Traeger grill going out

[Argoboy]

I was at Costco today and there was a Traeger guy there selling grills and I spoke to him about my grill going out on me a couple of times. He suggested I adjust/close the vent stack a little but, this will reduce the air flow through the grill and that seems like a good idea, has anyone tried this? It may also help to reduce temperature swings as well?

[DWCowles]

Try it and let us know the outcome.

[kmhfive]

Never tried that. Might help!

[bten]

Let us know how it works. My first thought would be that cutting back on air flow that way would reduce the amount of air that could get in, and make the problem worse. Unless the pellets are burning too fast.

[CaptainMike]

The only time mine goes out is when it's too dirty. Also, and no offense to the Costco guy, give a call to Traeger support. They have always been very helpful when I had questions.

[jerrybell]

It isn't going to hurt anything to try it. I was having temperature spikes once and was told to adjust the vent stack - didn't help. It doesn't make sense to me that it would work. That firepot fan is running all the time, forcing air into the cook chamber. If the vent stack is choked down the air is just going to push out of any other opening it can find, like the grease drain, lid gaps, and even back though the auger tube and out the pellet hopper.

[JCGrill]

I agree with jerrybell ,but why not try? Usually though I see advice to open the stack more (not necessarily for your issue).

[dave_trimble]

Can't hurt to try, but I'd call Traeger customer service as well. They are generally very good at diagnosing problems, and should be able to help you. Not to say the guy at Costco is wrong, but he is just a salesman and may just be guessing at a solution.

[(Lance)]

You also may not be igniting the grill properly. Are you leaving the grill lid open when igniting? Depending on what controller you have, you should leave the grill lid open for at least 2-3 minutes during cooking modes (Dial set at 225, 325, 350...) or 10 minutes in smoke mode (Dial set to smoke).