Flame out, please talk me down!

[JpsBBQ]

There shouldn’t be an issue cooking at 250. If there is, there’s something wrong. Very difficult to tell what outside the usual suspects when you aren’t actually there. Hope it’s resolved soon.

 

[MrPhilGrillTX]

I wonder if old/slightly moist pellets cause some of these flameout problems. They would be harder to light, and then the fire goes out. If you put wet/green wood on your campfire, those take longer to get going. My screw lid bucket doesn't keep the pellets dry unless I a) screw it real tightly and b) put it under the smokefire WITH the cover on it. But when that let water in, I threw the soggy pellets away, and the rest burned fine. It's also been 100+ ambient during my past few cooks, so, YMMV

 

[JpsBBQ]

I wonder if old/slightly moist pellets cause some of these flameout problems. They would be harder to light, and then the fire goes out. If you put wet/green wood on your campfire, those take longer to get going. My screw lid bucket doesn't keep the pellets dry unless I a) screw it real tightly and b) put it under the smokefire WITH the cover on it. But when that let water in, I threw the soggy pellets away, and the rest burned fine. It's also been 100+ ambient during my past few cooks, so, YMMV

No doubt the moisture content is a possible factor. Also different brands will have slightly different moisture content. Doesn’t necessarily mean they would be problematic but if I were to have problems this is one area I would keep a close eye on. Good point.

 

[Differentdrummer]

I do. Have people found that removing that fixes the issue when smoking at 250 or lower for a bit?

YES! Proof of its ability to wreak havoc became evident to the design team as well.
The newly released version has a grate across the very top.
Take one screw out at a time. Push the metal finger out of the way, re-install screw untill all three fingers are free. You will stay have “log jams” that are inevitable but low rate feed will be greatly improved.
Also make sure you run it empty or at least empty the hopper and take a shop vac and vacuum out the auger channel every so often. It’s also a good idea to remove the auger and inspect it and clear the tube of any dust. Dust is not your friend in the auger tube!

 

[Differentdrummer]

I wonder if old/slightly moist pellets cause some of these flameout problems. They would be harder to light, and then the fire goes out. If you put wet/green wood on your campfire, those take longer to get going. My screw lid bucket doesn't keep the pellets dry unless I a) screw it real tightly and b) put it under the smokefire WITH the cover on it. But when that let water in, I threw the soggy pellets away, and the rest burned fine. It's also been 100+ ambient during my past few cooks, so, YMMV

If they don’t “snap” then they are a probable cause for any issues regarding the fire.

 

[Mark.B]

If they don’t “snap” then they are a probable cause for any issues regarding the fire.

Yeah I'll check them with the "snap" test. There were still some left in the hopper for awhile, but I keep the grill in my garage when not in use. I'm doubting the pellets were moist but who knows. It's 72 degrees dewpoint today in my neck O the woods. Pretty damn oppressive!

 

[MackeyC34]

Yeah I'll check them with the "snap" test. There were still some left in the hopper for a while, but I keep the grill in my garage when not in use. I'm doubting the pellets were moist but who knows. It's 72 degrees dewpoint today in my neck O the woods. Pretty damn oppressive!

Curious - has anyone tried storing desiccant bags with their pellets? I see that you can buy them on Amazon in various sizes but wondering if anyone has tried and if so - do they appear to work?

https://www.amazon.com/Desiccant-5-...nt+packs+for+storage+food+grade,aps,93&sr=8-4

 

[JpsBBQ]

I’ve left pellets in mine forever. It’s possible this could be an issue, but it should be fairly obvious once you are looking for that. If not, it’s something else.

 

[PattiA]

Curious - has anyone tried storing desiccant bags with their pellets? I see that you can buy them on Amazon in various sizes but wondering if anyone has tried and if so - do they appear to work?

https://www.amazon.com/Desiccant-5-Gallon-Storage-Moisture-Control/dp/B00G1S5ICA/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3BEVJJGY7E8L9&keywords=large+desiccant+packs+for+storage+food+grade&qid=1659562752&sprefix=large+desiccant+packs+for+storage+food+grade,aps,93&sr=8-4

Thanks for asking this, I've also wondered about adding a dessicant bag to my pellet storage bucket. I'm currently using 5 gallon buckets with a twist off style lids. I have been keeping the pellet bucket outside next to the SmokeFire. Here in NH, our humid months are usually just July and August.

 

[Differentdrummer]

Ribs try #2. It happened again and I know it’s not me. The grill was perfectly clean as I cleaned it in the morning. About 5 hours into the cook it started losing temperature. By the abundance of pellets on the floor of the grill It appears it kept feeding pellets but would not ignite them. This is my fourth glow plug and second use of it, it has to be something else. Here’s my rant…I have purchased Weber grills for more than 30 years, this is number 6. I will contact Weber, fingers crossed on what they will do.

Either a failing auger shear pin, grill was initially assembled wrong (fire pot housing backwards) or moist fuel issues?

 

[Puckdodger]

This thing is awesome when it works and a headache when it doesn't. Just like some of my ex-wives.

I removed my finger guard thingy, replaced the glow plug and added a small hose clamp to promote electrical contact or something, rebuilt the whole damn thing pretty much and I still get the odd flameout. Got some pork belly on there today for a six hour cook, hopefully no problems.

 

[Goneincognito]

This thing is awesome when it works and a headache when it doesn't. Just like some of my ex-wives.

I removed my finger guard thingy, replaced the glow plug and added a small hose clamp to promote electrical contact or something, rebuilt the whole damn thing pretty much and I still get the odd flameout. Got some pork belly on there today for a six hour cook, hopefully no problems.

What pellets?

 

[Puckdodger]

What pellets?

Weber if I can find them, but usually Pit Boss.

And it ran like a champ yesterday, pork belly burnt ends were awesome

 

[Mark.B]

OK, update. after going around awhile with Weber support and sending all sorts of pic's, they are sending me a thermocouple replacement. Has anyone else went to the trouble and if they've had better results after replacement. Don't have high hopes, but sorta makes sense. I really emphasized the trouble starts on either smokeboost or a low temp like 215 degrees. He was very confident this will fix my issue.

 

[Goneincognito]

I have never had to do one myself but I have seen it done.
It it doesn't resolve things, keep on top of Weber and try whatever they recommend regardless of how crazy it sounds.