ridiculously low temps on a masterbuilt propane smoker

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soymateofeo

Newbie
Original poster
Sep 27, 2014
13
10
Hey gang!  I have a 40" masterbuilt propane smoker and I am struggling.  I fired it up after it sitting for 2-3 months unused.  I am in California where the air temp is 70 degrees and humidity is 52%.  In theory, I should be having a good smoking day.  HOWEVER, my rig will not get above 220 wide open.  I made the following mods in the past:

1.  added sand to the water tray

2. added a larger water tray that sits on top of the sand.  

I had some chickens, spare ribs,  and beef ribs in at one time. I got a bit nervous and moved the chicken to the weber propane and have removed the water tray from the smoker.  smoker temp will not get above 220.  I am using a separate oven thermometer and thought that may be the problem and switched it with another oven thermometer.  Both are fluctuating between 210 and 220.  

any ideas?

Matt
 
Sounds like the safety valve on the propane tank may have tripped. I think you just need to close it, turn your smoker on and then open the tank valve slowly. Do t take my word for it as I don't use propane, do a search for propane safety valve.
 
I ditched the water pan and am up to about 240 wide open.  I am going to check that safety valve now.  I hope one of those is the magic trick.  
 
WHOOAAAAA! I ditched the water pan and holy biscuits did it take off! I had to turn it down because it picked up 50 degrees in 15 minutes.  problem solved....so far.  Thanks everybody!
 
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