Vents will no longer open and shut


 
PaulFisher

PaulFisher

TVWBB Super Fan
I have been using an automatic temperature control system on my WSM for awhile now for which I have closed off the other two vents for over a year or so. Sometimes I would like to just open up the vents and cook some food on my WSM but I can't get the vents to open anymore. I have even used a hammer to "gently" force them open and the tabs just bend. Is there anyway to install new vents or get the existing ones open?

Thanks
 
spray some oven cleaner on the vents it will degrease them enough to open them. Mine did the same thing, what happens is as the air circulates when smoking all that juice gets in there and gums it up. In doing so it makes it IMPOSSIBLE to move, you just need to clean it out really good. Because it is on the outside it will not effect the smoking process. So feel free to do a couple applications if its needed. Another thing you can do is WD40, if there is any rust or water still under there that will clean it out as well.
 
NO!!!
Oven cleaner will eat the aluminum.

Use the jet on your water hose inside and out followed by kitchen degreaser. Repeat as necessary.
 
Last edited:
1) No oven cleaner.....NEVER
2) No WD40.....NEVER

What I would do.....

Sawhorses
1/2 sheet of plywood
Place bowl section upside down on plywood "table" (or similar)
Take warm water and dish detergent along with a plastic bristle scrub brush
Scrub the vents (daisy wheels) as you change their position until they move well
For lubrication (if necessary) use a food-grade spray oil like PAM

This should be an easy project
 
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