Help! Replacing gasket

Gabe

Hi all,

New to the forum. I am trying to replace my gasket and I have had a *hellish* time. I have found a lot out by searching the web, but what I am trying to do is remove the lid and bands to be able to attach the gasket to the top. I have a large egg.

The problem I am having is:
1) When I try to attach the retainer clip to the grill, it doesn't seem to attach. It attaches on one nut but bolt but not the other.
2) when I unscrew the bolt that holds the bent bolt that holds the bands it doesn't seem to do anything. The bolt appears to be so bent, it doesn't seem to come off.

Are there any descriptive instructions on how to replace a gasket anywhere? It seems like it should be a routine thing that should be posted somewhere to exact detail. My issue is removing the lid.

If anyone has any ideas they would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks,
Gabe

2Fategghead

Gabe, Here is a link to a post with three links to Fred's music and BBQ YouTube how to put your large BGE together. It may help. Tim

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=748777&catid=1

FlaPoolman

Gabe,, use zip ties to hold the band closed and cut the bolt off, it sounds like it's stripped. get the replacement bolt first.

gdenby

I don't have a large, just mediums, but I suppose there isn't a big difference.

I know the recommendation is to take the dome off. I've done 5 replacements, and never removed a dome. It has been awkward working towards the rear hinge, have had to bend over almost double to work upside down. But a propane torch, and a putty knife will loosen and peel off If the bolt the gaskets in 10 minutes or so.

You may need to saw off the bent bolt(s). On one replacement I found the dome not seating properly. Had to loosen the band, and press down while re-fastening. A loosenable band is a good thing, even when not replacing a gasket. Sometimes the band just slips, and it needs to be fixed.

KMagnus

Gabe,

I just replaced the gasket on my large this past weekend. Between watching the 3 videos provided by SmokinGuitarPlayer Fred Bernardo and Barry from GPM Pool and Spa (links provided below), I got enough ideas to change mine.

Fred (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EoTwyLFCro)
Barry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw47jHxIFLE)

I bought my large at EGGtoberfest last year, so it didn't come with the shipping retainer bar/clip. I ended up using multiple nylon safety ties (3) on each of the springs to prevent the hinge assembly from opening. You can pick up a bag of these at any local hardware store, Warmart, Target, etc...

I then loosened - almost completely - the nuts on the bent carriage bolts. But only the bottom band 'opened' after doing this. The top one didn't seem like it wanted to give way even after I messed around with it some - trying to get it to open. Since the bottom was loosened, I grabbed the dome along with the hinge/band assembly (still attached to the dome by the top band) and lifted if off.

When it came time to replace the dome gasket, I saw where the band must have apparently loosened when I set the assembly down. Uncertain how much 'assistance' you've used in getting the band to loosen or the bolt to move, but it seems like I was close to having what you described on my top band.

Of the 2 videos above, Fred's is definitely more detailed, but Barry's is about 1/3 of the time and gives you a really good idea of how to replace the gasket.

fieroguy

Gabe = Get a coupla 5/16" x 2 1/2" carriage bolts and replace your cut-off bolts.

Here is the solution to holding the bands together:



Just tie the handles together w/a zip tie.

Hope this helps.

fieroguy

Sorry - not handles, the bands at the handle.

Gabe

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your posts. I especially found Barry's Youtube video helpful.

The issue I had with the retainer clip was solved by undoing one of the bolts, which allowed the screw to move around a bit so I could then stretch the retainer clip over it and then retighten to ensure it would not spring open.

The issue I had with the bolt not opening up I solved with a hammer simply knocking it out a bit.

Hopefully my new gasket won't have problems like my old one did and again thanks for all the help.

Gabe

EzziSmoker

What type of gasket are you using for a replacement? if it's the Nomex type, I've read that you need to put it in your clothes dryer for about 20mins on high to preshrink it. I did this with mine and have had zero problems with shrinkage..

EzziSmoker

What type of gasket are you using for a replacement? if it's the Nomex type, I've read that you need to put it in your clothes dryer for about 20mins on high to preshrink it. I did this with mine and have had zero problems with shrinkage..

Grandpas Grub

 
Nice way to hold the bands. Keeping the bands together like that will also have less tendency to twist/bend one or both of the bands when they are off of the dome & base.

GG