Cant get temp up

[Corey Elks]

Checked with multiple thermometers
Load up ring with unlit. Dump 3/4 chimney lit on top. All vents wide open. Gets to 250 then drops to 225. Only way to get temp up is to crack lid, then might hit 300. As soon as i shut ld, drops right back down to 225-230. I am using a charcoal basket and kb. Its done this the last 4 cooks and ive tried different bags of kb. Why can i not get temp up?????? Am i not lighting enough to start? Note i do use a little used coal from last cook Thanks for any advice!!

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

Water pan? How many are you lighting? What size WSM? Wind? Temperature? Sun? Shade? Are you facing the prevailing wind? Have you made sure vents are clear? Did you get my beer?
Some of that is in jest of course but, I am out of beer.

 

[ChuckO]

All three bottom vents open? Is the charcoal on the charcoal grate in the charcoal ring? Top vent open? If yes to all, bad charcoal is my guess

 

[BFletcher]

Another thought: if you[re placing your used coals in the chimney you might want to discontinue that approach.

 

[timothy]

I am using a charcoal basket

You say you load the ring with unlit and dump 3/4 chimney of unlit on top. What is this charcoal basket you speak of?
Are the holes too small and getting clogged with ash.
I used to kick the legs to knock down any ash with the stock ring.

 

[Todd K Wisc]

Water in the bowl will inhibit higher temps, so try going no water and see if that helps. I typically don't use leftover coals for low and slow on the WSM. They go to my kettle and get used for grilling.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

So Corey, have you fallen from the cliffs of insanity or have you figured out your heat issue?