Help! Smoker not getting to temperature

[butterman75]

I have smoked ribs using the 3-2-1 method a bunch with great results. Temperature usually around 225. Today for some reason my smoker is only getting up to 170. Anyone ever smoke ribs at that temp and if so should i just change the 3-2-1 time to something like 4-3-2?

 

[alblancher]

What kind of smoker are you using, how's the weather?

 

[butterman75]

Master Forge, 60 degrees. Ive done it when it was cooler with no problems. I just d/c everything and put it back together and it seems to be heating up a little better but ive already done 2 hours at 170.

 

[alblancher]

Sometimes the wind will play havoc with you.  Charcoal, electric or propane?   Maybe it just need a cleaning?

 

[butterman75]

Propane and yes your probably right about the cleaning...or perhaps ill just go ahead and get the pellet smoker ive been wanting!

 

[alblancher]

HeHe  any excuse to buy a new smoker is a good one!

 

[spoolinaz]

I can get 400 out of my gasser converted to NG, and it burns cooler than propane. I would say you have an (near) empty bottle or somehow the gas orifice/intake is blocked up...

 

[jirodriguez]

Check up inside your veturi, a lot of times spiders get up in there and block them off with webbing. Just run a pipe cleaner up in there to make sure.

 

[butterman75]

Thanks guys, i will give those suggestions a go!

BTW, ribs still came out great, just not fall off the bone like i love them!