Problems when using bubba pucks

jaredpost · December 05, 2009, 09:47:08 PM

A while back I ordered 3 bubba pucks from yard and pool. I have used them 3 times now and everytime they don't feed right and just jam up the engine. I'm wondering if these are too heavy maybe? I cooked a pork butt last night and waited until there were only a few pucks left in the stack before putting the bubba pucks on to see if that would make a difference but when I went out to check in the morning I found it had jammed again and the hickory pucks had sat on the element burning all night.

Does anyone else have trouble when using these? I'm getting frustrated cause they weren't cheap and they aren't working right. They feel a bit heavy to me and I was thinking of maybe drilling some holes in the centers. Would this be a good or bad idea? I don't want to ruin them but I guess since I'm ready to throw them out I could give it a try.

Any thoughts or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks

classicrockgriller · December 05, 2009, 10:56:27 PM

jared, i start by cleaning your feed system.

FAQ
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=481

Does the pucks have any rough edges?

Are you using 3? it takes three to reject the last spent puck.

are you leaving enough time on your puck timer to do that.

Yard and pool is a stand up guy and he will help you.

jaredpost · December 05, 2009, 11:01:55 PM

I'll have to give it a cleaning and see if that will help. I am using 3 of them but its always the first one that gets stuck so there are 3 wood pucks still on the ramp. No rough edges. Guess I'll just have see if the cleaning fixes it and go from there. Thanks for the link.

classicrockgriller · December 05, 2009, 11:08:03 PM

It may have happened, but I don't recall someone having the same problem as what you are describing.

By cleaning your feed system you can tell Y/P that you have already done that.

I got my pucks from auber and they are hollow.

my first smoke the color changed on my puck, I was pissed.

I brought it in the house and scrubbed it with an SOS pad and now that one is the first one to go down.

Quarlow · December 05, 2009, 11:09:15 PM

You could try,just to help things, break the edges smooth with a file. It can't hurt. I am not sure who's bubbas I saw in a pic, but they had them all drilled to lessen the weight. They were drilled in the top,in the sides to the center. I think it was Nepas, but can't be positive. Too much "Young's Old Sam tonight". ;D

Quarlow · December 05, 2009, 11:10:03 PM

I seem to remmeber someone having a problem with this same thing.

classicrockgriller · December 05, 2009, 11:29:39 PM

Quote from: Quarlow on December 05, 2009, 11:09:15 PM
You could try,just to help things, break the edges smooth with a file. It can't hurt. I am not sure who's bubbas I saw in a pic, but they had them all drilled to lessen the weight. They were drilled in the top,in the sides to the center. I think it was Nepas, but can't be positive. Too much "Young's Old Sam tonight". ;D

jared really shouldn't have to do that. either it works or it don't

Quarlow · December 05, 2009, 11:33:29 PM

Ok I know when to shut up. ;D

classicrockgriller · December 05, 2009, 11:37:20 PM

Quote from: Quarlow on December 05, 2009, 11:33:29 PM
Ok I know when to shut up. ;D

q, you never have to shut up! I'm just saying if I spend money for something and it didn't work and I did all I could to make it work then someone needs to fix it.

Quarlow · December 05, 2009, 11:41:18 PM

;D ;D ;D Yeah I know what your saying. I was just making suggestions. You never know what might do the trick. I don't have bubba pucks yet so I don't know how they effect things. Anyway I am sure he'll get it straightened out.

classicrockgriller · December 05, 2009, 11:50:36 PM

before I got mine I took and made sure the smoke cycle ended at the right time and NEVER forked off the last puck.

If that last puck sittin there is the ruins to my smoke then I did something else wrong.

I took the puck that was next and made it the first puck to be burnt on my next smoke.

That butt ain't gonna know if I used one puck of apple.

Quarlow · December 05, 2009, 11:58:35 PM

Thats how i do it know. I'll find some round aluminum stock one day and slice some off. Easy Peasy.

classicrockgriller · December 06, 2009, 12:00:48 AM

I had a girlfriend named Easy Pleasy!

Quarlow · December 06, 2009, 12:06:23 AM

Hahaha that was good.

Habanero Smoker · December 06, 2009, 01:48:23 AM

I've been using Bubba Pucks for years and never had a problem with them jamming. Check your feeder tube and make sure it is straight and fully seated. There is a lip that the tube should come in contact with, and firmly push down to make sure it is seated correctly. I find squeezing the tube while pushing down makes it easier to insert.

Also check your feeder tube to make sure it is clean. I find that debris can form on the sides of the tube. Even if you are careful in keeping your vent open correctly, when you open and close the door, smoke is forced into the generator and you will see smoke and moisture flowing out of the tube.