Having trouble with my controller... again

[jjdbike]

Hello Pit Masters,

While I love/ed my KBQ when it working as it should. I fave fallen out of love on my last two cooks. Did two double smoked hams and I had wild temp swings, from under 200 to so high it toped out my thermometer. I reached out to Bill and he said it is that my thermostat is dirty and cleaning it will rectify my problem. It was dirty so I gave it and the whole pit a good cleaning, Confident the problem was fixed, I did two Waygu briskets. Still doing the same thing.

I noticed a coule things. 1st, the problem was exaggerated at lower temp settings. When set lower, the temp would cycle between 120 and 245. At higher settings it would cool then soar to redline my thermometer. I finally found a "sweet spot" setting that only had a 50 - 60 degree swing, still to wide of a range in my book.

This is my second controller that this has happened to. Do they just wear out? I'm struggling on whether to buy a new controller, my 3rd, of just dump the KBQ and find a different cooker.

Thoughts?
JD

[TripleB]

I’m speechless. I have never had this issue with my KBQ controller. Nor have I heard of this issue before. And you’ve experienced it TWICE. Maybe ship it back to Bill and see if he can fix it. My controller temp swing is roughly 30 degrees. I generally smoke around 250-280 degrees.

So, you start with a coal bed of lump (or whatever), put in a couple of small splits, both poppets open and turn the knob to a desired temp and then 1) listen for when the fan turns off. If below your target temp, you turn the dial up a bit; or 2) the fan is still going when you hit your target temp and then you turn it down slowly until the fan turns off. Is this right?

[Donw]

Just thinking that the thermostat is the issue. Did both controllers use the same thermostat or did you change it out when installing the new controller?

[jjdbike]

Just thinking that the thermostat is the issue. Did both controllers use the same thermostat or did you change it out when installing the new controller?

I'm not sure that I understand your question. The thermostat is on the controller. I never changed out any parts, just the whole controller.

Best regards,
JD

[jjdbike]

I’m speechless. I have never had this issue with my KBQ controller. Nor have I heard of this issue before. And you’ve experienced it TWICE. Maybe ship it back to Bill and see if he can fix it. My controller temp swing is roughly 30 degrees. I generally smoke around 250-280 degrees.

So, you start with a coal bed of lump (or whatever), put in a couple of small splits, both poppets open and turn the knob to a desired temp and then 1) listen for when the fan turns off. If below your target temp, you turn the dial up a bit; or 2) the fan is still going when you hit your target temp and then you turn it down slowly until the fan turns off. Is this right?

Correct,

I suppose it is possible that I am doing something wrong. But they both worked perfectly for a couple years.

Respectfully,
Jim D

[TripleB]

No idea why they stopped working properly. Again, maybe Bill will take one back in and tear it apart to see if he can find the issue.

[Spinaker]

Wow, that is unfortunate. I have never had any issues with mine in over 10 years of ownership. I would imagine that it is dirty or something like that, but you said you cleaned it and I know you know what you are doing.

This is the first time I have hear of anyone having issues like this. I know Bill said that the controller is simple and the electronics are rock solid, so there must be something else going on. I wish I had better answers for you. I have never had mine shoot way up in temp like that. That is not normal at all. Honestly, I would call Bill again. I know that might not be fun, but that is what I would do to figure this out. I would be shocked if he would not make this right.

I get temp swings with my KBQ but there are generally between 20-30 degrees, which is no big deal.

[58limited]

Did you remove the fan when you cleaned the t-stat sensor/ thermocouple? Its hard to get to unless the fan is removed. The nut that holds the fan on is reverse threaded.

[jjdbike]

Yes

[jjdbike]

Wow, that is unfortunate. I have never had any issues with mine in over 10 years of ownership. I would imagine that it is dirty or something like that, but you said you cleaned it and I know you know what you are doing.

This is the first time I have hear of anyone having issues like this. I know Bill said that the controller is simple and the electronics are rock solid, so there must be something else going on. I wish I had better answers for you. I have never had mine shoot way up in temp like that. That is not normal at all. Honestly, I would call Bill again. I know that might not be fun, but that is what I would do to figure this out. I would be shocked if he would not make this right.

I get temp swings with my KBQ but there are generally between 20-30 degrees, which is no big deal.

Thanks Spinaker,

I did reach out to him. I am going to reach back and ask if I can send it back to him to tinker with. I am also going to see if he will sell me another for a discounted price. Do you think that this is unreasonable to ask?

Respectfully,
JD

[Spinaker]

No, not at all. I am sure he will honor this.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

This why I went totally charcoal. No mechanics to worry about.

[bbqLuv]

Does replacing the controller fix the problem? If so, what is the cause of them going bad?
I'm thinking it could be the power source.
How is the AC power at your place? You may think about clean power. Like a surge protector.