Brand new XL BGE seal leak toward back, problem or normal?

nutshellml

Morning all... So I just bought the XL BGE had it assembled by the authorized dealer and noticed on my last two smokes the felt seal toward the back had a very small gap and smoke was coming out (see attached).  I also noticed that there is a very small overbit of the lid in the front.  The front of the BGE is fine and sealed very well (aside from the slight overbit)  Will that fix itself or do is that an issue and I should call the dealer (Chef Central)???

lousubcap

It won't fix itself.  And given your dealer assembled it I would let them know what is happening and ask them to fix it. 

GoldenQ

I had the same problem.  My dealer said it was ok but a little later I burned the felt.    When I put the new felt on I still had the overbite but no gap. I then went back through the original installation instructions and with all my back bolt heads loose got it straight then tightened.  Now perfect

Photo Egg

Here is a basic XL dome adj that was posted some time back. The latter part helps with general adjustment.

XL Hinge Adjustment

 

If your XL Egg has become difficult to open or close, it is time to perform some preventative maintenance on your grill.  As the XL Egg ages, you need to adjust and lubricate the side and rear hinges on the grill.  Over time these pivot points will lose their lubrication, and once that happens, one side will tighten up each time the dome is opened and closed.  This is why one side of the hinge usually does not function as well as it used to.  

The XL has (2) side hinge assemblies and (2) rear hinge assemblies.  There is a linkage bar connecting the upper and lower brackets on each hinge.  There are (2) nuts and bolts on each of these linkage arms.  Make sure each nut is completely tight, then back (loosen) it off ¼ turn.  Next you need to apply lubricating oil ( 3 in 1 oil, gun oil) or graphite powder to each of those pivot points and work into the hinge.  This adjustment should let your hinge work normally again.  If you forced the dome open or closed, check the black bands on the grill to be sure they are safely positioned around the Egg.  The bottom band needs to be 1/8” below the bottom gasket.  If the bottom band is too far down, the dome will set back on the base.  You also won’t have any room to adjust the dome (move it back and forward) using the slotted bracket on the side of the grill (upper band).  When the bottom band is positioned right under the bottom basket, you will have the maximum amount of adjustability using that slotted side hinge on the top band.  The location of the top band is fine as long as it’s located above the top gasket and safely on the ceramic surface.  

Finally, make sure the bands are even all the way around the grill and that both carriage bolts are tightened until the ends of the black bands are about ½” apart.  Loose carriage bolts will let the bands slip when the grill is hot.  

It is a good idea to adjust and lubricate these hinges every year.  Think of it as spring cleaning for your grill.  At the same time, check all fasteners for tightness and remove the internal ceramic components (fire ring & fire box) so you can sweep out the grill.  The average griller needs to do this a year.  These simple steps will keep your XL Egg is good working order. 

Durangler

It looks to me like the lower band may be sitting a bit high. Lower the band a touch & that should remedy the problem.
Search "Dollar Bill Test". A dollar bill sliding around a closed dome should show resistance at 12, 3, 6 & 9 o'clock areas. If no resistance, it'll leak.