Hi all,
I was setting up to cold smoke some salmon but have a problem with the advance mechanism. After taking the smoker apart I found the trap door that allows the pucks to drop won't open more than half way, then seems to jam. Tried wd 40, no go. Anyone had a similar problem. Thanks. Jan.
Yeah, mine was an issue with the arm that swings around being out of alignment. I think it was caused by sawdust (puckdust?) clogging the runway for the pucks. A good cleaning and then adjusting the arm to be straight fixed it for me.
If you are able to plug it in and push the advance button you should be able to see where it hangs up ( watch out cause the puck burner gets hot - don't ask)
had a similar situation where there was a burr catching the puck pusher little filing and a cleaning and she was good to go
I have had the same problem. First thing is to make sure there is nothing blocking the track. Also pulled the pin on the arm and made sure the pusher was straight. I also used a small amount if silicone lube. It will last longer than the wd40 and will not collect particles. After all has been back together is working fine.
Graphite powder is also a good lubricant in that area.
Thanks everyone,
It definitely looks like something is catching the arm preventing it from making the full swing and opening the door. I will take it apart to look for the blockage. Salmon is vacuum bagged and waiting.
Hi again,
Found it! When I replaced the micro-switch earlier, the screw holding it protruded through the other side by a 32nd or so, just enough to stop the feeder door from opening completely. Filed the offending bit down with a Dremel, and is now opening and closing like it should. Not a hard job, but you do have to take out a few screws to find the problem. Thanks again. Salmon time.
way to go jan... glad it worked out
Thanks Beefman,
My salmon is in the smoker as we speak, looks happy.
Quote from: jann on January 22, 2013, 10:31:32 AMMy salmon is in the smoker as we speak, looks happy.
That salmon has probably had happier days in its life.
Glad to hear that it is working now Jan!