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2 Questions - XL lid adjustment/alignment instructions and Gasket wear?

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Gdfein
Gdfein Posts: 60
in EggHead Forum
1) i bought my XL already assembled from my local dealer and after a few months of good use the lid has slid towards the back of the egg about 1/4". 

I know now I was told to tighten the band bolts periodically but I was never really shown how and there are a number of bolts. 

Are there assembly instructions that would have come with the XL had I assembled myself?  Any tips appreciated. 

2) I know the Rutland kit is widely acknowledge as a good product.  How can I tell when it's time to change my original BGE gasket?  I've used my XL about 12-14 times in the few months we've had it.  50% of my cooks have been pizzas and steaks The rest were low and slow. My gasket is the original gray with soot stains in some spots and in others it is a dark black. When I did low and slow last it was still easy to maintain temp like Day1 so I'm not yet detecting much air leakage. 

I'm all for preventative maintenance and I get my cars oil change regularly, but just looking for guidance on how to tell when it is time. 

Again in welcome the advice. 

Greg
BGE XL Woodlands, TX (Originally from Buffalo, NY but I got here as fast as I could)
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Here are the instructions. https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/FileUpload/ad/aa4812ef026fd8cf3bd9d7216a3bc9.pdf

    I replaced my gasket when it burned up so just change it when you feel it is no longer functional.   
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Gdfein
    Gdfein Posts: 60
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    Thanks 4Runner, but I belive that my XL has a different hinge and spring mechanism than the L, M, S instructions in the link. 

    Anyone have and a link to the XL instructions?
    BGE XL Woodlands, TX (Originally from Buffalo, NY but I got here as fast as I could)
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    True but I believe the bolts that tighten the upper and lower bands are the same. 
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,893
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    IMO gaskets are not like regular PM like changing the oil in your car. It is time to replace a gasket when the gasket goes bad. Based just on what you said it sounds like your gasket is still good. It's like they say about retirement - you'll know when it's time to go (or replace your gasket in this case!) Then when you reach that crossroad you can decide on what type gasket though there is a camp here that preaches no gasket!
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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  • Tinyfish
    Tinyfish Posts: 1,755
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    You should have some wiggle room with the hinge arms on both sides of the XL. Loosen the side nuts at approximately 2pm and 10pm and see if you have the room to pull the dome forward.  If not enough room or no room refer to the assembly instructions on BGE website or Google.   I would read the instructions first very helpful. Your bands have to be spaced apart 2" to give you the correct fitment.
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
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    Imo, it is time to install the rutland before you ever fire it up. Seriously.

    My OEM lasted about a month before it started to go south. The rutland has been on my large for over 5 years now. Still like new. RRPs is several years older than that!

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • XC242
    XC242 Posts: 1,208
    edited March 2015
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    @Gdfein, here are some thoughts on gasket replacement (not that I'm an expert on anything other than burning one up).

     http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1171524/should-i-wait-to-replace-my-gasket#latest
    LBGE (still waitin' for my free T-Shirt), DIgiQ DX2 (In Blue, cause it's the fastest), Heavy Duty Kick Ash Basket, Mc Farland, WI. :glasses:  B)
    If it wasn't for my BGE I'd have no use for my backyard...
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  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,482
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    Gdfein said:
    1) i bought my XL already assembled from my local dealer and after a few months of good use the lid has slid towards the back of the egg about 1/4". 

    I know now I was told to tighten the band bolts periodically but I was never really shown how and there are a number of bolts. 

    Are there assembly instructions that would have come with the XL had I assembled myself?  Any tips appreciated. 

    2) I know the Rutland kit is widely acknowledge as a good product.  How can I tell when it's time to change my original BGE gasket?  I've used my XL about 12-14 times in the few months we've had it.  50% of my cooks have been pizzas and steaks The rest were low and slow. My gasket is the original gray with soot stains in some spots and in others it is a dark black. When I did low and slow last it was still easy to maintain temp like Day1 so I'm not yet detecting much air leakage. 

    I'm all for preventative maintenance and I get my cars oil change regularly, but just looking for guidance on how to tell when it is time. 

    Again in welcome the advice. 

    Greg
    I just recently had to adjust the top lid on my XL.  My dealer told me to open the lid, remove the springs, close the lid and loosen the nuts from the back to around the side and adjust the lid back to the center.  Then tighten the nuts back up, open the lid and reattach the springs.  I did this and my gasket looks good to me, but I had a hard time keeping the temp from creeping up over what I had set it at.  I need to do another low and slow and see.  I think I will be contacting @RRP soon about a new one instead of buying the original one.  I couldn't keep my egg below 300 and  it seemed to be leaking around the gasket when I was cooking.  I was able to control it a little better when I put the ceramic top on, but it needs its gasket replace too.
    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
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  • luckyboy
    luckyboy Posts: 284
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    My top was also out of alignment when the store delivered it, just study the hinges and such and you'll get straight.It may take a beer or two but you'll get it. Mind over matter.
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