what am I doing wrong when it comes to Temp?


 
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Derrick Llewellyn

TVWBB Fan
Ok guys help me out. This is my second cook on 22.5 WSM. First one I used water and 1/2 lit chimney and temps stayed higher than I wanted them, around 290.

Today I went with the 16" clay saucer and 12 lit briquettes and still running in the 290*.

Am I not catching the temp fast enough? I have all 3 intakes closed and exhaust 1/2 closed just trying to keep it from running away from me.

It certainly is not air tight like my UDS was. Big gap around door and cooking chamber does not sit plum with charcoal chamber. Certainly going to get gasket kit.

Feeling discouraged thus far with WSM and temp control. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
 
Definately go with the gaskets Derrick but before that I would measure the diameter of the charcoal bowl at different points. If its out that much maybe worth your while to call Weber C/S. Someone on here recently had the same problem and Weber were sending out a new bowl. My used 06 was out a 1/2" but I fixed it with Nomex.
 
Whoops that person was you under a different post.
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new smokers tend to run hot due to the new shiny metal. I would do a few more cooks on it and get it good and greasy. that usually helps seal up any little gaps and just seems to hold temps lower after use.
 
Where and how are you measuring the temperture. OEM, vent, grate It doesn't matter where, if you account for the differences between the 3 places and not compare it to others who may temp in a different location.

I am supprised you ran that high WITH water. I suspect that you got it running and it got high quick on you.

I recommend you give it a try with 15-20 lit. You will be suprised how little that is. It won't even fill an inverted chimney.

Start with one vent close, and work the other two as it rises.

What was your target temp. Don't get hung up on that magical number of 225, unless that is what you specificly are targeting. I think you will find 250-275 to do quite well.

First few cook will want to be in the range you were, but after awhile, it will seem like you can't get the temps up
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Yesterday I tried again with 8 lit coals. With that it sat at 253 all day long. It took about an hr to get there-in fact I was worried 8 wouldnt be enough. So now I know 8=250 and 12=275ish probably.

Going to do spares this weekend and start with 8 lit again and catch it a little earlier and try to stay around 225-230*

Also called Weber CS and have a new bowl coming. I must say been very impressed with Weber CS.
 
So now I know 8=250 and 12=275ish probably.
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That math will only work on even days. Odd days you will need to change the 8 and 12.
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It does sound though as you are taking notes of what and how you are doing things. That is great and will help the learning alot.
 
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