OBS smoke generator disassembly

[sameguy]

I've got an old OBS, like 20+ years old.  Briquette advance is dodgy, works on occasion but not reliably.  I'm fit to take it apart and clean the workings but there are a million screws on the generator. Which ones to I take off to open it up without jacking everything up inside.  Back side has 2 screws, bottom ha a bunch.

[TedEbear]

Here are the step-by-step instructions on cleaning the smoke generator, written by the legendary Habanero Smoker. May he Rest in Peace.

The original FAQ included pics but this forum makes it difficult to include them, so I will just post the written steps.

Bradley Smoker FAQ's - Answers
Submitted by: Habanero Smoker

Q. How do I clean my generator?

On a regular basis the generator can be cleaned by using compressed air to blow most of the wood particles out. Eventually it is a good idea to take off the generator cover and give it a good cleaning. I take mine apart about twice a year; usually in May, and again in late October. A good thorough cleaning will prevent bisquette jamming and undue wear and tear can be avoided.

To open the generator up, first make sure it is unplugged and the feeder tube is detached. Then turn it over and remove the 8 screws on the bottom that are on the outside edge. Next, stand the generator upright and carefully pull the cover slightly up and backwards. It should open like a clam shell, and the cover will still be connected to the base by a few wires. Note how the feeder tube holder is positioned and remove it.

If the threads in the generator are stripped the screw may turn but will not come out. If this happens, use needle nose pliers the grasp the screw, and while pulling upward twist the screw. Repeat this action until you can grasp it with you fingers, and continue to pull upward and twist until the screw is removed.

The 6 inner screws are left intact.

Use a small brush (a cheap BBQ brush from the dollar store works well) and small vacuum or compress air to remove all wood particles that are inside the generator. Use small pieces of cloth, Q-Tips and 90% isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol to clean any residue that is remaining. Make sure you clean the drive (more commonly called the shuttle, the part that pushes the bisquettes) and drive guide (drive guide is the part that the bisquettes travel on to get to the bisquette burner).

To clean the track edges and to get into tight corners of the drive guide use the pointed end of a bamboo skewer. The front of the drive (shuttle) will tilt up so that you can get the skewer underneath it. For stubborn buildup residue on the drive guide and heat pad a Dremel with a wire brush attachment does a great job.

Make sure to wear safety goggles when using the Dremel. The residue comes off in tiny pieces and sting when they hit your skin. Also, do not use the alcohol to clean around the front of the generator. The alcohol will remove the painted lettering and logo.

Once cleaned it is time to reassemble. First, make sure that all wires are securely connected. Next, reattach the feeder tube holder, making sure it is positioned properly. When positioned correctly it will be held in place by three pins and can only be seated correctly in one position.

Now replace the cover. When replacing the cover make sure that no wires will be in the way of the rotation of the drive arm. On the base of the generator and the top edge of the cover, there are two notches located on the top. When reassembling the generator, make sure that the top edge of the cover fits into those notches.

Once positioned, slightly push down until the top is fully seated. Turn the generator over and replace the screws. Do not over tighten or you will strip the thread in the base. You only need to get the screws snug, the washers will prevent them from loosening.

After awhile you are likely to strip the threads in the generator. Sometimes wedging a toothpick in the hole prior to starting the screw will keep it tight.

All nice and clean, and awaiting it's next smoke challenge.

[manxman]

I remember getting caught out with the array of screws when I first took my OBS generator apart, mainly for cleaning but also had to change the drive motor on one occasion as well.

Once you know how it is relatively easy notwithstanding Habs had the ability to make everything sound easy! As TedEBear says... a legend.

[KyNola]

Resisting the urge to say this is a great example of why the forum shouldn't be discontinued.