work right !

Also on my DB, on the underside of the controller is a little white fan.... Make sure there's no wire or anything in its way... If it can't spin, the smoker won't work right ! I found this out the hard way !

I will open the stack up more and give it another shot. I put it at the height based on GMG customer supports recommendation but I am definitely open to trying something else. I have checked and double checked the shields and they are in per the manual. I have also checked that the fan is not obstructed and it seems to be spinning freely.

I have heard that there could be problems with the computer if there are large swings in temps from right to left. Has Anyone else heard this.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Also if ya foil your drip tray, make sure to puncture a hole by where the temp sensor hole is located ! I just stick my finger through it and make sure it isn't blocked at all !

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Just tossing out ideas here.....

I just know with my DB, if I open the vent up at least 2 1/2 inches it works great ! May be due to altitude, I'm just short of 5,000 ft here !

Did you charge the firebox the first time ?

Is the firebox possibly too full & not letting the pellets burn effectively ?

It could possibly be a faulty sensor.....

 

[icanraceit]

The altitude here is around 1000 ft.

I did charge the box with the zip lock bag full of pellets supplied by GMG.

I am not sure if the fire box is overfilling with pellets. I let the cycle run when I start it up and I have been running the fan at the end burning out the remaining pellets before complete shut down.

Thanks so much for the responses but I am beginning to believe there may be larger problems.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

I'am sure GMG will fix ya up as they have great customer service, sorry bout your problems !

 

[icanraceit]

Water,
Thanks for all the ideas!! Hopefully I can get this beast under control. So far GMG has been great.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Water,
Thanks for all the ideas!! Hopefully I can get this beast under control. So far GMG has been great.

No prob, wish I'd have had the answer to help ya fix it.... Drop a line when it gets fixed & let us know what the issue was !