Care and use of BGE

Linda

I keep reading posts where users have cracked fireboxes and problems with the hinges and bands. Is there anything I need to do to prevent problems like these. Am I supposed to keep checking the bands and tightening them more or do I need to be concerned about getting them too tight? Does getting it too hot damage the firebox?

Poncho

Linda,
From my limited experience, I would say check the bands periodically. You can over tighten, particularly the bolts on the spring assist. I found that overtightening those will not allow the lid to lift. In terms of the firebox and from what I have gathered on this forum...just use your BGE and don't worry about it. Cracks may occur or not. They don't effect performance and the firebox is under warranty anyhow. So it can be replaced if necessary. Just enjoy your egg.
Poncho

Kelly Keefe

Linda,
Can't speak for the spring assist band, but you cannot OVERTIGHTEN the old style bands. In fact, if the bolts aren't bent it isn't tightened enough.[p]Fireboxes will eventually crack, no matter what you do. They're covered by the warrenty though (except for shipping costs) and it shouldn't be a concern. Mine cracked a couple of months ago but I'm still using it to no discernable effect. I've got a new one sitting in the basement, on deck so to speak.[p]My 2¢ worth...[p]Kelly Keefe
Jefferson City, MO

KennyG

Linda,[p]The majority of hinge and band problems are a simple out of adjustment condition when the Egg was delivered new from the dealer. It does take a little effort to properly align and tighten the bands. For some reason, this seems to left to the consumer. Once correct and tightened to the point of starting to distort the bolts, you are good to go for a long time. A twice a year check is all you need.[p]As stated, cracked fireboxes are experienced by many. Just keep on cooking, you'll see no loss of performance and you can get a replacement any time you want if you feel the need.[p]I'm currently smoking a half rack of pork spares for lunch on my small Egg. I've abused this little guy for years with insane and unnecessary 4 digit temp steak sears. The firebox is in 6 distinct pieces and yet they continue to hold themselves together like a Chinese puzzle and I keep on cooking.[p]I'm not sure that I will ever need the spare I picked up under warranty.[p]K~G

Smokey

Linda,[p]My egg is 4 years old. I replaced the band a few months ago and have had NO problems. As for the fire box, I finally cracked after four years. I plan to replace it (under warentee), but am in no hurry. It still cooks great and I guess I'll I'll wait until after the summer.[p]Smokey

Eric

Linda,[p]Dome body alignment can be a problm- a simple and easy fix is felt.[p]Only problem that I have had w/ the bands are when people that don't know how to use the BGE get their hands all over it.[p]Last year, during Mardi Gras a drunk frind of mine who had never see the BGE opened it out of curiosity, the locking mech. on the old style bands locked and he could not figure out how to close it....so he used brute force and ignorance and bent the bands. [p]But being a former Army Tanker, I applied the all purpose 2 lb sledge and bent the band back onto shape (after removing them form the cooker), could never get the whole thins to line up perfectly- had about a 1/16 in gap but that was fixed w/ new felt.[p]Felt is the easy answer to complex probelms.[p]Today I just replac4ed the old bands w/ the new spring assited bands- will rlet you know if there are any problems.