40" Gen 2 MES, Stopped Working

[dilksdad]

After 8 hrs of smoking at 225, dark smoke started coming from around the control unit and the bottom of the back of the unit. There was a snapping noise and the unit quit. I've been using the unit on a regular basis for a year is so.

Suggestions?

 

[csrt4wookienutz]

Electronics are fried.

 

[dilksdad]

Should a new control unit solve the problem?

Thanks for your response!

 

[walta]

I think it is likely you have a bad connection on your heating element.

Look on the back of the smoker for a small cover that may be held in place with rivets. Remove the cover and inspect the connection.

To me it seems clear the number of failures is too high. Masterbuilt needs to redesign this smoker.

I for one have filed a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  If Masterbuilt were going to change on its own it would have done so by now.

If you have a similar failure considers filing a complaint.

https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

Not everyone has GFCI outlet that will detect bring this problem to your attention. It is only a matter of time before a MES a failed is operated without a GFCI and no ground and somebody get hurt.

I think everyone that uses a MES needs to test their outlet with something like the outlet tester the one in this link seems to be in stock at most Home Depots most hardware stores will have something like it in stock

.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-Tools-Outlet-Tester-Green-MS112H/206029154

Walta

 

[eman]

Masterbuilt uses a 14 gauge wire and aluminum connectors on the mes.

 Every one i have owned i have had to fix a burned connection at the heating element.

i repair all of them with 12 gauge High temp wire and stainless steel connectors.

 If you have to open the unit up to replace one wire go ahead and replace all of them that you can get to..

 this has been a fault of MES since the beginning of the 40".

 

[walta]

Eman please post a link to your “stainless steel connectors”

I do not think there is such a thing making them very difficult to find. Stainless steel is a poor conductor of electricity making it an unsuitable material for electrical connectors. I do not point this out to be an xxx I hate to think of someone wasting their time looking for something that does not exist.

I would recommend high temp nickel connectors if you have a new element to put them on.

If you reuse the damaged element I think you should file down the old terminal to shiny metal then solder the new connector to the element.  

Walta

 

[chuckybrown]

I had a problem with my MES 30. I emailed them, and after proving a copy of my receipt a new one was promptly shipped to me.

So....email them. They provide exceptional customer service!

 

[smokin phil]

.

 

[dilksdad]

Your diagnosis was correct, one of the connectors was burned up. You recommended replacing both wires and connectors, what's the procedure for getting to the elements.
Thanks

 

[Bearcarver]

This is similar to the ones I used on mine. I don't remember what gauge I used without looking it up:

• 16-14 AWG High Temp. Female Flag 0.250'' Push-On terminals 25 Pieces

[h1]16-14 AWG High Temp. Female Flag 0.250'' Push-On terminals 25 Pieces[/h1]

$6.35

Quantity	Price Ea.
ANY	$6.35

SKU: WT-392105
25 Piece economy pack of high temperature female right angle flag 1/4'' push-on terminals for 16-14 gauge wire. Made from nickel plated steel to withstand temperatures up to 900°F (482°C). Voltage rating of up to 600 volts. Made in the USA.

 

[walta]

Dilksdad please post a photo of your heater terminals.

Once I see it then I will give you my opinion as to if it can be salvaged.

Do you own a soldering iron?

If not do you know someone that could help you out?

This link is for you Phil

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-High-Tem...hash=item5aeb04dbb2:m:m9BO_LY2ZE_asr2Cd0je9Bw

Walta