mark myers
New member
is there any way to align the heat element on a model 3 It off about 1/2 inch and so is the holder for the wood tray
heat element aliment off by 1/2 inch on model 3
- Thread starter mark myers
- Start date
I'm guessing that you mean the the element is not centered in the wood holder. Is that correct? A photo or two would help. If what I surmised is correct, it should not affect cooking. My 3D was not picture perfect in that same respect and it works well. How long have you had the smoker? And welcome to the forum.
Lonzinomaker
Member
If the element is evenly spaced the length of the wood box support, I wouldn't worry about it. If not, keep reading.
My #1 element appeared misaligned about 1/2 in when I got it with the u shaped end off to the left. I just pushed very gently and slowly until alignment was better. Trick is to go very slow and only as much as needed. Don't bounce it, just a continuous push.
I think they can tolerate a slow bend of about 1 inch based on my electric brewing equipment experience.
I only tried to get the element even in the opening of the wood box support, didn't worry about it being off center.
For the holder, try using a 12 in crescent wrench tightened down so it just fits over the metal. Then put the jaws close to the back of the smoker over the strip (there is a shoulder at the back), twist to realign. You're putting the torque on crescent to bend the metal in a single spot. Again, if the support and element are evenly spaced, then I wouldn't worry.
My #1 element appeared misaligned about 1/2 in when I got it with the u shaped end off to the left. I just pushed very gently and slowly until alignment was better. Trick is to go very slow and only as much as needed. Don't bounce it, just a continuous push.
I think they can tolerate a slow bend of about 1 inch based on my electric brewing equipment experience.
I only tried to get the element even in the opening of the wood box support, didn't worry about it being off center.
For the holder, try using a 12 in crescent wrench tightened down so it just fits over the metal. Then put the jaws close to the back of the smoker over the strip (there is a shoulder at the back), twist to realign. You're putting the torque on crescent to bend the metal in a single spot. Again, if the support and element are evenly spaced, then I wouldn't worry.
mark myers
New member
Thanks for the info. The smoker cooks great. I think I will take Lonzinomaker's advice and leave it alone. Being technology challenged, I will spend more time trying to send better post with pictures.
OldeSmoker
New member
My 3D was the same way and hasn’t affected a thing.
mark myers
New member
While I had the back off of the smoker, I remover one of the wires on the heating element and loosened both nuts holding the heat element. I pushed element into smoker. Using "Lonzinomaker's" suggestion and used 2 crescent wrenches and aligned box support. With heater inside smoker I placed washer spacers on rear of element and tighten nuts back down. How every thing lines back up. The hardest part was dealing with the fiberglass.
smokeasaurus
Member
On my number two, the metal track is off a tad (leans a bit to the left.
Have not had any problems with smoke production so I am gonna keep my hands off of it
Have not had any problems with smoke production so I am gonna keep my hands off of it
