Amerique Control Problems

Gosh. That seems like a lot of work if what you're doing is removing and reinstalling the controller when you use the smoker. I leave mine outside uncovered all the time and haven't had a moisture problem. Seems simpler to just buy the Amerique cover. Something to consider.

I too have problems with moisture getting in the controller during each smoke. So I have had to unscrew it from the top and leave it skewed so it can breathe.

As far as a cover for the AQ, yes, would be nice, but they have to sell them first. :-|

jetrahan,

That's too much work. Contact Tony and ask him what the permanent fix is, it's certainly not designed that way.

You too pigskins.

The old Ameriquie or the new one?

quote:

pigskins Posted October 11, 2010 07:29 AM Hide Post
I too have problems with moisture getting in the controller during each smoke. So I have had to unscrew it from the top and leave it skewed so it can breathe.

As far as a cover for the AQ, yes, would be nice, but they have to sell them first. :-|
Posts: 69 | Location: Webster, NY | Registered: June 18, 2010

I've never had a moisture problem with my AQ and I use it as a dehydrator as well as a smoker. As to the cover, I ordered a cover when I ordered the smoker so I know they make and sell them.

Yes I have a cover also, however I do not put the screws in the controller any longer. It seems that some have issues with moisture and some don't. Anyway if someone is looking for a fix, it works!

I bought a refurbished AQ this spring. I had the same moistureproblem. I used the hair dryer trick which worked temporarily. I didn't have a cover and discovered that the insulation in the top of the unit was soaked. Tony was very helpful in fixing. I replaced the insulation in the top of the unit and sealed the inner sides and vent nipples on the top of the unit with high temperature sealant. I haven't had any problems since and the unit has gone uncovered in a couple of rain storms. Apparently, the moisture was entering the unit through the hairline cracks where the vent nipples meet the bushing.Sealing the bushings did the trick. I also bought a cover which everyone should own. I have the old AQ.

The cover for the new AQ is hard to come by. I heard a new shipment is coming soon but I got tired of emailing CS customer service so maybe they are in now.

BigDjersey glad to hear you solved your problem but for what I paid for my AQ I ain't doing that. If there is a problem they should fix it.

Last time I talked to CS about the moisture problem they commented that maybe the controller should have some vent holes cut into it. Again, should I be expected to perform that??

quote:

Originally posted by pigskins:
...that. If there is a problem they should fix it.
Again, should I be expected to perform that??

You need to ask them. We can't/shouldn't really try to help you fix a problem, that's what Customer Service is for.

Just discuss the issue and if you're not comfortable with the answer, tell them. Not everyone wants to make the fixes and I'm positive they'll help you.

Pigskins,

I am not handy but the fix was really simple. If i can do it, anyone can. I bet the whole fix took a lesurely 30 minutes.Tony sent me more insulation. Cut it to size and plopped it in the top.Hardest part was loosening the screws.

curious as to where the moisture come from; if that isn't addressed what's to stop a repeat.

TN Q,

See my response above.

"Apparently, the moisture was entering the unit through the hairline cracks where the vent nipples meet the bushing.Sealing the bushings did the trick"

If the top insulation gets wet, then condensation results up as the unit gets hot. That's why the display gets cloudy. The sealant on the 2 vents and their bushings did the trick. Probably a design flaw by Cookshack. Several people seem to have had this problem.

Cookshack could save Tony, et al in CS alot of time by providing a "Common Troubleshooting brochure" with the Cooker outlining simple fixes to common problems.

quote:

Originally posted by BigDjersey:
If the top insulation gets wet, then condensation results up as the unit gets hot. That's why the display gets cloudy. The sealant on the 2 vents and their bushings did the trick. Probably a design flaw by Cookshack. Several people seem to have had this problem.

Cookshack could save Tony, et al in CS alot of time by providing a "Common Troubleshooting brochure" with the Cooker outlining simple fixes to common problems.

Here's my recommendation. Same one I always give.

Give them a call or email. They don't read the forum, just too many posts, and they really prefer the one on one approach.

YOU contacting them gives you immediate feedback and they really need to hear it from the customers direct.

They don't always listen to me