Another band post: Looking for opinion/help

BJM2932

I've had my egg now for about 2 months and have absolutely loved the experience and food that it has allowed me to enjoy. This site has been a great source of info, and has drastically helped with the learning curve.  With that said I'm in need of some advice. I have the newer band assembly in place. This morning I went out and did a routine tightening of all my bolts (learned to routinely tighten and calibrate thermo).  I assembled the egg myself, and since assembly it has had a slight overbite on the left side and underbite on the right side.  I haven't noticed any smoke leaking out from either side during any cooks.  I did have an issue with my fire going out during a low and slow yesterday, but I'm leaning more towards poor fire building and starting as the cause of that.  The OCD Nurse in me wants to start tinkering around and fix this, but am also afraid of causing greater issues in attempting to fix.

With that said, should I:
1. Let it be until I have any issues or notice smoke leaking out a side?
2. Attempt to fix and straighten out the dome?
3. If fixing I assume I would loosen the 2 rear bolts, adjust the dome and re-tighten?


Here are some pictures of either side, the rear, and another view to make sure my bands placement isn't the problem.  I will be headed back to bed for night shift in a little while, so I apologize in any delays of answering questions.  As always thanks in advance for your help.  

Left Side



Right Side


Rear


Other View Left Side

YEMTrey

You're fine.  I wouldn't tinker with it unless you're having trouble shutting down the egg and extinguishing a fire.

TN_Sister_State

Thats the new band assembly so I would say get a friend and use the spacers and im sure you will get it straight. I still smoke well on my egg even with smoke leaking from the sides at the start. Ive given up on fixing my underbite. 

DaveRichardson

I've had an underbite for years and have ZERO problem smoking, maintaining 225, or killing the lump at the end of a cook.  Egg On!

BJM2932

Alright so I have 2 saying to leave it and one for fixing. Perhaps I'll will leave it as is for now, but I know eventually I will give in and try to fix it. Thanks guys. 

jtcBoynton

You can't fix it if there isn't anything wrong.  It is functioning fine.  Your issue is cosmetic. There is always the possibility of creating a real problem in an attempt to 'fix' a problem that doesn't exist.

sumoconnell

I'd leave it too, that's as good as it gets anyway, top and bottom aren't perfectly matched all the time's. If you had a problem with a fire going out, you have a good seal...

td66snrf

If it doesn't leak I'd leave it alone. 

lousubcap

Another vote to leave it. I would give it the dollar bill test to ensure you have a good top to base seal.  Insert a dollar bill on the gasket, shut the dome and pull out the dollar.  Should get good resistance.  Do this at several points just to ease your mind.  FWIW-

chuckytheegghead

I'd leave it alone but it does appear as if the lower band is riding low. 

4Runner

Lower band needs to be level and high and the upper level and low. Then the key is the bolts are tight under high heat.  Having typed that, it is irrelevant in most cases.  I do get it, I tinkered with mine until I reached perfection.  

RedSkip

I don't understand why BGE doesn't make the bands thicker so they can ride in the cutout on the ceramics.  I don't notice that much thermal expansion, they must have a reason though...

BJM2932

sumoconnell said:

I'd leave it too, that's as good as it gets anyway, top and bottom aren't perfectly matched all the time's. If you had a problem with a fire going out, you have a good seal...

This thought didn't even cross my mind, but makes a whole lot of sense. Thanks.  

Rte1985

I imagine most eggs will have a small over/under bite.  I think it could drive a person crazy trying to get it perfect!  Just cook on!  Also if you still have factory fire grate you could upgrade.  Since I got my high q no more worrying about overnight burn outs on low n slows!

jtcBoynton

You also need to measure carefully to see if perfect is even possible.  The diameter on the top and bottom of my egg are a bit different.  They will never line up perfectly.  Only thing that really matters is if they form a good seal to control air flow.

BJM2932

Thanks for all the feedback guys.  I will just let it go and keep an eye on it since I know it has a good seal.  Couple adult beverages into each cook I won't even notice the underbite!