Flame in auger tube

[FinsnFeathers]

Hey all.

Just did an 8 hour smoke on two pork butts at 225. It took 8 hours to hit 190.

I hit the off button as normal. I noticed about 10 minutes in to the cool down there was smoke coming out the pellet hopper.

So I took all the guts out and there was a good flame coming out the auger tube.

The fan by the pit boss was blowing air out which seems odd to me. Wouldn't that pull the fire toward the hopper?

Never had this happen before so looking for some input.

[rwalters]

Safe to assume you haven’t had your MAK apart for anything where perhaps something was put back in incorrectly? Burn back is definitely not the norm on a MAK. If you haven’t done anything lately that could be the cause, I’d definitely reach out to MAK support.

[FinsnFeathers]

So did some research and if the vents are clogged it will happen. Mine are not....

[FinsnFeathers]

Safe to assume you haven’t had your MAK apart for anything where perhaps something was put back in incorrectly? Burn back is definitely not the norm on a MAK. If you haven’t done anything lately that could be the cause, I’d definitely reach out to MAK support.

Nope....haven't taken it apart. Will reach out to them.

[rwalters]

So did some research and if the vents are clogged it will happen. Mine are not....

Absolutely, clogged vents could cause a backdraft. Do you have a 2 Star? If yes, the vents that lead into the cold smoke chamber can sometimes catch ya off-guard.

[smokeasaurus]

Call MAK before you use your grill again.

[FinsnFeathers]

So did some research and if the vents are clogged it will happen. Mine are not....

Absolutely, clogged vents could cause a backdraft. Do you have a 2 Star? If yes, the vents that lead into the cold smoke chamber can sometimes catch ya off-guard.

Checked those and all clear as well....and yes, 2 star.

[FinsnFeathers]

Call MAK before you use your grill again.

So I cleaned out the auger tube with a vacuum. Is it not safe to use now?

[rwalters]

If all vents are clear, as mentioned above, I wouldn’t suggest using til you speak with MAK tomorrow. That’s just not normal behavior for a MAK, and the last thing you want is a fire in your pellet hopper.

[FinsnFeathers]

If all vents are clear, as mentioned above, I wouldn’t suggest using til you speak with MAK tomorrow. That’s just not normal behavior for a MAK, and the last thing you want is a fire in your pellet hopper.

Got it. Thanks all.

[jimsbarbecue]

The drain tube is also a vent and needs to be clear

[FinsnFeathers]

The drain tube is also a vent and needs to be clear

Are you referring to the hole the grease drains through to the grease pan? If so, all clear as well.

[FinsnFeathers]

I received a response from MAK on this.

Looks like I am doing everything right. They do want me to check on the fan to ensure it is facing the right way.

They also recommended vacuuming out the auger tube every month or so to get any pellet dust out which I have not been doing.

[rwalters]

Sounds good... and easy peasy which is nice

[FinsnFeathers]

Ran the MAK again on Monday night. All good! 

There was a lot of pellet dust in the hopper and the tube.