Flipped the heating element

cmayna · Feb 23, 2016

OK, I've been considering trying to flip the heating element in my MES40 over so it is more centered in the smoker. After dealing with a few obstacles, I think I accomplished what I was trying to do. Can't say if this would work in a MES30, but if someone sends me theirs, I'll give it a try.

Here's a link to my original post about this idea:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/242544/flipping-over-the-element-in-a-mes40-another-possible-mod

Note the vertical support plate that is welded to the lower rails, which supports the chip box. If you flip the element, this plate is in the way. Thus I had to break the welds loose in order to move (slide) this support plate way over to the right.

Flipping the element over, caused me to drill new holes through the back walls.

The male spade connectors which are spot welded to the legs of the heating element, needed to be bent over.

Here's the element in it's new position. Note the support plate way over to the right side. It is no longer welded to the rails but instead just floats making is easy to move around.

Chip box/tube re-mounted.

Fired the smoker up tonight with success. Seems to be running ok.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dr k · Feb 24, 2016

cmayna said:
OK, I've been considering trying to flip the heating element in my MES40 over so it is more centered in the smoker. After dealing with a few obstacles, I think I accomplished what I was trying to do. Can't say if this would work in a MES30, but if someone sends me theirs, I'll give it a try.

Here's a link to my original post about this idea:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/242544/flipping-over-the-element-in-a-mes40-another-possible-mod

Note the vertical support plate that is welded to the lower rails, which supports the chip box. If you flip the element, this plate is in the way. Thus I had to break the welds loose in order to move (slide) this support plate way over to the right.

Flipping the element over, caused me to drill new holes through the back walls.

The male spade connectors which are spot welded to the legs of the heating element, needed to be bent over.

Here's the element in it's new position. Note the support plate way over to the right side. It is no longer welded to the rails but instead just floats making is easy to move around.

Chip box/tube re-mounted.

Fired the smoker up tonight with success. Seems to be running ok.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks great! It's got to be better than the element being in the corner. I bet it took awhile to do. If you decide you don't need the chip tray housing/tunnel, It looks easy to remove.

-Kurt

tropics · Feb 24, 2016

Craig that looks great Points for creativity

Richie

cmayna · Feb 24, 2016

Yes Kurt,

Removing the chip box setup is very easy. I must say that though flipping the element does help centralize the heat source and flow, it does cause somewhat of a tight area for the AMNPS to sit on the left. Now it fits more like a MES30 setup. No real issue for me though since it is my plans to use my mailbox mod with this set up. And if I get something caught up my backside and want to put the AMNPS inside the chamber, I might consider placing it on top of the chip box similar to what Foamheart does.

Thanks Richie. I love modifying things.

Craig

daveomak · Feb 24, 2016

Looks like there is room for the AMNPS on the right side of the element ??? Is that true ??

Remove the chip box and hook up an extension on the air inlet hole so cool air comes in above the element..... Something like I did on my MES 30.....

Turkey 2-2016 001.JPG

daveomak
Feb 15, 2016

SmokinAl · Feb 24, 2016

That's a great idea.

Makes you wonder why the engineers at Masterbuilt don't figure these things out.

Al

cmayna · Feb 24, 2016

Dave, there is room on both sides though being very close to the element, very similar to a MES30 situation. What is the difference between what I have done vs a MES30 such as yours? Is it because in my case, the AMNPS is very close to the inlet?

No matter what I do, it's all reversible, meaning I can always change back to stock or whatever. This is fun stuff.

cmayna · Feb 24, 2016

Dave, Here's a pic I found on my phone that I took during assembly. Thinking out loud that if I wanted to try this and was worried about the element catching the pellets on fire, I could simply attach a vertical piece of aluminum sheet to the support plate you see between the element and AMNPS, acting kinda like a barrier. Hmmmm.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mike johnson · Feb 24, 2016

What a great Mod. You have given me a great idea. I have a mes40 that needs a new heating element. I might as well convert it in the process.

old sarge · Feb 24, 2016

Craig - a couple of questions related to your post/photos: Why was it necessary to drill 2 new holes? It looks like the element would have slid into the original holes with no problem. Also, your marks on the tape appear to have a greater separation between the holes than the original, and are also lower. And secondly, why was it necessary to bend the tabs up?

Just curious. Dave

cmayna · Feb 24, 2016

Old Sarge,

old sarge said:
Craig - a couple of questions related to your post/photos: Why was it necessary to drill 2 new holes? It looks like the element would have slid into the original holes with no problem. Also, your marks on the tape appear to have a greater separation between the holes than the original, and are also lower. And secondly, why was it necessary to bend the tabs up?

Just curious. Dave

Dave,

The mounting holes of the element plate are not on the same plain/plateau as the element legs. Trying to keep the same element leg holes, I had to drill new mounting holes. Regarding bending the taps up, If you flip the element over "as is" the tabs will be pointing downward. Based upon the amount of space available, in the little pocket of space, one could not attach the wires terminals to the legs of the element. Believe me, I tried to find any way to get this resolved in the easiest way possible.

Craig

My 3rd pic should basically say it all. The mounting screws are not on the same plateau as the legs of the elements.

old sarge · Feb 24, 2016

Craig - Thanks. I am not familiar with the innards of the MES so I was a tad lost. Looks good. Dave

bdskelly · Feb 25, 2016

This is really a neat mod. I wonder if it corrects the hot rear right corner of the smoker. You may be on to something here. B

cmayna · Feb 25, 2016

I'm kinda surprised that no one has already done this mod months/years ago. It just seemed so obvious to simply flip the element.

hank2000 · Feb 26, 2016

I have a MES 40 I use for sausage and bacon mostly I'm going to try this. The amps won't be a problem for me so much as I use a master built. Cold smoke kit. But I may get an amps at soon time. Would love to know how it helped temps if at all

tallbm · Mar 23, 2017

cmayna said:
OK, I've been considering trying to flip the heating element in my MES40 over so it is more centered in the smoker. After dealing with a few obstacles, I think I accomplished what I was trying to do. Can't say if this would work in a MES30, but if someone sends me theirs, I'll give it a try.

Here's a link to my original post about this idea:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/242544/flipping-over-the-element-in-a-mes40-another-possible-mod

Note the vertical support plate that is welded to the lower rails, which supports the chip box. If you flip the element, this plate is in the way. Thus I had to break the welds loose in order to move (slide) this support plate way over to the right.

Flipping the element over, caused me to drill new holes through the back walls.

The male spade connectors which are spot welded to the legs of the heating element, needed to be bent over.

Here's the element in it's new position. Note the support plate way over to the right side. It is no longer welded to the rails but instead just floats making is easy to move around.

Chip box/tube re-mounted.

Fired the smoker up tonight with success. Seems to be running ok.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great post! This will surely help with my planned fan mod in the somewhat near future.

I would remove the chip box, flip the element, and then mount the fan in the back above the element to distribute the hot air through the smoker.

Now I just need to find some time over a few weekends to do the work!

Flipped the heating element

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