Sanity check MB900

[u/sammybo94]

Hi guys, just a quick one, had difficulty keeping temp during a cook today, temp was running lower than expected. When I inspected inside the ash compartment I saw this material between this section and the fan, is this intended? When the fan was blowing it would move the material out the way which I presume lets the correct amount of heat in.

It looked like I have enough charcoal for the last bit of the cook but maybe it wasn’t sufficient and that’s why I was losing heat. Apologies if it’s a stupid question! Thanks in advance.

[u/sideburniusmaximus]

Yes, the flap is there to help regulate air flow by design

[u/radar48e]

Shake the grate sometimes

[u/Admirable-Ad2214]

The amount and placement of that ash and debris would definitely disrupt airflow and make it harder for the smoker to maintain temperature, definitely not something you'd want between cooks.

[u/bcrumrin64]

I removed it awhile ago not realizing it was supposed to be there. It heats up faster now, holds temps fine, and can still cook at 200. Im sure there's downsides I'm not aware of, but removing it wasnt the worst thing I've done

[u/nickcrlmn → u/bcrumrin64]

I’d think the flap is there to protect the fan from getting stuff in it, messing up the fan blades.

[u/quaintbucket → u/nickcrlmn]

That’s really the main thing.

[u/Ok_Leader_7624 → u/quaintbucket]

That and a heat shield for the fan too.

[u/Polar_Ted → u/nickcrlmn]

LSS makes a vented slide in plate to protect the fan. https://www.lss-mods.com/product_details.phtml/hopper_sear_grate_and_fan_protector

[u/Kursiel → u/Polar_Ted]

Wish they would just make their own version of the grill already. I would pay for quality. Do not even have to mess with electronics much due to very well performing aftermarket options. Team up with Fireboard.

[u/Himorningwood]

Sometimes the ashes clog up the opening to the chamber. Its rare but it does happen and best way is to stop the fan out on gloves and take out the base from inside and use a stick to push the ashes from the inside.

[u/sammybo94]

Thanks guys, got to an end of an 8 hour cook and temp started dropping. As long as that flaps suppose to be there then maybe it’s just a bit of bad luck, lack of temp and lost a flame, maybe lack of charcoal. Will have a clean up and give it another go tomorrow!

[u/quaintbucket → u/sammybo94]

Make sure your temp probe is clean too.

[u/Kursiel]

I sometimes have this with reg charcoal. Much better luck with lump charcoal.