Air flow mods

[Uncle-Honky]

Almost a year of using my reverse flow, that I built last year. I have come to the conclusion, she isn't breathing right. Air intake is not enough, with the original air holes. Sooo.... I am in the process of intake and exhaust adjustment.

Smoker in the building stages last year.

An example of the original air intakes. 2 on the right side of the smoker and 1 on the left side.

Each of these could be screwed all the way closed. I dont think the holes were big enough to begin with. And the cut off cup,on the handles, may have restricted air flow. I am sure of it.

The fire box is 24"x24"x28" and there is a small smoker box above the fire box at 24"x24"x24" with 2 removable racks. The main smoker tank is 28"x50" The drain plate splits the tank volume to 2/3 above the drain plate and 1/3 volume underneath the plate.



This is the new air intake. My solution to the problem. They are 7 1/2" diameter. Marked out on left side of smoker. Ready to cut out.



mocked up. I have not permanently attached yet. They do have a perfect flush mount against the side of the fire box body.

Once I cut the old ones off, I sealed the holes and welded flat steel instead of the diamond plate steel. Partially closed intake. I only cut for one intake on each side.

Looking through the fire box right side to the left side. The exhaust is a 5" stack welded over a 3" opening in the tank. Next I will cut hole to a 5" opening in tank.

Videos of the build and after
http://www.youtube.com/user/desertde.../3/5jhx7JjCelY

http://www.youtube.com/user/desertde.../2/3Rb2VKRiKzg

Thank you for checking out my mods. Happy Smokes!

[Bbqgoddess]

There's Erin! She is getting new lungs, she looks great Ry! I can't wait to hear how she is chugging after the mods!

[DDave]

Dang, Ryan. That's a beautiful smoker!!

Good luck with the tuning.

Dave

[Slanted88]

Nice...thinkin....

[Zeeker]

Looking good Uncle Honky...

[Richtee]

Looking at the firebox's relative size a little closer, I think ya did the right thing here. I guessI had never notice the air intake design before- and yep..that box sure looks like it needs more air. You gonna weld some nubs onto the damper plate to make it easier to move them?

[Cajunsmoke13]

Awesome looking smoker Ryan. Looks sweet.

[Uncle-Honky]

Looking at the firebox's relative size a little closer, I think ya did the right thing here. I guessI had never notice the air intake design before- and yep..that box sure looks like it needs more air. You gonna weld some nubs onto the damper plate to make it easier to move them?

I do intend to weld some nubs on the discs. Something to grab on to. Probably still gonna need the welding gloves to turn them, when she's cooking. I carry a pair in the front box. I am really excited to see the change. Calling for rain here again though. Might be a bit longer than expected.

Kelly and I are going to use this in a upcoming comp. 3rd annual Golden State Championship Hesperia California. An I.B.C.A. event. Dont want it to chugg like a choo choo train...lol

[wutang]

Looks like a nice performance upgrade. The 2 Irish Fools are gonna kick some butt at the comp.

[Kyote]

unk, that is a very nice smoker you have made your self. and the mods I am sure will make her breath a lot better. to bad they do not make scuppers like on a ship when the wind is moving and you need it just turn the scoops into the wind.

as for welding gloves to turn the vents.
what I did was get a piece of round stock (was an oak dowel) Cut a piece about 6 inches long,drilled an over sized hole in the center of it (just large enough to fit over the nubs) then a small hole at the other end and strung a piece of parachute cord through and tied. it hangs on a hook some place by the vents. I just put it on the nub and it turns it well. that way I am not fooling with the on / off gloves so much. or in my case searching for them.lol.
and good luck on your 1st comp with the BBQGoddess. I am sure you all will do very well.