Dome alignment idea

Randatola

I just did my annual gasket replacement, this time switching to a Rutland. I figured I would take the opportunity to try to straighten out the dome misalignment I have had for years.

I tried adjusting every piece of hardware on the bands and the hinge block but I had no luck. Every time, no matter what I did, when I tightened the top band, the dome would slide back to where it always was.

The dome was shifted towards the location of the carriage bolt on the band. I always assumed this was a coincidence. But when I actually saw the dome moving as I tightened the carriage bolt I realized it was just being pulled towards the "gap" -- the opening at the carriage bolt. So I removed the upper band completely and flipped it over, so that the carriage bolt would be at 10:00 instead of 2:00. I can't say it made it perfect, but it's probably 75% closer to true than it was before.

So for those of you with chronic dome misalignment who have tried everything else, it might be worth a shot.

It also suggests a more flexible band design: put two carriage bolts on the band, one on either side of the hinge block, and tighten the one you want the dome to move towards.

PhilsGrill

Annual gasket replacement? Why?

berrygood

Interesting. My dome has always been shifted toward the back. I just replaced my gasket (out of necessity), and I tried like hell to get the dome right when putting it back together.

Of course, though, it went right back where it always has been.

Randatola

That's about how long the gaskets last for me. I had been using the standard felt gaskets up until now. This time I used the Rutland + Permatex Ultra Copper so I'm hoping it will last longer. Getting my dome aligned better can't hurt, either.