My Mak keeps tripping my GFI

[Pappymn]

Let me preface this by saying my GFI's have always been far too sensitive for my liking. When it is moist outside, they almost always trip. And it is really moist in Minnesota right now.

Trying to make ribs today.....no love for me. Have tried several outlets inside and outside the house. No luck

Any ideas?

[IR2dum]

pappy, it has been my experience that when your pellet grill starts exciting breakers, it is usually a bad hot rod. Easily replaceable. Remember that you can start it manually and continue cooking those great ribs.

[sliding_billy]

I know I shouldn't say this, but... lift the ground. 

[Pappymn]

pappy, it has been my experience that when your pellet grill starts exciting breakers, it is usually a bad hot rod. Easily replaceable. Remember that you can start it manually and continue cooking those great ribs.

How do you start it manually?

[sparky]

Unplug your hot rod and use fire gel to start it up.  Your popping your  gfi because your hot rod is bad.

[muebe]

Yep Pappy sounds like a bad rod...

You can unplug the hot rod like others stated and use the gel or a gas torch to get the pellets going.

[TentHunteR]

I agree, it's most likely a bad ignitor.  Like the others said, just unplug it and start it manually.

When I've had to start manually I just toss a hand full of pellets in the firepot, turn the MAK on and light them with a propane torch.

Then tomorrow call MAK and they'll get you a new rod out to you in a jiffy.

[fishingbouchman]

Hand sanitizer works.  Hand full in the pot and squeeze some sanitizer on there.  Let them get going good

[smokeasaurus]

do you wait until the pellets are burnung good and then turn the pit on so the fire wont burn out?

[TentHunteR]

do you wait until the pellets are burnung good and then turn the pit on so the fire wont burn out?

You might have to with fire gel, but not with a torch.  I put a good handful of pellets in, turn the unit on (so air is blowing in) and then apply the propane torch until it's burning on its own (usually within about 45 - 60 seconds).

Since I have to manually start my Stoven, I've played around with different methods, and the torch, with the fan blowing air in, is by far the quickest and easiest.

It works with the MAK and down at the Fall Gathering we had to manually start one of the Rec-Tecs. The torch had it up and going in no time.

[smokeasaurus]

Thanks Cliff.Good info for when  the inevitable (hot-rod burnout) happens

[Scallywag]

Had the same problem a couple times.. for sure the hot rod has gone bad. Kat will get you a new one out real quick. I start mine with my torch as well when they go.

[SmokinKat]

Hey Pappy!  Everyone's got you on the right track. 

It looks like you've got one of our older style igniters, we've got a new-improved one that I'd be happy to get out for ya!   

Just give me a call 503-623-1234 or email me katrina@makgrills.com  to verify your address, and I'll get one out to you ASAP! 

[Pappymn]

Hey Pappy!  Everyone's got you on the right track. 

It looks like you've got one of our older style igniters, we've got a new-improved one that I'd be happy to get out for ya!   

Just give me a call 503-623-1234 or email me katrina@makgrills.com  to verify your address, and I'll get one out to you ASAP!

Thank you very much Kat.  Just got off the phone with Bruce at Mak and he could not have been nicer.  I have always loved the Mak company for service, and this was just reenforced with my call today.  Why can't all companies operate this way?  Can't recall better service in my life. 

New and improved igniter rod is on the way to me, and he is sending me an e-mail on how to manually light my grill until it gets here.