New WSM


 
M

MattO_IN

New member
Hey all,

Just picked up a new to me 22” WSM! It was a decent price, lightly used, and came with a Hunsaker Vortex plate, bigger fuel basket, and a Hunsaker hanging rack. Also, was upgraded with a Cajun Bandit door and gasketed around the top lid and door opening. I do have a few questions.

I did a test burn in it today, and am having some trouble getting the cooker to shut off; I did notice that it appears the bottom fuel section with the legs is out of round slightly. I’m thinking it is drawing enough fresh air through the crack around the bottom to keep the fire lit. It also spikes in temp when I close down all 3 bottom vents and leave the top open. It is sitting at 311 degrees currently with all bottoms closed and the top open. Granted, there is no meat on the smoker, but I imagine I could still dial in a low temp with it empty. I do not have a water pan inside.

Should I order a gasket kit and seal off the bottom section, or should I call Weber and see if they would send me a new bottom section? Since I’m not technically the original owner, I wasn’t sure how that worked. I could try to re shape the bottom, but thought I’d get some opinions before I do anything drastic.

I have been using a home built UDS drum since about 2014, which finally rusted out through the bottom. So I am very familiar with the minion method, drum style cooking etc. thanks in advance!
 
Welcome.
When cooled, flip over and trace the bottom lip (top), and trace the middle abd see if you can get a match and if the are a circle.
And remember, everybody lives pictures.
 
Depends on a lot. How much fuel, how long it was going for, and yes if it's dented enough that could be a factor.

Comparing my times won't help as I have an 18, but try closing all vents and see how long it takes to drop.

Can also drop in some wood even with a small batch of charcoal and look for leaks.
 
If any of the three sections are out of round they can be easily brought back to round. With a tape measure check the diameter in several places to determine the greatest number. With that spot straight up and down you can gently push down to adjust the diameter back round. Easy Peasy, just go easy.
 
To shut the cooker off and extinguish the coals you’ll need to close the top vent or wait a long while for the coals to burn out. With the top vent open the fire is still breathing.

A cooker without food does not act like a cooker with food. Please keep that in mind for test burns. No food with or without water pan it will be hard to get low and slow unless you start with a small amount of coals. Without food and water pan that cooker is breathing very freely even with the bottom vents closed.

Most gaps in the WSM will be fixed by usage. Aside from any abnormal manufacturing defects, the usual stuff is normal and not a problem. If you go hunting for leaks with a flashlight, you’ll find some.

That said, I’m on my same 18” WSM for almost 17 years now with heavy use and the only thing I’ve replaced is the grates.
 
22” WSM is notorious for gaps between middle and bottom sections. Try gently bending back into shape as suggested by Colin. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to fill the gaps. Weber warranty doesn’t extend to you as second owner, so a replacement part should not be expected and you may just get another out of round part anyway.

Good luck!

www.virtualweberbullet.com

Parts Troubleshooting - The Virtual Weber Bullet

Problem areas to look for when unpacking and assembling your new Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Also, solving parts issues that occur with WSM use over time.
www.virtualweberbullet.com www.virtualweberbullet.com
 
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