Spontaneous Combustion

Not normal at all. You should be able to leave it unattended for extended periods.

Just curious, did you use the supplied hickory "chunks" or did you attempt to use wood chips? I had a similar experience with chips. It flamed up...even with just 1.5 oz. of chips. Or, was the chunk you used extremely moist/green?

I recently had a similar experience with my 55 when I had 4 briskets smoking. It looked and sounded like a whale breaching. I figured it was no big deal just some extra moisture. If you think about it those are some mighty strong latches holding that door shut. That must be the reason why. If you have a wife have here check it for you. Just make sure your standing behind her in case it blows

I also have had that happen but it was in the middle of the night 2:00 or 3:00 am and freaked me and my dogs out.

No damage to smoker or food.

Here is one link on that topic there are more.
http://forum.cookshack.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103888...731079883#6731079883

Use the search function for bang, burp or fart.

Thank you,
Brian E.

LOL! If you guys think the hissin or "beached whale" sound is freaky read this thread about the big bangs some have experienced.

I am surprised there were no wet pants or skid marks in their shorts .

To the best of my knowledge I've never heard a report of it happening a second time.

I think it is the smoker 'seating' itself!

I have had it happened twice, but the first time was the biggest, and loudest! The 2nd time was more of a loud hiss.

My smoker does this alot, after the first 30 minutes of heating up, or so, it does it like 2-4 times, then settles down to smokin.

The heavy welded on hinges and heavy duty door latch tell me somebody was thinkin in advance

My 008 does it almost every time. Both of our cats get freaked out when they hear the whalesong! I've noticed the number of "eruptions" correlates to how many chunks of wood are in the woodbox. Sometimes small specks of a creosote like substance are deposited around the blowhole. Anyone know what is happening?

I've never had the sounds you all have mentioned.. but, I have had a flare-up when I've opened the door. I've also had "puffing" where I can see, not a continuous stream of smoke coming out, but what looks like "exhale" "inhale" "exhale" from around the door and vents. It's got to be oxygen starved gasses that ignite when the door is opened and there is enough oxygen to support combustion.

I believe it's not only from the wood, but from the fat as well. The top of the wood box get's mighty hot and, IMO, 'vapoizes' the fat/grease. That fat in the mixed gasses inside the box go up in a flash when the door opens. I guess my thoughts of vaporized fat are born out by the amount of fat that is deposited on the walls and rack holders inside the box.. it's not simply on the bottom of the box.

I may be wrong.. but.. that's my $.02. It seems I remember discussion about this a long time ago by a guy that was a fireman. Can't remember who.. might have been when I first got my 008 about 2 yrs ago.

I keep a tellin ya don't open the door!

haha, yep, dont open the door.

The "woof" from my smokette happens with the door shut, it is just the gases igniting for a quick "flash burn" then its all over.

quote:

Originally posted by GLH:
I keep a tellin ya don't open the door!

LOL,

GLH, you're now our official Bouncer. You stand at the door and don't let them open it.

Yea, LMAO also!

Is actually my job at the hospital. (security officer is just a glorified title) Was my job for the sheriff's dept. Got throwed out on my ear by a few big Mayreens while in the man's AF!

Yep, kinda OCD about that door.