Masterbuilt Gas Smokehouse taking FOREVER to get up to temp

[johnnyb47]

I've been to this site often for great advice, tips, etc...but I need to some more detailed help!  My propane smoke seems to be taking a really long time to get up to temp.  I originally thought my tank was low so I switched to a brink new tank....i'm doubting the accuracy of the gauge.  At any rate...there is a blue flame...not very big.  I bought this thing last summer and I seem to remember it getting up to temp super fast which is why I loved it.  As I type this it has been on for almost 30 minutes and is only now at 174...I don't see myself holding a consistent 230 degrees today!  Any thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated....THANKS!

 

[demosthenes9]

 
I've been to this site often for great advice, tips, etc...but I need to some more detailed help!  My propane smoke seems to be taking a really long time to get up to temp.  I originally thought my tank was low so I switched to a brink new tank....i'm doubting the accuracy of the gauge.  At any rate...there is a blue flame...not very big.  I bought this thing last summer and I seem to remember it getting up to temp super fast which is why I loved it.  As I type this it has been on for almost 30 minutes and is only now at 174...I don't see myself holding a consistent 230 degrees today!  Any thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated....THANKS!

Turn everything off (close every valve completely).   Then slowly open up the valve on your propane tank.   Then turn knob on smoker to "light" and try to light it.

Don't know exactly how it works, but with propane, there's a "safety" thing where the flow of gas can get constricted.  Sounds like this is what has happened.      If method I described doesn't work, shut everything down again and this time, disconnect the propane tank as well.   Hook it back up (making sure the collar is nice and tight) then turn everything back on in sequence.

 

[azbohunter]

Don't know exactly how it works, but with propane, there's a "safety" thing where the flow of gas can get constricted.  Sounds like this is what has happened.      If method I described doesn't work, shut everything down again and this time, disconnect the propane tank as well.   Hook it back up (making sure the collar is nice and tight) then turn everything back on in sequence.

[h3]OPD Valve Design[/h3]
The design of the OPD valve is such that turning the cylinder service valve handwheel will not produce any effect if the cylinder is not hooked up to an appliance. In other words, a connection must be made between the appliance hose end and the cylinders service valve. The inside of the OPD valve is engineered to only allow propane in or out if the internal valve is actuated by being depressed. This OPD valve feature adds additional safety in case the handwheel is turned, opening the valve. For this reason, OPD equipped cylinders will not allow gas out of the cylinder when opened. The same is true for industrial forklift cylinders. Click the photo of the OPD valve (left) to see a larger and more detailed picture of the of the internal flow valve.
See additional OPD Valve Information

At times, if you open the valve to fast and a rush of propane trys to fill your lines the OPD valve behaves as though nothing is attached. I have had similar problems with my Grill, I have found that opening valve very slowly or even laying the tank on its side while opening the valve slowly has worked for me!