Black tar on smoke generator

[Brassarj]

My vent always stays open and I don't have a problem with black rain but I am getting quite a bit of "build-up" of what looks like black rain running down the side of my smoke generator. Most of it looks like it is coming from around/under the puck feeder arm and puck burner.

Anybody have this problem? Best stuff to clean it off?


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[Habanero Smoker]

It depends on what you consider too much build up. It is normal for some smoke residue to build up in that area. Below is a picture of my generator that I was cleaning. Note that I did scrape off some build up with a plastic putty knife; prior to taking the picture; and after taking the picture I further cleaned it. The best stuff I have used is Isopropyl Alcohol; that is at least 70% per volume. Denatured alcohol also works great, if you have that.


The generator fits loosely against the cabinet, so there will be some smoke leakages there, especially being that close to the burner. Also when you close the door smoke will be force out through that area, and occasionally wind may enter the top vent and cause a backdraft. 

The below link is a general guide to cleaning all generators except the NOBS.
CleaningThe Generator

It is also a good idea to check the feeder tube. After awhile you will begin to notice buildup in the tube. Cleaning that with Isopropyl occasionally will make sure the bisquettes drop down smoothly.

[Wildcat]

I always wipe down that area and the door seal area of my OBS after every smoke so that it does not build up.

[Brassarj]

Thanks for the info!

Alcohol works for this eh? Sweet


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[BoxcarBetts]

You should be able to get 99% isopropanol at any drug store. You have to ask the pharmacist and tell them what you're using it for, but they don't seem to give too much hassle.

Another powerful degreaser is Slap Shot by Walter. It's an industrial cleaner and kind of expensive, but works like a hot damn. They make this plastics-safe version, but even the normal stuff I haven't found reacts with paint or anything. I haven't used it on my Bradley (I would never degrease the chamber) but I have used it on my range hood in my kitchen and wouldn't hesitate to use on problem areas like we're talking about here.

http://www.walter.com/Walter/en-us/mro-solutions/industrial-cleaning-degreasing/solvent-base/slap-shot-pl

[renoman]

I use Zep Purple Degreaser to clean my puck bowl, drip tray and drip pan. This stuff just melts the smoke and grease away. No scrubbing at all. Put them in the sink spray them down then rinse them off. They look like new. Just wipe down the door gasket when you are done. You can get it at Home Depot.

http://www.zepcommercial.com/product/Industrial-Purple-Cleaner-Degreaser-Concentrate#BVRRWidgetID

[Smoker John]

I use Zep Purple Degreaser to clean my puck bowl, drip tray and drip pan. This stuff just melts the smoke and grease away. No scrubbing at all. Put them in the sink spray them down then rinse them off. They look like new. Just wipe down the door gasket when you are done. You can get it at Home Depot.

http://www.zepcommercial.com/product/Industrial-Purple-Cleaner-Degreaser-Concentrate#BVRRWidgetID

renoman did you buy that online or did you find it locally?

[renoman]

I use Zep Purple Degreaser to clean my puck bowl, drip tray and drip pan. This stuff just melts the smoke and grease away. No scrubbing at all. Put them in the sink spray them down then rinse them off. They look like new. Just wipe down the door gasket when you are done. You can get it at Home Depot.

http://www.zepcommercial.com/product/Industrial-Purple-Cleaner-Degreaser-Concentrate#BVRRWidgetID

renoman did you buy that online or did you find it locally?

Smoker John. It is readily available at all Home Depots. I mix mine 1-1 which is pretty strong but it is cheap only about 13.00 for 4 liters.

[BoxcarBetts]

That's way cheaper than a can of Slap Shot! Except for me since I can "borrow" it from work. :D