Hi all,
I purchased a DigiQ Dx2 to go with my WSM 22. While I love the setup, I have been experiencing a problem that I cannot seem to figure out.
I have gone over my WSM extensively to find leaks and seal it. I have metal duct taped every bottom vent, sealed the door with foam tape and RTV'ed the bottom of the lid receiver. With this done, I have been able to get my WSM almost leak free with the exception of two very small spots on both sides of the door.
When firing up the WSM, I am laying in hardwood charcoal (Cowboy Brand) and wood chunks in a doughnut shape in the fire ring and pouring in white hot, ashed over charcoal briquettes. After 25 min or so the WSM will climb up to 250 and stay pretty constant.
The problem usually occurs about 4-5 hours into the cook. I usually begin to see the temperature drop steadily to about 175 or so even though I still have PLENTY of fuel left and the blower is at 100% duty cycle. If I jimmy open the bottom of the door the temps immediately start to climb again.
I think the problem maybe that I am getting too much ash under the fire grate and the fire is being choked out, which is why jimmying the bottom of the door is helping. Unfortunately, I don't know of a way to remove the ash safely while the WSM is still burning. I am wondering if going to the larger 25cfm Pit Viper could help over come the issue. I would just change hardwood charcoal but the Cowboy brand is the most readily available in my area.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
I purchased a DigiQ Dx2 to go with my WSM 22. While I love the setup, I have been experiencing a problem that I cannot seem to figure out.
I have gone over my WSM extensively to find leaks and seal it. I have metal duct taped every bottom vent, sealed the door with foam tape and RTV'ed the bottom of the lid receiver. With this done, I have been able to get my WSM almost leak free with the exception of two very small spots on both sides of the door.
When firing up the WSM, I am laying in hardwood charcoal (Cowboy Brand) and wood chunks in a doughnut shape in the fire ring and pouring in white hot, ashed over charcoal briquettes. After 25 min or so the WSM will climb up to 250 and stay pretty constant.
The problem usually occurs about 4-5 hours into the cook. I usually begin to see the temperature drop steadily to about 175 or so even though I still have PLENTY of fuel left and the blower is at 100% duty cycle. If I jimmy open the bottom of the door the temps immediately start to climb again.
I think the problem maybe that I am getting too much ash under the fire grate and the fire is being choked out, which is why jimmying the bottom of the door is helping. Unfortunately, I don't know of a way to remove the ash safely while the WSM is still burning. I am wondering if going to the larger 25cfm Pit Viper could help over come the issue. I would just change hardwood charcoal but the Cowboy brand is the most readily available in my area.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.