Well, I cooked again this weekend and despite a wholly obnoxious WSM, managed to turn out some decent brisket (don't ask about the short ribs). However, it is time to put these cooker problems to bed, and I need some advice.
Awhile back, I picked up a used WSM in what I thought was pretty good condition for $50. Yeah, I was pretty pleased with myself. However, as it turns out this thing leaks like a sieve! There's a reason it was cheap: the center is way out of round, lips are bent, and temp control is very challenging. I've worked the center over but just cannot seem to get it to fit the charcoal bowl properly and am now looking for alternatives.
Since I leak a fair amount of smoke around the lid, I'm thinking I will either
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>coat the lip on the bottom of the lid with vaseline and then put high-temp silicone around the middle section where the lid fits. Let this set a little then put the lid on so the silicone deforms and I get perfect fit.
<LI>Install the smallest fireplace flat braid gasket I can find on the lip around the top of the middle section.[/list]
The bottom to middle section mating, though, has me scratching my head. All I can think of is mounting fireplace gasket around the mouth of the charcoal bowl, down against the bump out. Kind of seems like this may not last a long time though. This is by far the worst fo the problems for me so I need to make this fix work. Next time I cook I'll just make a tin foil gasket, but I want to come up with a more permanent solution so your help would be appreciated.
Kevin
Awhile back, I picked up a used WSM in what I thought was pretty good condition for $50. Yeah, I was pretty pleased with myself. However, as it turns out this thing leaks like a sieve! There's a reason it was cheap: the center is way out of round, lips are bent, and temp control is very challenging. I've worked the center over but just cannot seem to get it to fit the charcoal bowl properly and am now looking for alternatives.
Since I leak a fair amount of smoke around the lid, I'm thinking I will either
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>coat the lip on the bottom of the lid with vaseline and then put high-temp silicone around the middle section where the lid fits. Let this set a little then put the lid on so the silicone deforms and I get perfect fit.
<LI>Install the smallest fireplace flat braid gasket I can find on the lip around the top of the middle section.[/list]
The bottom to middle section mating, though, has me scratching my head. All I can think of is mounting fireplace gasket around the mouth of the charcoal bowl, down against the bump out. Kind of seems like this may not last a long time though. This is by far the worst fo the problems for me so I need to make this fix work. Next time I cook I'll just make a tin foil gasket, but I want to come up with a more permanent solution so your help would be appreciated.
Kevin