Gasket idea

JackGT · May 2009

I know, I know. Another gasket post. But after going through a couple of felt and one nomex gasket in the space of 3-4 years I had an idea. Has anyone tried installing the gasket in pieces? In other words, instead of installing it in one big strip has anyone tried cutting the strip into eights or even sixteenths? With the nomex gasket it seemed that over time it came unglued and "shrank" in a little (I used the 3M stuff and took my time). I was thinking that if the gasket was installed in smaller pieces then it wouldn't be as likely to pull in, and the added bonus would be that individual "bad spots" could be replaced without doing the whole thing. Sort of like carpet squares.

Thoughts? Anyone tried this?

Panhandle Smoker · May 2009

No, but if you put the Nomex in the drier on high heat it will pre-shrink before the instal. I did this on the Xl and no problems.

Grandpas Grub · May 2009

Interesting idea.

There are two issues being gasket and or adhesive. With nomex there is the issue of shrinkage which appears to be resolved buy some time in a hot clothes dryer. Although I have not tried this I would expect the shrinkage could also be addressed by putting the rolled gasket on a cookie sheet and putting in the oven at the oven's lowest setting.

The second issue is the adhesive.

GG

JackGT · May 2009

Seems like the shrinkage puts stress on the adhesive and causes it to fail when it might not have without the extra stress. Hmm. I'm due for a re-gasket and I'll do it in at least four pieces. I'll post the results later (might be awhile).

Ripnem · May 2009

That's a really good idea Eddie.

Panhandle Smoker · May 2009

I did not do this on the large so I have a 1/4 inch gap where the gaskets meet. I did the drier trick on the XL and still no shrinkage after 5 cooks. It was the manufactures recomendation to put it into the drier. Fred at Freds music and bbq had got the info from the manufacture of Nomex.
http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=635933&catid=1#

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=639576&catid=1#

LoveHandles · May 2009

thats a good idea. We own an egg store and I think I'll try it on one of our competition eggs. I think 4 would be the right amt of pieces. Real easy to reglue then if any problems. this would also work on the other kinds of gaskets too I think

Semolina Pilchard · May 2009

Great out of the box thinking. The old gray felt gaskets would get very thin over time. I don't know if that also happens with the nomex gaskets. If it does, I see a possible problem. If you were to do a nomex in many pieces and it gets thin, then you replace one small section you could have a high spot which may keep you from getting a good seal. Anyone who has had a nomex on for a long time care to chime in?
Interesting idea, if you do that let us know how it goes.

Fire Walker · May 2009

I installed a Rutland gasket over three years ago and have never had a problem at any temp. The only drawback is it is said to be not food safe.It's to bad a BGE sanctioned Rutland type of gasket.

FireWalker

Photo Egg · May 2009

Seems like the "joints" are always a weaker link. All you would be doing is increasing the chances of having more bad spaces all around. A tiny gap is all that is needed for heat to start damaging the gasket and adheasive. Having 10 or 20 joints to fit would also be a pain. Patching a small area with a new gasket section would also make the seal uneven and create more problems.
darian

RRP · May 2009

I'm in your camp, Darian, one gap is plenty!

Gasket idea

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