Waterproofing Maverick Probe

[DWCowles]

I was just wondering if you can waterproof the Maverick probe with heat shrink tubes at the joint where the cable enters the probe?

[Meathead]

The concern is that air or moisture inside the probe will expand when heated and blow up the tubes or worse, the probe.

[DWCowles]

So far it's working pretty good. I did 4 probes and they have been in the Rec-Tec all night.

[FLBuckeye]

Didn't someone suggest some hi temp silicone at the joint?

[FLBuckeye]

It was you DW...

http://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/for...averick-probes.

Did that not work?

[DWCowles]

FLBuckeye yes it did but the ideal of using the heat shrink tube hit me and so far so good.

[FLBuckeye]

DWCowles Will be interested in seeing how it holds up long term. Please keep us posted. How did the probes with the silicone hold up?

[DWCowles]

FLBuckeye the silicone work very well. I put the heat shrink tube on four probes yesterday and I used them on the PBs and the chuckies. The cook lasted 14 hours at 235 F and they hold up with no problems. Then I wash them with Dawn and hot water and used them with the chicken at 350 F. Work like a charm.

[DWCowles]

Ok, I took one of the probes that I had put the heat shrink tube on and let it submerge in water all night. The next morning I crank the gasser up to 500 F and put the probe in it for 1-1/2 hours. It work just fine and it didn't blowup.

[SteveL]

Has anyone had any problems with the maverick probes failing? My grill probe just started failing - 1/2 the time it gives temp and 1/2 LLL appears. never been in water but appears to be a bit worn where the wire enters the probe. It's about 1 year old so not too pleased to have it fail. Quick internet search showed quite a few others had same problem. Maverick suggests using tinfoil around probe - anyone try that? I replaced 2 screws in my WSM with hollow grommets so can get the 2 probes in without pinching the cable so not sure why it would fail unless they are just prone to wear out. But a year seems a bit too early (although that is quite a few cooks)

[Huskee]

Yes, the Maverick ET 732 & 733 probes are the weak link in the system for sure. They're like light bulbs, you never know when one will go bad, even when you take care of them. I have one that's over 3 yrs old and working fine and a have lost a few along the way after only a few months. ALWAYS a good idea to have 1 or 2 spares in a drawer for when one fails mid-cook.

I put a bit of foil around the probe/wire joint too, you can see it my cook photos. Not sure if it helps but it can't hurt.

[chudzikb]

I had one fail for no reason, just quit, exactly as you describe. From then on, keep as spare or two to fill the gap if it develops.

[Breadhead]

I just started using the ET 735 and I bought the extra 2 probes when I ordered it. So I have 4 probes and if one goes out during a cook I've got the probe from the DigiQ Dx2 I can use too. I think I'm covered.

[SteveL]

Thanks for replies all. I emailed Maverick and pleased to say they are sending me a replacement probe despite warranty being over. Great customer service! I've had a few different units and Maverick has been my favourite so far. I think I will pick up replacements as you suggest - mine failed mid-cook and I do like to keep a log of temps etc.

[Huskee]

SteveL Maverick is great with customer service. They can be fast or slow with email responses, it varies, but they're very good at CS as a whole. Glad to hear you got a warranty replacement on your probe. I never thought to ask about that. I just ordered new ones when they failed.

[DWCowles]

Huskee what do you think about my ideal of using the heat shrink tube? So far it has held up with heat as high as 400 F.

[DWCowles]

Huskee I have used them three times since I put the heat shrink tubes on them no problems let. I even let two of them soak in water with Dawn overnight and they work with no problem. I don't leave the probes in when I reverse sear.

[Huskee]

DWCowles, awesome! Great test. Has potential to be a very viable option. I haven't priced those little tubes but I'm guessing they're about a penny a piece?

[DWCowles]

Huskee I bought a pack of them from Amazon. I got the ones that were assorted colors sand sizes. I can't remember what I gave for but it wasn't much.