Leaky Lid Easy Fix

[lschweig]

I have pretty easily solved my slightly leaky lid problem with slightly modified C clamps from the local Home Depot. I first ground down the area of the clamp that comes into contact with the barrel itself to create a wider flat clamping surface. I then ground a groove into the area of the C clamp directly behind the flat clamping surface to allow for the lid lip to have enough space to allow for the clamps to actually clamp the lid down.
The plastic caps on the swivel portion of the screw portion have shown no signs of melting at all and have not marred the finish in the slightest.
The other benefit is that after clamping you know that the lid is not ajar, which I am sure most of us have experienced at some time.

[Jerod Broussard]

You got 4 C's and still made an A+!!!

[lschweig]

Only because I did extra credit and aced the final!

[Jerod Broussard]

You gotta love a final that is only over tested material and worth 90% of the final grade.

[lschweig]

It probably helped that I was also the teachers pet!

[jecucolo]

That is really a good fix because with Pbc you rarely have to check the food until the end. If your cooking chicken no clamps needed!

[Pit Barrel Cooker Co.]

Please give us a call regarding your lid. What are your barrel temps when following the lighting process? Do you see a lot of smoke coming from the top of the barrel? Please don't hesitate to contact us at 502-228-1222 so we can help you directly.

[lschweig]

It was leaking slightly not severely. I had talked to Noah about this months ago and we both agreed that it shouldn't matter much. I just like for things to be precise if possible.

[lschweig]

I should also say that your product is amazing and has transformed my smoking experiences and finished product exponentially.

[Catmandu]

On my first PBC cook yesterday I noticed a small amount of smoke coming from under the lid (as well as through the rebar holes). Wasn't too concerned, but I did put a couple decent size rocks on top of the lid and no more escape from there.

[Spinaker]

Just an FYI, Smoke is supposed to come through the rebar holes. Those are your exhaust dampers.

[Catmandu]

Yep, just wanted to clarify that smoke was also coming out from there, along with the little bit from under the lid.

[HawkerXP]

I've used a couple of foil wrapped bricks to help seal lid when I saw smoke coming from the lid. I can remove them after awhile and the lid stays sealed until I sneak a peak. I've only done 4 cooks in the PBC.

[lschweig]

I would worry about the foil maybe scratching the finish or the brick tearing through the foil.

[HawkerXP]

I to am concerned with damage to the finish (I call mine "Black Beauty") and am careful with brick movement.

[Spinaker]

The more you guys cook the better it will seal. I have a first generation PBC and have never had leaking issues.
One thing I did to get a better seal was to spray the inside of the lid, especially where it meets the PBC. This wil get a layer of grease going on the rim of the PBC and the lid. This will help to seal the lid to the barrel. It seems like this leaking problem is more from the new generation of PBCs but I don't know. I just know I never really had a problem with the lid leaking, especially after a few cooks.

[LSUBBQFan]

Spinaker -- what did you spray the inside of the lid with? Interesting idea.

[Spinaker]

PAM or any cooking spray will do. Crisco would work too.

[lschweig]

I just talked with PBC customer service as they requested and apparently Amazon sells a sealer that they recommend. Although I like my method better as it gives me one more way to help control temps.

[Thomassen]

What was the name of the sealer on Amazon?

[LSUBBQFan]

Thanks

[Pit Barrel Cooker Co.]

Slightly elevated temperatures are usually seen when straying from the lighting process, using wood chunks, running wires over the rim of the barrel etc. The "Lighting Your PBC" video located on our website shows the recommended process for lighting the Pit Barrel Cooker. Here is the link: http://www.pitbarrelcooker.com/videos/lighting-your-pbc. The Troubleshooting video is located here: http://www.pitbarrelcooker.com/videos/troubleshooting. As always, we make ourselves readily available to assist our customers.

[PappyBBQ]

Ok. So I gotta ask. I have a "gen 2" barrel that I got after they switched to porcelain enamel finish from powder coated. My lid has a "rolled" edge that matches the rolled top of the barrel. Provides a very tight fit. Are the new lids made without the rolled edge? And by that I mean, is the lid edge flat now and simply rests on the top of the barrel?

[DWCowles]

According to the pics above they are also roll edges

[PappyBBQ]

I really couldn't tell from the pictures so that's why I asked, and other pictures I've seen make it look flat...