Replacing vent dampers

[Mike F (The Wino)]

Hello fellow BBQers...Happy 4th of July!

I have a pre-2009 18-1/2" Smokey Mountain that needs new vent dampers. I've checked the schematics here http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/partschematic.html and noted the p/n as 78715. Does anyone know if the 63015 damper kit, which is used on later models, will work on my smoker? Do they have the same curvature/profile? I found the 63015 kit available here http://www.ereplacementparts.com/damper-kit-p-1475830.html for $15.64 including shipping.

Has anyone purchased these from Weber, and if so, how much were they? I can't get anyone on their customer support phone line today....you'd think it was a holiday or something. Oh, wait....

BTW, and this is just an opinion, the Weber website leaves a lot to be desired as far as trying to find parts is concerned....

 

[Joe F]

Hello fellow BBQers...Happy 4th of July!

I have a pre-2009 18-1/2" Smokey Mountain that needs new vent dampers. I've checked the schematics here http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/partschematic.html and noted the p/n as 78715. Does anyone know if the 63015 damper kit, which is used on later models, will work on my smoker? Do they have the same curvature/profile? I found the 63015 kit available here http://www.ereplacementparts.com/damper-kit-p-1475830.html for $15.64 including shipping.

Has anyone purchased these from Weber, and if so, how much were they? I can't get anyone on their customer support phone line today....you'd think it was a holiday or something. Oh, wait....

BTW, and this is just an opinion, the Weber website leaves a lot to be desired as far as trying to find parts is concerned....

Yes, that damper kit will work on your WSM.

Couple things....

A stainless steel button head cap screw will look much better than the Weber-supplied screws....they're hideous especially on a kettle 4-hole vent because they're too big to nest.

The locking nuts supplied in the kit will work OK and even better if you add a cut (flat) washer under them.
Tighten carefully while checking for desired tension.

The thread size is 1/4-20 for these fasteners and 1/2" in length for the cap screws should be fine.

For dis-assembly, carefully use a slightly oversize bit to destroy the crimp on the rivet.....this is on the underside.
GENTLY tap out the weakened rivet with a hammer and punch (or nail)....when it's ready it will pop out easily.

 

[Mike F (The Wino)]

Thanks Joe! Good feedback and advice.

Just an FYI for anyone interested: I was finally able to reach customer service at Weber (be prepared for a bit of a phone wait), and they have these damper kits for $10.20 plus tax. They currently offer free shipping as the warehouse is so backed up it takes about three weeks to ship your order. He mentioned the free shipping covers all Weber parts at this time.

 

[Joe F]

Thanks for the heads up on the free shipping !