Weber Kettle, lid

[JoeInTX]

After smoking a times on my new Kettle grill, I've noticed the top vents have become difficult to adjust. This must be due to the smoke, I never had this problem on my old Kettle that I used for grilling. I'm new to smoking.

Has anyone come across this and have a solution? I'm thinking maybe WD40, but would it be safe? Oven cleaner perhaps?

I've posted a picture of the top vents.

[lemayp]

I had that happen after a few cooks on my 22. It got to the point that I had to open the vents with pliers. Put a ticket in with their support and they sent a new lid that I haven't had any issues with.

[JoeInTX]

Thanks for your reply! I did try and clean it using a degreaser, moves a little now but definitely not as it should. If it starts to get bad again, maybe I'll contact their support also.

Thanks for the tip!

[Corvus]

Recommend looking for the thread about replacing the rivet with a 1/4' X 11/4 bolt with a ring and wing nut. I've done it to my kettles and WSMs. Every third or forth cook I remove the vent cover and clean up is a breeze.

[JoeInTX]

Interesting, I'll see if I can find it, thanks.

[FireMan]

You can always do this......

[Huskee]

I'm not sure what's happening here, but I laughed at the appearance of the super telephone pole-height chimney

[HouseHomey]

Huskee I just now figured that out. The shadow makes it look like a vent pipe. Don't worry about me, I'll catch up.

[DWCowles]

It's nothing to worry about it just the stickiness from the smoke and moisture. You can clean it by mixing a drop or two of Dawn with hot water in a spray bottle and work the vent back and forth while spraying. You may have to repeat a few times.

[JoeInTX]

Thanks. I've tried the Dawn method and of course was only temporary. The last time was the worst.

[FireMan]

Try a little vinegar, straight, no mixer. Amazing stuff.

[HouseHomey]

Honestly, I'd go with FireMan cooker in the photo above.

[Huskee]

Your vent looks exactly like mine. A couple times a year I use Barkeeper's Friend or Comet and clean mine to get them shiny again (for a week).

[JoeInTX]

Thanks, at least I'm in good company!