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Really Frozen Shut

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ThrRoff
ThrRoff Posts: 169
edited November -1 in EggHead Forum
It.s 10 degrees on the patio here in Maryland, and my Large isn't going to open. I have put 3 parafin fire starters and some lit charcoal down the top, all to no avail. And, time for the ribs is passing. Any other ideas? I have though about hitting the area just above and below the gasket with a tourch, but I am kind of hesitant.
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  • Mike in Abita
    Mike in Abita Posts: 3,302
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    Go with the torch.
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  • BENTE
    BENTE Posts: 8,337
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    some people hang a drop light down in the egg. but it may be a little late for that :ohmy:

    happy eggin

    TB

    Anderson S.C.

    "Life is too short to be diplomatic. A man's friends shouldn't mind what he does or says- and those who are not his friends, well, the hell with them. They don't count."

    Tyrus Raymond Cobb

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  • Jeffersonian
    Jeffersonian Posts: 4,244
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    I'd be afraid of a stress fracture using a torch. have you thought about using hot water or maybe a hair dryer on the parting line?
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  • BENTE
    BENTE Posts: 8,337
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    hair dryer down on the inside of the egg may be a good idea!!!

    happy eggin

    TB

    Anderson S.C.

    "Life is too short to be diplomatic. A man's friends shouldn't mind what he does or says- and those who are not his friends, well, the hell with them. They don't count."

    Tyrus Raymond Cobb

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  • ThrRoff
    ThrRoff Posts: 169
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    Thanks. I thought about that, but you are right. I need something soon. I think I am going to carefully torch........wish me luck. I don't want to replace the gasket.
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  • ThrRoff
    ThrRoff Posts: 169
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    Good points and good ideas. Thank. I don't think we even have a hair dryer any more. Stressing the ceramic is a very good point. I think I am going with a couple more fire starters and if that doesn't do it, its oven time.

    Thanks to all.
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  • WessB
    WessB Posts: 6,937
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    Stick the lit torch in the lower vent pointing it towards the charcoal grate...."IF" there is any leftover lump in there it will light and thaw the egg....The exact reason I say, in the winter make sure you have some lump left in the egg after you'r done cooking....just for this reason...even if you have to add new lump after the cook....
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  • ThrRoff
    ThrRoff Posts: 169
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    Perfect. Many thanks. There is plenty of charcoal in it. Whew.......
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  • WessB
    WessB Posts: 6,937
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    Glad to be of help...As you probably already found out, it may take a minute or 2 of holding the torch in there to get some lump lit....but it will work fine once you get something burning.....and is probably a lot better idea that taking the torch to the exterior ceramics...
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  • Little Steven
    Little Steven Posts: 28,817
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    Ha d the same problem last night. I put charcoal in the bottom vent and dropped coals in the top  onto the grilland rolled up a lot of newspaper in through the top and lit both ends with mapp. Once the fire established it opened. Then i dumped what was on the grill into the firebox and It lit in no time

    Steve 

    Caledon, ON

     

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  • Rascal
    Rascal Posts: 3,923
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    If this is a frequent problem, would non-stick aluminum foil between the mating surfaces be a possible solution?That way, even if the gaskets absorb some moisture (after shutdown), they won't freeze together and prevent opening of the lid.

    Rascal
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  • WessB
    WessB Posts: 6,937
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    That would absolutely work, if one was inclined to stick to doing it...I would most likely "forget"... :)
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  • ThrRoff
    ThrRoff Posts: 169
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    Thanks all. Turned out that some da... critter who got in the garage decided to make lunch out of my MAPP torch tube. Chewed right through it. Grrrrrr........ Ribs are in the oven. And, hoping I don't forget, I think I am going to start using the foil trick.
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  • Never Summer
    Never Summer Posts: 162
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    It only takes a few times of having to thaw it out to start remembering! The foil is a lot easier than starting a fire in the bottom vent.

    Patty
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