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Sealing gap between firebox and cooking chamber

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    Sealing gap between firebox and cooking chamber

    I have an offset smoker that has developed a fairly large gap between the firebox and cook chamber. I think it’s making it difficult to control my temps.

    I’d appreciate any suggestions you have for closing this up. I don’t have any welding experience. I’d considered just trying to fill it with JB Weld but I doubt it would hold up to the temps here.

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    #2
    I would try drilling additional holes along the top and try to close the gap with bolts, washers and nuts. Loosen the existing bolt and push in some of this 1500 degree firebox gasket before closing the gap.
    http://LavaLock 1,500 Degree Stove Firebox Gasket, Vermiculite Fiberglass 1" x 1/8" x 100ft roll
    Last edited by jayjordan; May 2, 2026, 11:04 AM.

    Comment


      #3
      could you drill a couple of holes and use bolts and washers to draw the gap together. If your not worried about removing the firebox could also used rivets.

      Comment


        #4
        I had considered drilling and bolting/riveting and assumed that would be enough but for the life of me didn’t think to just use a couple of washers to get better coverage. Thanks!

        Comment


          #5
          Yeah, without removing and replacing, I'd go with fender washers and a 1/4" or 3/8" bolt.

          Comment


            #6
            Agree, drill some holes and put bolts in there. Although I don’t think that gap is the problem when it comes to maintaining temps. Assuming you have a natural draft from the smoke stack hot air is always moving through the smoker and up.

            Comment


            • cjmemay
              cjmemay commented
              Editing a comment
              It’s a fair point, I’ll close it up all the same, as it’s one less thing for me to be worried about.

            • Henrik
              Henrik commented
              Editing a comment
              👍👍👍

            #7
            Yup add the extra bolts and if possible get some length of steel on both sides of the new bolt holes you drill so that when you pull them tight the steel will help pull it completely flat and closed. Kind of looks like my first Char Griller. I had that problem also.

            Comment


              #8
              All of the above and if the bolts don't cinch it down, the flat high temp fireplace gasket should do it...

              Comment


                #9
                I don't know. Have you run it lately? Looks pretty weathered. If you have not run it in a while, then I'd put a test burn through it and monitor it. Those gaps might not make a difference in temp control. FWIW.

                Comment


                  #10
                  If you don’t have the tools to drill and bolt the gap it can be pushed back together with a couple of cheap C clamps from the hardware store. I’d stay away from epoxy or silicone sealers. I have no idea what they may off gas at high temps.

                  Comment

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