Temperature swing

[Terry1956]

My model 1 is about 11 years old. I've been having issues lately with meat being done much sooner than normal. I put a probe inside and found the temperature varying as much as 70 degrees.
Is this normal or is my smoker having issues?

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I think that is extreme.  Check to make sure the probe inside the box is not dirty or covered with grease/creasote.

 

[old sarge]

My model 1 is about 11 years old. I've been having issues lately with meat being done much sooner than normal. I put a probe inside and found the temperature varying as much as 70 degrees.
Is this normal or is my smoker having issues?

If the probe is clean after doing what Dave suggested, I would recommend ordering a replacement probe and controller.  They are inexpensive.  11 years is a long time and maybe you can get another 11 years out of it.