Trout,
I doubt the advance button got sticky from smoke residue unless when you smoke you consistently see smoke flowing out of the smoke generator. This happens when you have the top vent either widely open on a windy day, or fully closed.
If you do see smoke flowing out of the generator, it will "do it's magic" just like it will to the door seal. That's why I recommend you wipe off the door seal & face of the smoker after smoking. That black stuff on the inside is great seasoning, but also makes for a very effective glue.
After a lot of use, it's also a good idea to take the generator apart & clean out the "clinging chads" from the bisquettes. It's kind of amazing how they can buid up over time & hamper the function of the generator.
Glad to hear they took care of you, they're good at that. Hopefully they let you keep your old one, never know when a spare part might come in handy.
Kirk
http://www.chezbubba.com Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?
