ENGLISH
9
TROUBLESHOOTING
Proper cleaning, maintenance and the use of clean, dry, quality fuel will prevent common operational problems. When your Pit
Boss barbecue is operating poorly, or on a less frequent basis, the following trouble shooting tips may be helpful.
WARNING: To perform any inspection, cleaning, maintenance or service of your unit, ensure the barbecue is completely
cooled to avoid injury.
For FAQ, please visit
www.pitboss-grills.com
and click "Support". You may also contact your local Pit Boss authorized dealer or
Customer Service for assistance.
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Bottom damper
will not slide
Stiff from storage
Tap the damper lightly with a rubber hammer to loosen. If no improvement, contact Customer
Service.
Charcoal will not
light
Lack of oxygen
Ensure that both the top and bottom vents are open. The fire needs oxygen to catch. Once it
has caught, leave the bottom vent and lid open for about 10 minutes to build a small bed of
hot embers.
Charcoal will not
stay lit
Lack of fuel
There is not enough charcoal in the firebox. The recommended use of lump charcoal is a
maximum of 1.81kg / 4lbs per burn. Be sure not to overload the unit with fuel.
Barbecue is too hot Too much fuel and
oxygen
Close the lid, mostly close both vents, and allow the barbecue to smother with lack of oxygen.
For low temperature cooking, use less fuel. If the fire is too intense, the excessive heat could
damage the ceramic charcoal barbecue.
Barbecue is not hot
enough
Not enough fuel and
lack of airflow
Add more fuel and leave both vents completely open. More oxygen flow will allow the fire to
increase, burning more lump charcoal. Also, incorrect type of fuel is used. Briquettes do not
produce the same amount of heat as lump charcoal. The quality of lump charcoal will affect
the heat produced.
Frequent flare-ups Cooking temperature
too high
Attempt cooking at a lower temperature. Grease does have a flash point. Keep the temperature
under 176°C / 350°F when cooking highly greasy food.
Paint is chipped
Regular wear of unit
Contact Customer Service for touch-up paint. If chipping is substantial, call Customer Service.
Grill shows
cracking all over
Crazing finish
The spider-web pattern of cracking is different from a break in the aspect that it cannot be
felt on the surface, unless using a fingernail; however, it does become more visually apparent
when the surface is dusty or magnified. While these may appear as imperfections, crazing
does not affect the performance or life span of your ceramic charcoal barbecue. The process
of crazing effectively increases the toughness of the unit.
Felt gasket seal is
melted
Unit was not cured
properly before use
Curing your ceramic charcoal barbecue is important for its long-term operation and care. If
the first burns are too hot, they could damage the felt gasket seal before it has had the
chance to mature with use. If the lid gets stuck, or sealed together with the base, use a knife
to carefully unseal and cut off the felt gasket that trims the lid opening. Once removed, you
will be able to open the lid. Before continuing to use the unit, replace the high-heat felt
gasket. Replace the gasket every few years for long-term use. Also, clean off any spills from
regular use.
Ceramic lid and
base not aligning
Regular wear of unit
After every few uses, tighten the screws on the brace rings to account for heat expansion
during use.
Hairline cracks in
firebox
Regular wear of unit
Due to expansion and contraction of the unit during use, small hairline cracks in the firebox
may appear; however, it does become more visually apparent when the surface is dusty
or magnified. While these may appear as imperfections, hairline cracks do not affect the
performance or life span of your ceramic charcoal barbecue.
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