Replacement hinge for XL, are there options?

This2ShallPass

my XL BGE (purchased in 2012) got stuck (almost) closed. Not a gasket issue, as it starts to open, but then seems to lock up at the hinge. This happened once before, years ago, and I forget what I did to unstick it.

Anyways, I think it's time to replace the hinge assembly, and I looked up the part Band and Hinge assembly XLarge EGG – 117908. It looks identical to what I have. I thought I had read/seen an updated design. Anyone have knowledge/recommendations? Don't want to go through this stuck scenario again. I tried loosening the bolts at every possible spot on the top band, the hinges, the springs, nothing works. Can't make sense of what could be seized up.

Thanks in advance.

pgprescott

The hinge is almost identical with one major exception. They have integrated an elongated slot at each side where the long sidebar portion of the band meets the top/lid and band. This may seem like a small thing but it’s not. It allows for the lid to have the adjustment it sometimes needs to provide a continuously great seal. The old one if not perfect would often times force the back of the lid off the base a bit leading tos one leaks. Good luck and happy egging. 

This2ShallPass

pgprescott said:

The hinge is almost identical with one major exception. They have integrated an elongated slot at each side where the long sidebar portion of the band meets the top/lid and band. This may seem like a small thing but it’s not. It allows for the lid to have the adjustment it sometimes needs to provide a continuously great seal. The old one if not perfect would often times force the back of the lid off the base a bit leading tos one leaks. Good luck and happy egging. 

Many thanks, PG. Have you heard or experienced the seized lid scenario I've described?

Mattman3969

I’m not an XL owner but it sounds like you have a bolt that needs to be adjusted or lubricated.  

Photo Egg

Some of the bolts are to be loose and some are meant to be tight...
Use a light oil and oil the pivot points on the band EVERY few months.
Issues happen when the pivot points start to seize up and tighten them selves.
See the photo below for the most common point on the XL band. If the bolt is to long it will hit the band and tighten itself. But will also tighten aided with a little corrosion so keep it oiled.
I pulled my bolts and shortened them a little on a bench grinder. But keeping the joints oiled will solve most of your future problems. I would not spend money on a new band before trying the above. The right side is more prone to issues.

This2ShallPass

WOW! Thanks Darian! I have never oiled any bolts, but I do check the tightnesses each year, and I ensured that things were not too tight on the bolts you so nicely circled. I'm not quite as well equipped as you with a bench grinder.

Photo Egg

This2ShallPass said:

WOW! Thanks Darian! I have never oiled any bolts, but I do check the tightnesses each year, and I ensured that things were not too tight on the bolts you so nicely circled. I'm not quite as well equipped as you with a bench grinder.

Welcome.
Have seen past posts where members have flipped the bolt around so the end is pointing outward.