Mac S Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I have a Classic and been using it alot since I've gotten it this past summer. This weekend, after doing two pork butts (Thrus) followed by a 12# brisket (Fri), the top Stainless steel vent would not open or close any more. I suspect the smoke has built up and when it cooled it seal the vent in position. (it worked fine while smoking) It is so stuck that when I remove it, I've tried to move it removed from the grill and it wont budge. There is a build up of smoke on the stainless but didn't think that would stick it so tight. Does anyone have a suggestion on to unfreezing this? I'm soaking it now to see if it loosens but wanted see if others have had this problem? Maybe Customer Service tomorrow. Do you know if they have a cast iron top that can be acquired? Thanks in advance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeperovdeflame Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Maybe try some lemon dish soap in your warm water soak, if you are not already doing that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POOLGUYINCT Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Try to adjust the set screw underneath, then Put it in sink, clean with soap water and baking soda, been there done that. No worries Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ero4444 Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Ammonia to cut smoke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac S Posted November 11, 2013 Author Share Posted November 11, 2013 thanks folks.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John421 Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 After you get it clean, the next after a cook & while it is still warm wipe the outside & inside of the vent w/ a damp cloth or cleaning wipes. This will help keep the smoke tars from building up on the vent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeperovdeflame Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 There was a thread a while back by a fellow looking for a cast iron vent cap. If I remember right, they were out of stock. Maybe they are available now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirkdaddy Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I have not used mine a ton yet, but so far I really like the stainless cap more than a cast iron. The accumulation on mine makes it seal up really nice. I guess I'll have to watch it for getting too stiff. Hot water can do a lot. Don't use bleach it eats up stainless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4RD Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 Put it back on and get the fire going with the dome open and then close the grill and maybe the heat will help you open it and then try cleaning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob_grill_apprentice Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 There was a thread a while back by a fellow looking for a cast iron vent cap. If I remember right, they were out of stock. Maybe they are available now. Not sure, back in July I was put on a list of people wanting to order but as of today I have not received an email when I can order. It wouldn't be a bad to get on the list as well. In the mean time I will keep cleaning the SS one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarett Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 When my top vent gets stuck, I find that pulling up on the plastic tab before pushing it to the side helps to unstick it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taiguy Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 my first one stuck pretty much every cook. then the plastic handle broke off and they sent me a replacement cap after a few months. now that one is starting to stick as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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