Thinking up another PBC mod......

[Jerod Broussard]

Often times I don't have the opportunity to use my Auber fan on the PBC since it pulls double duty on the kettle. It was actually bought for the kettle/SnS combo.

Twas thinking of installing a vent on the lid. One of those simple multi-hole turn numbers that are on kettles and what not.

My pipes do a great job of increasing the air flow to run higher than normal with so much meat inside. However, when the stall kicks in it really affects the barrel temp since this is all occurring directly above the fuel source.

I can crack the lid but VERY rarely can I leave it cracked. The rare instance is when I am running pork butts at 350-360. The lid you could say does too good of a job at increasing temp.

I figure a vent on the lid can actually be adjusted to somewhat maintain a temp rather than the usual up and downs with 15-20 minutes of sleep in between.

Starting tonight I have three overnight cooks with work through Sat. night. I treasure my sleepy.

Anyone know of any vent kits?????

[Huskee]

I think that's a great idea. Actually, even though I don't own one, I could never figure out why one wasn't available when I'd read about y'all cracking the lid to increase temps. "Daisy wheel man!" I kept thinking...

Try this link for vent parts, Jerod.

[tenphases]

Any chance that link can get refreshed ?

[HawkerXP]

something like this tenphases

https://www.amazon.com/LavaLock%C2%AE-Aluminum-Pinwheel-Smoker-Intake/dp/B0178QBLEW/ref=asc_df_B0178QBLEW?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539281984885&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138858109773&psc=1

[HawkerXP]

Or this @tenphases

https://www.amazon.com/LavaLock%C2%AE-Smoker-Pinwheel-Damper-Diameter/dp/B0178PSQJQ/ref=asc_df_B0178PSQJQ?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80126962060121&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726540546570&psc=1

[Jerod Broussard]

Holy crap thanks man......off to bed. I can sleep better now thanks to Huskee and Auber

Maverick alarms set......

[Huskee]

......

[RonB]

In your description, you mention "pipes". Are they for a chimney? If so, changing the length should change the draw. Changing the diameter should also change the draw. maybe a flat piece of metal, (as a damper), on top of a larger pipe would provide the control you need.

[Nate]

Sounds like you are in the process of turning your PBC into a makeshift/rigged Gateway smoker as if i remember right you put intake pipes on yours.... That being said... not sure where your intake pipes are but you may want to consider placement of the vent on your lid.... Gateways have a triangle configuration if you look at where the pipes are located and where they put the vent on the lid.....

[Jerod Broussard]

Ok

[Jerod Broussard]

The pipes are already fairly high and I can tell if I go any higher the smoke is really going to cool off by the time it gets to the top and probably create backflow

[Nate]

Jerod Broussard , I will be anxious to see what you come up with. I just started using my PBC and am still learning but have been reading your posts on the mods because of the high volume you are able to do.

[Karon Adams]

My UDS is a Big poppa's kit Barrel so HWMO built it out for me. when he did, he didn't QUITE mark the drill holes for the lid vents exactly right. as it came out, they were actually slightly stepped resulting in the openings being stepped. hard to describe. they simply weren't centered on the vent closure. I was a bit disappointing but I thought it was just a cosmetic issue.

however, when we started using it, we found that was actually better. turn the vent a little just one opening opens just a little, then as the first opens more, the second begins to open a little and so on. unless you want them all full open, at which point, crack the lid, this is plenty. and, frankly, i find it gives me far greater fine control of my vents.

That said, I use a Pit IQ on my Barrel so we have almost not work involved in playing with the vents. we leave them about a quarter open on top the IQ handles the inflow and we are set.

the one thing that was a problem, originally, was the temp was WAY too high at first and it would take a couple of hours before the barrel would fall below 300 degrees. drove me NUTS. until I started minioning. but, how do you minion in a 10" deep basket? well, you take a metal cooling rack and fold it almost in half leaving about 1" in the middle. just enough to stop the fire jumping.

Now, we start the fire on one side and let it burn low and slow and the charcoal lasts more than 12 hours. Now, because I prefer to stay low, we go back in at 12 hours, pull the drip pan for sauce, replace it with the baked bean pan and replenish the coals to finish the cook. at that point we usually has 2-3 hours left. perfect for the beans.

[Jerod Broussard]

I just got a good light wirh 4 HUGE flats. It settled at 277. Probably be down around 260 once I get off work. I need to get them done by 6 a.m. so they can be sliced and chopped for transit at 10 a.m.

A split in 2, 9 lb butt on the kettle/SnS combo hogging the Auber.

[Jerod Broussard]

I already have a hole in my lid that is currently being plugged up with a bolt where I had installed a Tel-Tru Thermometer.

This will fit nicely in that location. 4" diameter. 12 gauge steel.

[Nate]

Anxious to hear about the results after trial.

[Rfuilrez]

If you haven't bought it yet, I would get the Weber one with the plastic handle. It comes on the performer and probably master touch?

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/damper-kit-p-1475773.html

I like not burning myself to move it. I replaced the one on my cheapo kettle with it.

[Jerod Broussard]

I'm going with the above model. Wanted some good sized cut outs. My fingers get fried every cook anyways. hahaha

[Jerod Broussard]

So what is the best way to lock this dude down without having a constant tightening and untightening as it is adjusted. Jon Solberg

Be this weekend before I can do the cutouts.

[Huskee]

I second the spring. It puts pressure down w/o the nut needing to be tight.

[Jerod Broussard]

Cool. Spring and double nut it. No Cryptorchidness on my PBC!!!! I certainly have the bolt length.

[MBMorgan]

"No Cryptorchidness on my PBC!!!!"
For once, I have no words ...

[eddiecalder]

How well does the pit controller work with the PBC?

[Jerod Broussard]

Are you talking about the Auber??

[Rfuilrez]

I run my PBC with a Heatermeter controlling 100% of the airflow into it. Couldn't be happier! It's a fanless design. Just a servo that opens and closes a damper.

[Jerod Broussard]

I use mine for supplemental air to aid the original vent when all the heat robbing physical properties of water kick in.

[Jerod Broussard]

Cut outs taking shape. Hopefully get her done tomorrow. Thank goodness for my Dremel tool.

[Tim E]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

[Jerod Broussard]

Got her done. There's a little play in it which isn't a big deal. The hole that was already in the barrel is a little larger than the hole for the vent itself.

[RonB]

Good job Jerod.