upper grate falls / fails


 
D

Dave Don

New member
seems everytime i use my 18.5 wsm the top grate/meat rack finds a way to fall into the bullet. the bent metal tabs used to support it do not seem to be long enough. i have thought about bending the tabs but i fear using too much force to bend them might damage the chimmney. does anyone else have this problem? any suggested solutions? did i assemble it incorrectly?

Thanks,

DaveD
 
Last edited:
Dave Don said:
seems everytime i use my 18.5 wsm the top grate/meat rack finds a way to fall into the bullet. the bent metal tabs used to support it do not seem to be long enough. i have thought about bending the tabs but i fear using too much force to bend them might damage the chimmney. does anyone else have this problem? any suggested solutions? did i assemble it incorrectly?

Thanks,

DaveD
Click to expand...
Some have reported this issue with the newer units.
The solution has been to spacer out the grate support straps with cut (flat) washers.
 
Joe F said:
Some have reported this issue with the newer units.
The solution has been to spacer out the grate support straps with cut (flat) washers.
Click to expand...

Why didn't I think of that? Thanks for the help.

I also may try complaining some more to weber about this.

DaveD
 
I just got a new 18.5 last week and have also noticed this. Thanks for the washer advice I am going to do that before next cook.
 
Just took a peek at my new - as of June - 18". No probs. But the washer idea is an excellent one. I would use Stainless Steel.
 
Mine does this on my 14.5, usually when I am attempting to move meat around or place things on. It is quite a pain once it falls down, at one point it went in sideways and was a ***** to get back above those tabs. I almost wish they used a U joint type system so it would "lock" in place, that way when I move my pork butt which has its bark stuck to the grate it doesnt pick up the whole thing and drop in the bullet.
 
Just make sure you are not using the wrong grate. The middle grate is slightly smaller than the top grate and will fall through the top grate brackets. Also, make sure your middle section is not out of round
 
Stainless washers are as good as plated washers: no difference.
Once those cheap plated washers get gunked up, there'll be no risk of rust.
So, look for some washers laying around the garage and use'm...
they'll work as well as those stainless washers
 
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