Kamado Joe Classic 2 can't seal lid

[Tecumseh]

In 2023 I bought a floor model, was $799 delivered but it had a small crack in the base where the air hinge is located. A couple months after delivery, Kamado joe sent me a new dome ( shipping mistake), then corrected that by shipping me a new base (Yes, a 2nd joe . I wasn't having any issues with the original base so I kept on smoking.... Finally last week got tired of looking at the new joe and decided to replace it. I cannot for the life of me correct the gap in the back between the base and lid, it's ~1/4". I've redone the rings, air hinge 4 f'n times, I can't get it to seal all the way around. I've adjusted the air hinge so the lid stays open, I latch it closed and there is that gap in the back. The band does sag a bit on the back side but that's not adjustable as the peg on the band is inserted into the back of the base and the peg in the front is in. I'm at a loss. Sent off my 2nd email to KJ, awaiting their reply

[Spinaker]

See if they will send you the spacers for resetting the bands. Your dealer should have them as well, as they assemble them in store for floor displays.

I had a similar issue with my BGE, when I bought it 2nd hand. Once I had the spacers, it fixed the problem.

This might be helpful as well.

[Tecumseh]

I've never seen the spacers, would come in handy for sure. I've Kamado for some specs on where the band should be, same for the hinge. Their customer service is not what it used to be.

[Spinaker]

Yeah, basically you set them on the base, and then place the lid on the spacers, then attached the bands. I am not sure if KJ makes them or not. But reach out to your dealer and see is they have them. Otherwise, it might be worth trying ones from BGE. I bet they are the same.

[hoovarmin]

I'm the last guy to answer this but looking at that gap in the back makes me suspect that something is off in the air hinge.

[Tecumseh]

I took the air hinge off tonight. Will play with the adjustment tomorrow. Seems like the spring isn't compressed enough when the lid is closed.

[hoovarmin]

I hope you get it figured out. Nothing more frustrating that having that beautiful cooker and not being able to put it to use.

[Tecumseh]

Spinaker, thanks for the suggestion of spacers. I don't think KJ offers any, but I took my lid off and used washers to sit under the base to insure I had a uniform fit. That and replacing the air hinge and replacing the brand new felt with the wire mesh, I was able to start using this again.. finally!

[Spinaker]

Nice! So is it working well and sealed.