OC Pecos smoke stack/exhaust modifications?
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2020 10:10 am
I have an Old Country BBQ Pit Pecos. I have done some research online to determine the smoke stack/flue diameter should be. Diameter is 24" and the length is roughly 38" in the smoke chamber. From what I've found the exhaust flue should be 5" diameter which it is but here's the catch. Inside the cooking chamber there is a lip where the exhaust flue meets the cooking chamber and its diameter is only 4". I'm wondering if it would cause any issues for to cut that lip out? I don't see the need for it. The exhaust flue is welded to the cooking chamber.
I'm sure some are going to wonder why i want to cut the lip out... One of the biggest issues is if I'm cooking and a rain storm comes through before the fire goes out for me to put in the garage then that exhaust collects water. such a pain to get out... which if i need too i can always drill a small hole in the bottom of the stack so it can drain. Another reason is i feel like the draft isnt 100%. I have done some mods in the firebox to allow for more air flow. I welded a frame together out of angle iron and welded expanded metal to it for a charcoal basket. I also added angle iron tracks inside the firebox so i can slide the basket in and out. Makes loading fuel so much easier. I can pull the basket out to add fuel instead of putting my hand inside the firebox.
I did also build a convection plate which helps with temperature balance. I can achieve 6-10 degree difference from one side of the cook chamber to the other. I can say the draft issue was present before the convection plate. I'm just wondering now that i have a convection plate does it make since to open the exhaust some?
Check out the attached images. You cab see water in the flue.
I'm sure some are going to wonder why i want to cut the lip out... One of the biggest issues is if I'm cooking and a rain storm comes through before the fire goes out for me to put in the garage then that exhaust collects water. such a pain to get out... which if i need too i can always drill a small hole in the bottom of the stack so it can drain. Another reason is i feel like the draft isnt 100%. I have done some mods in the firebox to allow for more air flow. I welded a frame together out of angle iron and welded expanded metal to it for a charcoal basket. I also added angle iron tracks inside the firebox so i can slide the basket in and out. Makes loading fuel so much easier. I can pull the basket out to add fuel instead of putting my hand inside the firebox.
I did also build a convection plate which helps with temperature balance. I can achieve 6-10 degree difference from one side of the cook chamber to the other. I can say the draft issue was present before the convection plate. I'm just wondering now that i have a convection plate does it make since to open the exhaust some?
Check out the attached images. You cab see water in the flue.