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PSA - Sealed Shut

MCRyan
MCRyan Posts: 167
in EggHead Forum
Over this past weekend I was cooking ABT’s on my XL.  I usually let em ride low and slow to prevent flare ups, and to enjoy the evening with the much needed adult drinks.  Must have had one too many IPAs...  Why?   Well, I went out to the patio Sunday morning and saw the bottom vent and top open.  Nice...   I have no idea how hot it must have got the night before.  Needless to say, this was not planned.  At any rate, it was seized shut to the point that the lid would not open. I have heard stories and even had some episodes where there was a little bit of a lock up.   This was pretty bad.  I started a fire in the bottom.  Started one in the top.  Had the temp up to 500 at one point.  Had it riding at 350 for several hours.  Nada.  I resorted to working a putty knife around the bands where the gasket had molded together, being extra careful not to chip any ceramic.  Finally, I got it open after much frustration and wasting a good part of the morning.  In five years never have I had that happen. Luckily, the gasket wasn’t ruined either.  One part of the bottom gasket is stuck to the lid felt.  Still Has a good seal based off last night’s cook.  

When you hear people talking about laying toothpicks, or foil as a barrier between the lid and base, this is a good habit.  Sauce, grease, cheese whatever can lock it up.  At least that is what I heard is the reason behind this.  Moisture maybe???  Needless to say, being over served and not shutting down was an idiot move too.  I’ll accept that.  FYI - I was my own bartender  =)
XLBGE, SS table
McKinney, TX.
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Comments

  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,137
    With the newer gaskets, even BGE brand, it's the hot grease and crud on the gaskets that stick together after the Egg cools.
    The old BGE gaskets from several yers ago would literally melt together.
    I have aftermarket lower gaskets on most of my grills now and no gasket on top. No issues with sticking or air gap problems.
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • OshawaDave
    OshawaDave Posts: 198
    It's all good if your wife doesn't know about it !!

    Weber Genesis CP310; Weber Q1200 (camping); LBGE.

    "If you haven't heard a rumour by 8:30 am - start one"

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  • MCRyan
    MCRyan Posts: 167
    I’ll consider the Rutland next go round when I need it.  Luckily, after several cooks after the incident, the seal is still perfectly fine.  

    @OshawaDave - unfortunately the wife catches on as the evening wears on!   It doesn’t help when I’m her bartender too!
    XLBGE, SS table
    McKinney, TX.
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  • thetrim
    thetrim Posts: 11,388
    Rutland for the win.
    =======================================
    XL 6/06, Mini 6/12, L 10/12, Mini #2 12/14 MiniMax 3/16 Large #2 11/20 Legacy from my FIL - RIP PitBoss Navigator 850G 11/25
    Tampa Bay, FL
    EIB 6 Oct 95
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