Heating element replacement?

[eldub]

I purchased a new six rack Bradley last week after finding out that the heating element located in the cabinet had stopped working. (I left it out in the rain, but had brought in the digital smoke generator. Anyway, we bought a new unit because I needed to start smoking the next day, but I'd like to repair the old unit if possible.

[tskeeter]

eldub, replacing a heating element is pretty simple.  You'll have to take the heat shield and the ceramic caps for heating element holders off.  It's just four machine screws.   There is a threaded stud on each end of the element that has a small nut on it.  Remove the nut and the wire lug.  Change out the element and reinstall the wire lugs and nuts.  Be careful not to over tighten the nuts on the heating element.  They only need to be well snugged, not tight plus 1/2 turn.  Then reinstall the ceramic parts and the heat shield.

Before you replace the element, I'd do some testing to make sure that the element is really the problem.  Unless the element got really wet, I'd be surprised if the element was the problem.  I've had water come down the vent of my 6 rack and collect in the puck bowl and puddle on the top of the cabinet.  Haven't had a heating element problems.  My bet is that some of the wiring in the back of the smoker got water in it.

Others here can tell you how to check the continuity of your element to make sure that is the problem.

If it's not the element, I would start by taking the back panel off the smoker.  Then I would disconnect all of the electrical connections and let everything sit and dry out for several days to a week.  Then I would plug everything back together and give it a try.  Maybe you will get lucky and it will work once things are dryed out. 

[beefmann]

Eldub,

things to check prior to replacing the element

1) check all the connections  going to your smoker,, re seat all plugs
2) check that you  have power going to your  smoker
3) check the element with an ohm meter... should be between 28 and 32 ohms
4) remove the back cover of the tower and check the fuse-able link and thermocouple on the back.
5) check if you have power coming out of your digital controller.. you  can also plug the tower in directly to a  known good power source and the element should work

after the above let us know what you  have found and im sure some one can help... if not  contact bradley directly

[eldub]

Thanks. guys.

[Habanero Smoker]

Also check the fuse located on the back of the generator. Use a multi meter to make sure the fuse is good; some times you can't tell by looking at them.