Is it my exhaust causing fire to go out?

First, Tex. Let's just have one thread. You've got a bunch of threads going now and it's hard to keep up

I did mention air flow was a problem in one of those threads.

Let's use this one for now.

I know it's "30 days" but trust me, it's not a clock ticking. They want you to be happy regardless. Give it time, we need to get you over these initial hurdles.

I don't use a vent, no exhaust. I use a rain cap ONLY when it's a 40 mph south wind, the rest of the time I leave it off.

Take the cap off and run it without one, let's see how it works. You said the guys that sold it to you told you it HAD to have a vent and that's the first I've heard that said.

quote:

Originally posted by MaxQue:
Hmmm...possible factors:

1. You did have pellets in the hopper, yes?
2. The pellets were dry?
3. Was the FEC outside and subjected to winds coming from the direction your FEC vent is pointed towards?
4. Was the auger dropping pellets into the firebox after the fire went out?
5. Was the temp set above 350 for any lenght of time?

Answers to those questions will give us a start in determining a problem. The other option is to give Cookshack tech support a call tomorrow and describe your issue.

quote:

Originally posted by XTexan:
Yes there were dry pellets in the hopper. No wind and I put a 3 ft pipe on it with a rain cap. Smoker hasn't been above 250. I'm thinking maybe the single digit temps have something to do with it, ITS COLD! However, I have read that guys have smoked below zero with not interruption.the smoker is at about 240 now and seems to be ok. I just wish I knew what caused it??

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinOkie:
Pellets in the hopper unburned means the fire went out.

Cold has nothing to do with it. The 800 degree insulation will keep heat in and cold out.

3' pipe might be the culprit. Try to run it without pipe and see how it does.

Fire needs air, choke off the air and no fire.

I'm gonna start a troubleshooting thread, look for it, you're post brings it to mine.

Russ

quote:

Originally posted by MaxQue:
I tend to agree with Smokin's theory that your 3' exhaust flue is too long...not providing enough oxygen. I purchased a 5" 90 degree elbow and attached it to the vent pipe using a collar. The elbow extends the exhaust about 10" and the end of the elbow points down to the ground, making it nearly impossible for wind, rain or snow to penetrate the barrier.

I live in Vermont and have used the FEC on cold, snowy days. I've never had an issue losing a fire or having cold weather affect the internal cooking temp.

Try removing your 3' exhaust and see what happens.

Good luck.

Let's do this X;

1. Remove the flue/vent
2. Restart the unit (but remove the unburned pellets -- if you don't when they DO start up your temps will go too high)
3. Watch the firepot to see if they light (restarting restarts the ignitor)
4. If that doesn't work, come back and tell us step by step what you did.

Sorry about all the threads I obviously got a little too excited....
Thanks Smokin Okie for the help. Please explain your no exhaust rain cap set up. Is that just an elbow with a rain cap on it? Do you use a rain cap that is more inclosed or do you use the kind that has a top only and the sides are open?
I tried the brisket and it turned out really good, especially considering my overnight situation. Still moist after 12 hours w a 15lb slab.

top only, open sides.

I'd say try it without anything and see how that goes. If that works, then we need to help. I only use it when it's a direct wind but we'll help figure something out.

try it without and see how that works, maybe just try a Pork Butt or something.

THEN we'll go from there.

If it works perfect without it, the possibility may be that the pipe you have is too long

XTexan I'm with SmokinOkie, try it without anything on the exhaust. I started last night at 35° with a 20mph north wind and at dawn it was 25°, calm winds. All I have on mine is a 90° elbow so I can turn it so the wind doesn't blow into the exhaust and it ran all night with no problem.

I talked to Tony from Cookshack today. He said that my problem is more than likely a down draft in my flue. He said if it is close to a building ( it was) that a swirling wind can occur. He also said that if the flue is close to the roof( it was) then the wind can roll off the roof right down your flue. He suggested a high wind cap as that is what he uses.
So I'm going to start tomorrow with no flue, then add a flue and do some experimenting.
The high wind cap will more than likely be used for the shed install. Has anyone done this w pics?