Question about hinge bolts

EggHead_Bubba

I have two questions regarding hinge bolts.

The first question relates to the 4 bolts that are holding the two hinge pieces together. Recently... I noticed my BGE had a slight underbite. I decided to loosen the band bolts and reposition everything and torque down the band bolts. Everything was perfectly aligned and then I decided to check all the bolts on the hinge mechanism. I noticed a couple on each side were loose so I tightened them as well. Once I did that, the dome wouldn't open more than a couple of inches. Question is, should all 4 hinge bolts on each side just be snug only?

Second question... A couple of the bolts that attach the top band/hinge to the dome (one on left side, one on right side) will not get tight, they seem to be stripped. What have others done with this situation? Are the holes in the ceramic threaded somehow and if so can it be repaired?

Thanks!

SoCalTim

There are no holes in the actual ceramics, I think the 'bolts' your talking abnout are called 'Cinch Studs' .. and your not going to find them in just any hardware store. Your dealer will have them. As far as alignment ... there's a video posted on youtube on this very subject. Good source of info.

EggHead_Bubba

Thanks @SoCalTim... the bolt I'm talking about is circled in the photo. The other bolts I'm asking about have an arrow pointing at them. Apparently the bolt has broken off and is now stuck in the acorn nut. Guess I'll need to figure out how to replace this stud from the inside of the BGE? . My alignment is fine now after adjusting.

4Runner

They don't actually going into the dome.  They stop at the band.  It does sound like that one is stripped.  I will call the Mothership about that.

To you other question about how tight, I have been down that road as well.  I just get them snug and spray some lube on them to allow the dome to open without turning the bolt/nut.  I'm interested to read with other post on this subject.  Sorry I don't have a more definitive answer for you.  

EggHead_Bubba

Thanks @4Runner... so there is a bolt from the inside of the egg that the acorn nut screws onto, correct?

4Runner

no, just on the other side of the band.  When you remove your dome. there are no holes in it for bolts.   Pretty sure I'm correct on this.  No holes in the dome other than the top and the bottom.  

aukerns08

There's only 2 holes in the dome, the large one at the top for venting that the daisey wheel sits on top of and the small one for the thermometer to go through.  All the bolts on that picture would just be through the band with the head resting between the band and the ceramic dome.

fishlessman

dont over tighten the pivot points, you can tighten the band bolts and the lower spring bolt. you need to replace the broken clinch stud, this is a clinch stud
http://www.mcmaster.com/#self-clinching-studs/=x4x72q

EggHead_Bubba

I think I got it now... appreciate all the input. I'll check with my local dealer and see if they have cinch studs and acorn nuts in stock. May as well do them all while I have things apart. 

SoCalTim

I see you got your problem figured out, here's the next problem ... the band has to come completely off to install the fresh Cinch Stud, which means removing the dome. It's not as simple as 'just removing' the dome thou, You'll have to use zip ties to keep the spring assy in the closed position (There's a video on this too) .. then, since you have the dome off .. inspect the gasket real close, now is the time to change it since everything is apart. 

EggHead_Bubba

Thanks @SoCalTim... I have the plastic hinge locks that I can use to hold the assembly in place. I have removed the springs in the past before I obtained the plastic locks which seemed to work. No worries on the gasket, I installed a Rutland gasket a few weeks ago.

SoCalTim

@EggHead_Bubba  ... Excellent my friend!!

SoCalTim

Oh - one last thing, if you can't find the cinch studs locally or fast, I have at least 2 extra. let me know & I'll put them in the mail.

EggHead_Bubba

Just talked to my local dealer and they have 8 cinch studs and acorn caps waiting for me at the front counter. Really appreciate the offer to mail them to me!

4Runner

good to know.   Great posting and I'm sure this will help out someone in the future.

DaveRichardson

I'm just going to "Star" this thread because I've been thinking of using the conch studs to be anchor points in helping to stabilize the egg in an outdoor kitchen environment......  Thanks, @fishlessman for posting the cinch stud link!