UDS Problems

[brokenwing]

Hey everyone, last summer i built a uds, and have never used it.  Well today i got my butt in gear and fired it off.  I only lit 8 coals, and put them in the basket.  With darn near all three valves closed, I'm running over 280 degrees.  I think my problem is the kettle lid i put on, it does not seal tight enough and I'm drawing alot of air in through the top.  I guess I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board, remove the lid, and the flanges, and I'm going to put the barrell top that came with it back on.  I have tried rutland cement, and rope gasket to no prevail.  Oh well i wanted to see what food tasted like on the uds, so i thought what could i cook at high heat.  So i put on 4 split chicken breasts and there cooking now.  This is a big learning experience for me, I'm use to my broke mes, set it and forget it.  So anyone else with suggestions feel free to holler.

 

[solaryellow]

I used a similar lid and it took a little work to get it right. Looks like you already plugged up the holes on the side. I did a little reshaping of the of lip and also put a bead of high temp RTV around the drum which has made it better but not perfect.

 

[rbranstner]

I'd say try the standard barrel lid and see if you can control the heat better. Sounds like your basket is getting to much air like you said.

 

[brokenwing]

Thanks for the replies.  Im going to tear it apart this weekend, but man it made the best bbq chicken i have ever had!  I cant wait to get it right.

 

[meateater]

Thanks for the replies.  Im going to tear it apart this weekend, but man it made the best bbq chicken i have ever had!  I cant wait to get it right.

Lot's of advice here, don't forget.