Top Vent Modification

[waycoolcat]

I searched for a forum posted top vent modification I saw several months ago but couldn't find it. Since it can be difficult to clean under the vent closure this person changed out the bolt and put a longer one in with a spring. So to clean, if I remember right, you push up from the inside and the vent cover lifts up so you can clean under it easier. I could probably figure something out but thought I'd ask first to save time reinventing it.

[pensrock]

I do not remember seeing that but I do know I have never cleaned my vent. It maybe stuck wide open for all I know.... where it belongs. :) If you remember who made the post you can try searching for his name.

[Habanero Smoker]

I do recall that thread. It mainly suggested replacing the screw with a longer screw. With the vent cover removed; thread the longer screw through the through a short light spring, then through the vent cover, before reattaching the vent cover. Though you may not need a spring, the screw is long enough so that you can leave it partially unscrewed and just lift the vent up to clean under it when needed. It has enough weight to remain snug on the surface without a spring.

I generally will clean my vent by closing it, and then cleaning all surfaces with isopropyl alcohol that is at least 70%. This will work for the majority of times, then maybe once a year I will remove it and give it a thorough cleaning.

Edited:
I edited this post to correct part of the instructions on how to install the spring.

[waycoolcat]

Thank you both for your help. I took the vent cover apart and cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol, that stuff is like tar. Anyway, without over complicating it, I just replaced the screw with one about 1 1/2" long. I can just slide it up to clean. No  spring needed!

[Habanero Smoker]

Great! I made an error in the instruction anyway. The screw should be threaded through the spring first, then through the vent cover before reattaching. I'll go edited that now.

My vent area got like yours a couple of times. For the top of the cabinet, I had to keep the built up area damp with the alcohol, then use a plastic putty scraper to scrape the layers of junk off. For the vent cover, I had to soak it in alcohol, and again use the plastic putty knife. 

[GusRobin]

I cook with the vent wide open, so I just removed it and never put it back on.