WSM 18 refit and overhaul

[JaimeG-higonzilla]

My WSM 18 had a good season this year and is going through refit and overhaul. I added a hinge, front handle and vent handle to carry easily. New thermometer, a gasket around the door and the Hunsaker diffusing Vortex plate and rib hanger. I added a brass probe port as part of voyage repair.







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[Jon Tofte]

That's a great set of overhauls there, Jaime. I have an old, worn 18" WSM given to me for free. I would like to do at least a few of the things you have.

How do you like the lid hinge so far?

 

[JaimeG-higonzilla]

That's a great set of overhauls there, Jaime. I have an old, worn 18" WSM given to me for free. I would like to do at least a few of the things you have.

How do you like the lid hinge so far?

Hey Jon. I haven't been able to use the hinge in a cook. Nice and smooth, I really like it so far. Easy to install. I used a small bit for a pilot hole then a step bit for the nuts and bolts that were provided with the kit. I did use the brass fitting probe port. That works like a charm. I need a better way to hang my thermometer. BTW I was in your neck of the woods on Saturday. I picked up a 1973-1974 red 22" kettle from a really nice guy.

 

[MichaelLC]

I've had an Unknown BBQ hinge for awhile on my 18" and it's been a big improvement.

Once you figure out the lift-and-drop move, it works great. Would recommend.

 

[Rebecca Zerbst]

My WSM 18 had a good season this year and is going through refit and overhaul. I added a hinge, front handle and vent handle to carry easily. New thermometer, a gasket around the door and the Hunsaker diffusing Vortex plate and rib hanger. I added a brass probe port as part of voyage repair.

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Hi JaimeG: What product did you use as the door gasket?

 

[AndyK]

Nice upgrades.
I have some of the same modifications on mine and like them a lot.

 

[Todd K Wisc]

How do you like the Hunsaker Vortex?

 

[JaimeG-higonzilla]

Hi JaimeG: What product did you use as the door gasket?

Off Amazon the Unco smoker gasket.

 

[JaimeG-higonzilla]

 

[JaimeG-higonzilla]

I used the bottom of a different smokey joe to give extra height. It just sits on the top edge of the pot. The pot has a gasket so it is pretty much smkoe tight. Now I have two lids.

 

[B.A. Poole]

I like that door gasket. Any update on the gasket material after some use?

 

[WB Zipf]

Has anyone replaced their air vent wheels/ dampers ? I am not sure if that’s what they are called.

 

[Brock Gingery]

Has anyone replaced their air vent wheels/ dampers ? I am not sure if that’s what they are called.

Daisy wheels, dampers, or vent. What is your issue? Just getting out the rivet?
There are many people who have replaced, or simply modified their daisy wheels just to make them clean able. Tom Horsman on YouTube did a video on modifying his green kettle that shows it.

 

[Brock Gingery]

Has anyone replaced their air vent wheels/ dampers ? I am not sure if that’s what they are called.

Did a quick look for you. Hope this helps.

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

My WSM 18 had a good season this year and is going through refit and overhaul. I added a hinge, front handle and vent handle to carry easily. New thermometer, a gasket around the door and the Hunsaker diffusing Vortex plate and rib hanger. I added a brass probe port as part of voyage repair.

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Let us know how the hinge feels, like stability and such i have thinking about one.

 

[Todd K Wisc]

Let us know how the hinge feels, like stability and such i have thinking about one.

I have the hinge and it works great. you do need to make sure the hinge is in line with a leg or it can be unbalanced.