Stoker probes melted together at 225 low and slow

HostileHarry

Well I really was enjoying my first use of the new Stoker II over the weekend to cook a 14lb choice packer from Sams Club. I had 15 people coming over and had to have brisket on the table at 1:30pm.

So I started the egg up at 5pm and brisket on at 6pm. Smooth sailing until 9am in the morning when my temp readings via the Web interface were crazy numbers (600 pit and -34 food). 

I knew everything was ok as I also had my Maverick going to keep the Stoker honest and my dome temp was 235. I opened the lid and saw a beautiful brisket about 2 hours from being finished..... But my stoker probes were stuck together.?!?! I looked closer and could see that there was some slight melting on the outside material and took the probes out and tried to separate them, which confirmed that they fused together and exposed the conductor inside.

I requested warranty replacement from Rocks, but I've not heard anything... I've read through documentation and I don't see anything stating to make sure they don't touch metal or each other. I've had my Maverrick for a year and never had a problem with those probes, but the stoker probes didn't even last 1 low and slow.

So am I crazy? I'm really surprised that they fused together like that as they should be rated for 400 degree at least. Obviously going forward I will be making sure they don't touch, but what the heck?

st¡ke

They may have melted at 235, but I can't imagine that was the cause, or they'd all melt at that temp

more likely they "saw" the lump, or were directly exposed to the lump as they crossed the gap from the rim to your platesetter (or other barrier).

did you run them along a leg of the platesetter to block them?

because the lump itself is much hotter than 235.  It's still red hot lump, there's just very little of it. If your probes (or meat) can see the lump, it'll burn

NPHuskerFL

110% agree^^^^ radiant heat was the likely cause. Block radiant heat with PS leg or AR etc. Per Rock's the probes and silicone are good at 400℉ "indirect". 

Ozzie_Isaac

I use a fire brick to shield all my probes.  Direct radiant heat is no bueno.

4Runner

odd to me.  I have been using a 12" stone on the my spider with cooks as high as 275 and mine haven't melted.  The wire is clearly exposed as it exits my dome.   Also, if you haven't already, I would call them as opposed to email.  Good luck

HostileHarry

I was using my AR with an oval stone and the probes entered from the side and therefore the probes would have been exposed to direct lump... I honestly never even thought that would impact the probes and I guess next time I will have to come from the front with oval stone...

Lesson learned and I hope this helps other new stoker users avoid this rookie mistake. 

calracefan

I have wrapped my Maverick probes with foil to help them with stand the heat. Not sure it has helped but I also haven't burnt them up so something is working .

swordsmn

I'll start with HDAF  myself.  I  wonder if there's a purpose built high temp small diam shield out there for a modest price

DoubleEgger

Check at Summit Racing or Jegs. They have automotive heat shields for fuel lines, spark plug wires etc. 

4Runner

HostileHarry said:

I was using my AR with an oval stone and the probes entered from the side and therefore the probes would have been exposed to direct lump... I honestly never even thought that would impact the probes and I guess next time I will have to come from the front with oval stone...

Lesson learned and I hope this helps other new stoker users avoid this rookie mistake. 

Mine is a round stone though so there is no shielding the wire upon exit.  I don't think your wires should have melted at those temps.