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Smoker shut down but pellets continued to flow

PostPosted: May 16th, 2020, 9:53 am
by Billrector
I smoked some almonds today and then added 3 racks of ribs when they were done. After 3 hours went to wrap ribs in aluminum foil and discovered my temperature was way down. I removed the trap door to discover the fire box area was full of pellets to the point of overflowing. I unplugged and started the smoker again but it did not light, so I lit it manually. The temperature was not stable and I finished the ribs in the oven. Ideas?

Re: Smoker shut down but pellets continued to flow

PostPosted: May 17th, 2020, 2:24 pm
by 600hpcummins
Is it possible that the pellets have picked up some moisture? I’ve had this with another grill, the pellets picked up some moisture and formed a bridge in the hopper, when the pellets below run out you loose the fire.

Re: Smoker shut down but pellets continued to flow

PostPosted: May 18th, 2020, 6:22 pm
by Billrector
600hpcummins wrote:Is it possible that the pellets have picked up some moisture? I’ve had this with another grill, the pellets picked up some moisture and formed a bridge in the hopper, when the pellets below run out you loose the fire.



I think I have a thermocouple issue. Today, I unplugged it and then turned it back on. Initially, it seemed to work well. I tested both fans....all okay. It fired up, so the igniter works. I shut it down and repeated and this time, the temperature went up to over 500 degrees just shortly after starting it up.

I've ordered a new one. I just don't understand how the firebox got flooded with pellets!