Pellet Fan

Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => Blaz'n Grills => Topic started by: okie smokie on May 02, 2018, 09:05:21 AM

Title: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 02, 2018, 09:05:21 AM
Thinking about replacing the cap with a downdraft tailpipe tip.  Only cheap one I could find that was short is seen below.  It is $20 for a pair of them(free shipping).  3.5" inlet. Mild steel.  Should fit over the Grand Slam chimney without need for screws or weld, since it is a vertical mount. Can rotate it to avoid the wind and rain (I usually roll the grill under my porch for rain anyhow) Can slip it off to put the grill cover on.  Plan to paint it black.  Anyone interested in sharing the pair?  I will keep one and ship the other (at lowest cost avail.) ??? PS the diameter of the exhaust on the GS (and probably the GI) is 3.5" EXTERNAL so should be a nice fit.
(https://i.imgur.com/JMXotCal.jpg)
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Mudflap on May 02, 2018, 09:21:39 AM
Should look good but with it going over smoke stack, I would worry about any black moisture running back down the pipe and on the outside of your existing stack. Just a thought.

Mudflap
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 02, 2018, 09:32:59 AM
Should look good but with it going over smoke stack, I would worry about any black moisture running back down the pipe and on the outside of your existing stack. Just a thought.

Mudflap
I guess you mean black soot moisture?  Not sure that would happen.  In any event, I would be taking it off between cooks and storing down under (I have a large plastic tub on the under shelf when not cooking.) Also, the entry is 3.5" for about 1.5" so I could snug the exhaust tip up against the pipe to prevent leaks.  I went ahead and ordered them and will see how it works out.  Cheap enough to experiment with. If I like it, someone else may want the other one.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: MP09 on May 02, 2018, 09:51:44 AM
I’m interested. Post how it works out.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 02, 2018, 06:42:17 PM
I’m interested. Post how it works out.
Will do MPO9.  I've seen similar chimney caps before in the old Pelletheads site. 

Should have it by the weekend. 
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Bobitis on May 02, 2018, 07:05:06 PM
This looks like a good mod for the money. I like the idea that you can adjust the exhaust for wind direction.
I'm interested in how it actually fits and how easily it moves. My initial thought is it will be quite snug. I'd hate to see it turn into a battle for every cook.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 02, 2018, 11:17:04 PM
Will have it Sat.  Will see how it fits before I paint it.   Pics to follow.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: RWhyman on May 03, 2018, 12:22:12 AM
What I'm I missing? What's wrong with the cap that it comes with?
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: triplebq on May 03, 2018, 12:29:39 AM
What I'm I missing? What's wrong with the cap that it comes with?

I have been wondering the same thing.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Canadian John on May 03, 2018, 10:29:04 AM

 The tailpipe will allow the smoke to be " directed ", that could be advantageous.  Rotating it on the stack could grind away at the finish resulting in rust.   :2cents:
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 03, 2018, 04:13:24 PM
I may be outsmarting myself.  I imagine that facing the opening away from the wind will keep wind out of the chimney, but perhaps it will also cause a venturi effect and suck the heat and smoke out of the pit faster.  Of course it could do that with the original cap as well but probably to lesser extent. Cheap way to find out is to try it and see how it affects basic function.
Surprised that no one has suggested merely buying a longer bolt for the cap so as to set it higher for more air flow. (and still maintain rain blocking effect. )  We shall see. 
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Mudflap on May 03, 2018, 04:30:17 PM
Surprised that no one has suggested merely buying a longer bolt for the cap so as to set it higher for more air flow. (and still maintain rain blocking effect. ) 

I think longer bolt wont work in windy conditions. Just like an umbrella you don't raise it in the wind you lower or tilt it. :2cents:

Mudflap
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Canadian John on May 04, 2018, 09:44:26 AM

An other option to wind blocking is to hang a charcoal chimney over the existing cap when required.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 05, 2018, 03:06:06 PM
Here 'tis.  It came in a smoked coating which I could not completely wipe off (looked like soot).  Did my best and then found it fits perfectly over the chimney.  Not much wind today, but I am "burning it in" at 350*.  Have my Maverick grill temp tester installed at grate level in the center. Here are initial pics and installation:
(https://i.imgur.com/hBxFepul.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/f3Aw0mrl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7s1afJ6l.jpg)
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 05, 2018, 07:23:58 PM
Ran the GS at 350 for 35 minutes.  It stayed at the set number on the pit readout and the grill temp on the maverick was from 342 to 353.  Then lowered the temp to 220 and closed the upper butterfly valve on the Godke to mimic smoking at low slow.  Actual temp at the middle of grates ran between 219 and 225 so that was wonderful as well.
Please Note: I have previously accurized my PID set/actual temps on another thread and essentially the downdraft and exhaust tip have not altered the results to any degree.  It was nice to direct the smoke away from the work area when I was in and out of the pit.  Also, tonight I made burgers on GrillGrates at 450* with no observable changes noted.
I like the exhaust tip and have one extra for sale at cost plus cheapest shipping--should be around $15 total. You can private email me for the particulars.   :clap:
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Canadian John on May 06, 2018, 09:38:45 AM
 All you need now is a fifth wheel on the hopper box.  Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 It does look good and is most definitely is  directing the smoke.  ;)
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 06, 2018, 09:54:56 AM
I think maybe I should spend more time improving my Q now.  Not sure the mods will help but it was fun installing them.   :bbq:
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 07, 2018, 10:23:11 PM
Sold and shipped the second tip today.  Have decided to store mine between cooks inside the grill wrapped in newspaper.  That way I can still use my grill cover.   Happy grilling!   :lick:
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: westcoastsmoke on May 21, 2018, 12:12:55 PM
I do not get any smoke from the pipe at 350 - just curious when did you take the picture of the pipe with the smoke coming out?


Here 'tis.  It came in a smoked coating which I could not completely wipe off (looked like soot).  Did my best and then found it fits perfectly over the chimney.  Not much wind today, but I am "burning it in" at 350*.  Have my Maverick grill temp tester installed at grate level in the center. Here are initial pics and installation:
(https://i.imgur.com/hBxFepul.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/f3Aw0mrl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7s1afJ6l.jpg)
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on May 21, 2018, 08:18:13 PM
Got smoke during early warm up as usual.  Also, on high with a prime rib-eye sizzling away at 500.  I do not think the exhaust will have any impact on smoke production anyhow.  I have also run the pit at 180 for about an hour and got lots of intermittent smoke. Blue smoke is not very visible unless you have it in the right light. At low temps the feed is more intermittent and you get the extra smoke as fresh pellets first smolder before igniting.   
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: MP09 on July 25, 2018, 07:12:19 PM
I replaced my chimney cap with the tailpipe which i bought from Okie Smokie.  It works great and makes cleaning the gunk out of the stack much easier. I get lots of comments how cool it looks so thats and added bonus...
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on July 25, 2018, 08:37:49 PM
I replaced my chimney cap with the tailpipe which i bought from Okie Smokie.  It works great and makes cleaning the gunk out of the stack much easier. I get lots of comments how cool it looks so thats and added bonus...
I'm very satisfied with mine also.  I don't think it will let rain in if I turn it away from the wind.  I push mine under the porch anyhow when it rains.  Glad to hear yours is a success also.  :bbq:
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: Canadian John on September 05, 2018, 02:36:55 PM

 If rain is a concern, why not place a  jar, can or? over the open pipe when not in use - something people did w/ vertical exhaust pipes on their equipment prior to  the advent of rain caps.
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: SmokinHandyman on September 05, 2018, 04:20:02 PM
Looks Pretty Cool
Title: Re: Get rid of the chimney cap (rain deflector)
Post by: okie smokie on September 06, 2018, 07:46:45 PM
I've gotten very happy with the exhaust tip.  It is now a permanent part of my rig.  Really nice that it is exactly the right size to easily slip off and on.  Haven't noticed any effect on cooking or the end product.  On the other hand, I am not impressed with the Don Godke so far (but have left it in).  Will probably remove it soon.