Those vents are quite a bit different from WSK ventI use simple green on the top vent of my performer and WSM.
the sticking is good and not so good. mine sticks too but i prefer it than when it freewheels.The schmutz is building up in the top vent of my WSK. When the grill is cold it can be difficult to rotate the vent, and I don't want to force things too much.
Why doesn't the gunk just melt away?
Has anyone else had this problem and how did you get the gunk out?