Silicone replacement for the gasket

Lavahead

Has anyone just used high temp silicone only to replace the gasket??? I would guess you might be able to run a couple of beads on the top and bottom and have a good seal?? Any thoughts??? about to give my eggs there annual service.

stike

yeah.
bead along the bottom with wax paper as a bond breaker (or maybe it was saran wrap). shut the dome and let it cure to the shape of the mated rims.

Unknown

Waxed paper doesn't release completely, but will eventually "weather" off. It just looks bad 'til it's gone.

Spray the silicone with Pam or other cooking oil before covering with Saran Wrap. It releases very well, but is messy.

Either lasts a couple of years, with numerous high temp cooks. It usually just peels off in one piece, letting you know when it is time to replace. :ermm:

Buxwheat

What sort of silicone are you using? How thick a layer? Sounds good to me as I am about to replace my dome gasket (yet again). I bought Rutland fiberglass and figured on putting it on the dome even though I have another Rutland on the bottom half. I'm tired of melting off gaskets and having serious leaks. My Rutland has held up well on the bottom, but since the egg leaks so badly, I'm planning on doubling up with the Rutland knowing it won't break down like felt. Since I have to put down a bead of gasket cement or RTV to stick the gasket down, I might try silicone only, and if I don't get a good seal, I can peel it off and try again w/ a gasket.

stike

the achilles heel of the rutland is the potential for the fibers too abrade and come loose. gasket to gasket rubbing will tempt fate i think, and isn't the best thing. if your egg isn't sealing with a thick gasket on the bottom already, i'm thinking it's a hinge band issue. is it leaking at the back? if it is, that's not a gasket leak, it's a hinge-related leak. loosen the bands, reseat the bands, and tighten.

the silicone you are looking for is any of the automotive 'gasket' sealants... 600 degree copper colored silicone

Buxwheat

I get leaks at the back (12 o'clock) as well as at around 2 o'clock, 9-10 o'clock, and 4 o'clock. If I have a hot fire and add some wood for smoking, when I close the dome, I can see the smoke creeping out at these points.