How long have you had your smoker? That tube is actually the temperature sensor for the smoker. If you get it buried into a butt or brisket it plays havoc with how the temps run. It can also get crud built up on it and that effects the temps. I assume that your cook is done. I would take everything out of the smoker, start with a cold smoker, and run it for several hours. Keep an eye on the temps. See if they don't stabilize and stay that way. Spraying the butts was probably not the problem. Opening and closing the door might have caused this.