WSM 18" Running Too Hot, How Fix?

[BeeRich]

Hello cue fans.

My WSM is running hot. Here are the facts:

- About 6th time running this thing
- I am using briquettes, not lump
- put 2 boxes of clay bbq briquettes into water pan, then foil over top. It could use another box. The water method is dangerous and messy.
- closed 2 of the 3 bottom vents and she's still running at aboaut 340°F
- top vent open
- using minion method, with centre column dug out, not actually on top
- at the end of a session, I had 2 vents closed 1 at half. Anything more I'm thinking this thing will go out, as that's how I shut this thing off before.

Any ideas how I can fix this? I have heard this is normal at the beginning of using one of these, and mine is pretty clean still.

Cheers

 

[Griff]

BR

I wouldn't worry about putting it out. I think my WSM has air leaks because it runs at 250* two bottom vents just barely open -- I'd say 7/8 closed. Close thos suckers on the bottom down some more and see what happens. One of my bottom vents has been stuck fully closed for the last year or so.

 

[BeeRich]

Hi Griff. OK, next time I'll try pretty much closing the bottom. This run turned out ok (she's in the foil now) so I'd rather have the ability to close it down a bit, then have to get the heat up.

Cheers

 

[Nick Prochilo]

They also have a tendacy to run a little hot when they are still shiny and new. After they build up a little grease on the inside, they calm down some!

 

[BeeRich]

OK I thought she was still pretty new. I'll try to turn her down with the dampers. Thanks for the notes.

 

[BeeRich]

OK sounds like a good plan. For the first two runs she did 250 max for both runs, all vents open. I was hoping it would be that easy.

Thanks for the notes, folks!

 

[BeeRich]

I light a chimney, about 2/3 full. Then I dump on top, but with the rest of the coals having a depression in the middle.

 

[Griff]

I only use half a chimney in the winter when it's below zero. In the summer I use about 15.

 

[BeeRich]

Ah good to know. I will try that with the ribs I have in my freezer.

 

[Cliff H.]

It really only takes a few lit coals to start the whole thing. I use a torch now and is way plenty fast.

 

[BeeRich]

Yeah I'm using my propane torch, and give it 20 minutes and she's pretty quick. I might try a paper method soon. I have a stainless table with an aluminum tray on top, both filled with half an inch of water, so it's resistant to heat. I can light anything on this.

 

[BeeRich]

Well, I couldn't wait. Got 2 racks of spareribs on the WSM, and this is what I did:

- 15 briquettes inside my chimney (makes the chimney look huge when you do this)
- Minion method on top
- came up to 150 in 45 minutes 2 shut completely, front vent open 1/4, then opened up the front one to get up to 200, then closed it slightly

Thanks for the tips. Now I can get it low for slow. This has probably been the best run yet with temperature. Not too hot at all.

Oh, as an added note, in another discussion, the 3-2-1 method is what I am using. I didn't spray anything, as I just foiled for 2 hours. When I unwrapped them, there was a whole lot of liquid and some steam. So ya, there is plenty of moisture in after 3 hours. In fact, I was over 3 because of my relatively low temperature of 200 / 210.

Pictures soon.

Cheers

 

[BeeRich]

For the life of me I can't figure out why I posted in this forum. Can I request it be moved to the appropriate area?

Ribs turned out really nice.

 

[ScottyDaQ]

very nice !