18" Kettle Grill Lid Vent Sticking

[Rusty James]

Is this a common issue?

Usually, stiff vents loosen up as the heat rises, but this one acts as if it has stubborn residue under it, and a heat doesn't help much. I was thinking about using degreaser and a stiff nylon brush on the vent before my next cook.

 

[Randy]

I have the same problem on my WSM, so it will be nice to see what folks have to say

 

[ChuckO]

I wish I had your problem, my vents are too loose. I'm not sure I'd introduce a degreaser, at least not on the top vent (for fear it would drip into the food) Maybe put some veggy oil on it (drip it in from the side while holding the lid) But like I said, I envy your problem

 

[Eric S.]

Same issue on my WSM. I use white vinegar and water 50/50 on it, which is used for cleaning various other stuff too.

 

[Rusty James]

I wish I had your problem, my vents are too loose.

Sounds like you need replacement vents, or maybe just vent screws.

My WSM came with a bent vent. Weber sent me a new set, but haven't put them on yet.

 

[YYang]

I'm having this issue too on my WSM after only three cooks. I found a flexible plastic card to be helpful - about the thickness of a store rewards card, thinner than a credit card. I slid the card under the vent and swept out a lot of the gunk that was gluing it to the ceramic. Once the vent could spin again, I used Q tips with some simple green to dissolve the gunk that was exposed.

 

[Rusty James]

On the other hand, my lower WSM vents are not as snug as they used to be. I'm wondering if heat expansion has played a role in this. I do have the replacement 3-piece vent kit at the ready, but I am nervous about accidentally drilling into the porcelain. Just how tight can a person tighten these cap screws anyway? Tight enough to prevent the vent from moving?

 

[Van DeWald]

Yep, my top vent on my WSM 14.5 is gunked up too.

 

[Steve Lenz]

slight taps with a claw hammer loosened my top vent. no damage. gunk falls into the grill. all good now.

 

[Enrico Brandizzi]

I wish I had your problem, my vents are too loose. I'm not sure I'd introduce a degreaser, at least not on the top vent (for fear it would drip into the food) Maybe put some veggy oil on it (drip it in from the side while holding the lid) But like I said, I envy your problem

I insert 5 cent between metal and vent and it does not move any more.

 

[Rusty James]

Don't touch the bottom vents (ouch) barehanded.

Weber products are great, but will burn you quickly if not handled properly.

Need a pair of welding gloves I reckon.

 

[Clark "Harbormaster" Hodgson]

Sticky kettle lid vents are easy to clean.
Use a degreaser like Greased Lightning or one of those orange products and some dental floss. You can do the math.
Can't use that method on WSM lid vents because there's stop tabs.

 

[Rusty James]

Sticky kettle lid vents are easy to clean.
Use a degreaser like Greased Lightning or one of those orange products and some dental floss. You can do the math.
Can't use that method on WSM lid vents because there's stop tabs.

Great advice!

I'll try that out if need be.