I freakin hate when this happens!!!!!

[flanntastic]

i put on a small pork butt on the MES40 last night, filled my AMNPS with hickory, i lit it and let it burn in the driveway for 20 minutes why i prepped the butt.   it was only a 6lb butt put it on at 10pm with thin blue smoke.....got up at 7, my AMNPS went out after a inch of burning......i got a unsmoked butt now, and its already 185 internal....dang.............

 

[SmokinAl]

If you had it going good it sounds like an air flow problem.

Was the top vent wide open & did you take the chip loader out so you would get more air flow?

Where did you have the AMNPS positioned?

I'm sure Todd will be along shortly with some answers for you.

 

[flanntastic]

vent all the way open, chip tray out and chip loader out, had foil below it (it was above the hot spot) and on the rack above it ( below meat) but not touching it

when i put it in i was worried it was burning too fast

 

[SmokinAl]

Hopefully Todd will have an answer for you.

 

[tjohnson]

"Chip Loader Out" is the issue

Here's why.......

When you remove the chip loader during "Hot Smoking", heat from the element almost creates an "Air Curtain" right at the air intake.  I'm not exactly sure why, but it's a phenomenon that occurs in the MES 30" and 40" with a chip loader.  The smoker seems to "Back Draft" and almost choke out.  Reinstall the chip loader and the AMNPS will keep smoking.  Pull the chip loader out 1/4 way MAX.

I've also played around with fans for the intake, and a chimney for the exhaust.  I had my best results by adding a chimney to the exhaust.  This will cause a slight negative pressure in the MES 30 & 40.  Also, if there's a wind, the chimney will draft even more.

Hope this makes sense!

Todd

 

[chadinclw]

Todd, that is a great explanation. It's like why does a pickup truck get better mileage with the tailgate up? Counter-intuitive, but physics rule!!

Also, the pork isn't ruined - just different! It'll be great slow roasted pork!! 

 

[tjohnson]

I wish I understood what was actually going on, because it makes sense to pull the chip loader for more air....Right?

What I know is thru "Trial and Error", and lots of hours testing. 

I log most of my testing, so I can keep track of any variables.

BobbyGee had the same issue, and contacted me.  He too thought it did not make sense, but worked for him

TJ

 

[flanntastic]

lesson learned! makes since though

 

[SmokinAl]

I knew Todd would have the answer.

 

[hkeiner]

 I had my best results by adding a chimney to the exhaust.

How does one add a chimney on the MES40 so that it works the best? Do you loosley place a short piece of pipe on the vent opening on top? And if so, what type of pipe, what diameter, and what length of pipe works best?

This is most likely already discussed elsewhere on this forum, but I thought I would ask here too.

Thanks

 

[tjohnson]

I actually took (3) Progresso Soup Cans and stacked them for about 9" of chimney.  Bean cans are the same size.

'You need 3" OD to fit inside the exhaust.  I also took a 2 1/2" pvc 45° elbow and it worked very well.

I think any length of tube that keeps the smoker from back drafting down thru the exhaust will work

Todd