E1 Error and water damage (Pics)

[fahmain]

So I normally keep my smoker outside during the winter and summer. I cover it with the bradley cover designed for it. I turned it on today for the first time and I got a E1 error and a continuous beeping. So I googled the E1 error and learned it was the cable in the back that goes from the smoker to the digital unit. So I checked to see if it came loose or something. As I took it out I noticed it had rust on it. So the only possible reason is water. I blew off the rust dust on the cable and inside the unit and tried it again. Bingo it worked. I was able to smoke for about 30 min before I got the E1 error again and the unit stopped. Everything still works from the digital unit to the puck pusher. I am wondering if anyone as gotten water in the smoker area where the cable enters. And if the solution is to purchase another cable.

Here are some pics of the issue.

[beefmann]

yes that has some rust on it only  thing i can say is replace the cable and get a storage shed

[Habanero Smoker]

If you have rust on the male plug, the female plug will be just as rusted, so you may have to find a way to better clean the female plug to insure good contact. Maybe cut a piece of emery board to get inside the plug to clean, being careful not to bend or break the pin. Then follow up with an electrical contact cleaner.

If your only option is to store the smoker outdoors under a cover; during the winter months, after a snow storm clean the snow away from around the smoker. If you don't snow will build up underneath the cover, or get blown under the cover. The cover is fairly well water proof. The only leakage area on my cover are the seams. I just use a seam sealer you can purchase at most outdoor stores.

[Ketch22]

Hi fahmain
You can use a Qtip with some WD40 to clean the plug then put some white lub in the plug.
this should help. Then a shed. :)

[paulsnapp]

The thing that must happen if you are going to leave it out is to protect both the male and female connector from moisture.  Putting it in a shed will do that.  The other way is first to clean all the existing rust from both connectors.  You will  have to remove the rear cover to get to the female socket.  One the rust is gone, WD40 or electrical grease would need to be applied to both.  You would need to back off the knurled locking ring from the female and run a bead of silicon sealant around the plastic socket where it makes contact with the back cover then tighten the knurled locking ring.  This will seal the plastic socket and the rear cover.  Lastly, after you insert the male connector into the female, you will need to seal that connection with silcon sealant.  What this does is make a waterproof connection.  From the factory it is not waterproof as you are finding out.  This will work but will not be as robust and last as long as a shed or storing the Bradley inside until you are ready to use it.

[fahmain]

Thanks guys. I will get a new cable and clean the female end and hopefully that should solve it. Also I do have a detached garage I should probably just keep it there. It was just easier on the deck.

[fahmain]

I was able to clean off much of the rust with WD40. I did both plugs and tried it. Still getting a E1 error. When I move the plug to the side it goes away. I think I will just buy a new plug because it seems that it's not making good enough contact to stay on.

[Habanero Smoker]

Try switching the plugs, by plugging the end you had in the generator into the back of the cabinet and vice versa. Also Bradley recommend using electrical contact cleaner. They report that WD-40 may leave a residue that can interfere with proper contact.

[car54]

Try some fine sandpaper or steel wool to clean it. Once it is operating correctly try some electrical grease on both parts. I think that will do the trick.  Check out an automotive store for it.

Brad

[fahmain]

I tried using the other end but it did the same. I will use some steel wool tomorrow and see if that did the trick.

[Ribman Mike]

With 8 people expecting ribs tonight, I had a small issue as I worked to ready my Bradley. The E1 message appeared, and I couldn't get the temp sensor wire to work no matter how I wiggled or reversed it. The female receptor on the smoker unit looked dirty. So I headed to Radio Shack and bought:

Size M Coaxial DC Power Jack part 274-1563

I removed the back panel, took the old jack out, cut off the leads, stripped and soldered them to the new jack, zipped everything back up, and it works! I lost an hour, but not my rib fest!

[TedEbear]

I removed the back panel, took the old jack out, cut off the leads, stripped and soldered them to the new jack, zipped everything back up, and it works! I lost an hour, but not my rib fest!

Very resourceful.  Most people wouldn't have the skills (or tools) to do a quick DIY like that. 

[dave01]

The rust doesn't look that bad, cleaning with WD40 and wiping any residue off with alcohol should get it clean and working