Alignment and Bands/Hinges

Hook_emHornsfan_74

I am having trouble with my XL.  When I lift the lid, sometimes it feels like the lid is going to become detached and it feels like its catching on something.  I have checked the two main screws on the back and they are tight.  I also now have an air gap that is pretty significant.  I cooked on it yesterday afternoon and this morning is was still warm.  So that means I burning through all the lump.  Do I need to buy a new band/hinge assembly, or are there adjustments that I am missing?  Thanks for they help.

ColtsFan

How old is it?

The reason why I ask is because my XL is 8 months old and I have this exact issue. My dealer and local distributor said there was an issue with "tapering" where the bands move when the egg is hot. This is cause by the ceramics on the base not being true. I'm told a new base will fix my issue, but I haven't pursued that yet.

Here is what I am fighting. I've adjusted by bands numerous times.

 

Hook_emHornsfan_74

My egg is like 12 years old.  I will take a pic when I get home from work.

ColtsFan

Hook_emHornsfan_74 said:

My egg is like 12 years old.  I will take a pic when I get home from work.

Likely not the same issue then

Hook_emHornsfan_74

Not sure if these pics help any. Dodging rain and hail. 

marysvilleksegghead

prob a worn out flux capacitor  

RRP

Hook_emHornsfan_74 said:

I am having trouble with my XL.  When I lift the lid, sometimes it feels like the lid is going to become detached and it feels like its catching on something.  I have checked the two main screws on the back and they are tight.  I also now have an air gap that is pretty significant.  I cooked on it yesterday afternoon and this morning is was still warm.  So that means I burning through all the lump.  Do I need to buy a new band/hinge assembly, or are there adjustments that I am missing?  Thanks for they help.

Regarding the leaking dome issue as you described I believe your dome and base are out of whack “plane” wise. That is, when closed the base and dome should come together in the same plane. Unless your dome or base or both have manufacturing defects then here’s how to correct the leaking.

Close your dome and then loosen the bolts which secure the bands which typically are on the side one above the other. When loose enough you should be able to force the dome and base together. I have suggested placing a board across the top opening of the dome and have a child or spouse sit on it! Just don’t make fun of your wife and no pictures allowed! If no takers to sit then I personally have used a 2 x 4 on that same top opening and then using 2 4’ wood working clamps the force the dome and base together. Mere gravity will not be sufficient. 

Here is a link to a picture of the clamping method:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Ronald44/media/IMG_0415.jpg.html

Now whether human weight or clamping the next thing is to tighten your band bolts. That should shift your dome and base together thereby eliminating your leak.

Please let me know if this fix worked for you.

Hook_emHornsfan_74

Thanks @RRP I will work on that this weekend. Hopefully that fixes it.