Help needed in Folkestone Kent!

[Kent BBQ]

Hi, I live in Folkestone, Kent, UK. I have a 5 year old 'Lil Tex' Traeger BBQ. It has decided to quit working, the fan goes, but the spiral rod that moves the pellets doesn't. According to American BBQ.co uk who are the UK dealers, they know of no-one in the area who can give me some assistance. Anyone out there? Jaci

[joker smoker]

can you see if the pin that joins the motor to the auger has snapped?

[Steve]

Hi, first thing to check is whether it's just jammed, then move onto whether the motor is turning and whether the linkage is still intact.

I'm afraid it's likely to be a strip down job to diagnose the problem. I'll help you where I can but it's not going to be local as I'm in Reading. However with the power of smartphones, I'm sure you can take pictures and/or video so I can help.

Joker Smoker will also probably be able to help you, he can strip down and rebuild a Traeger, blindfolded, in 22.6 seconds - so I've heard

[Kent BBQ]

My problem is that being typically female I wouldn't know what to look for. I REALLY need a hands on person who understands machinery to 'service/repair'. I will cheaper for me to pay someone rather than ditch it!!

[Kent BBQ]

I'd be more than willing to bring it someone in the back of my car, or rather my partners, it won't fit in mine!

[Steve]

It's going to depend on what is wrong with it.

Best case scenario, the auger is just jammed. Has it been left over winter with pellets in? If so they may have swollen and jammed the Auger.

Worst case scenario you need a new Auger and/or motor, then its going to get expensive.

I'd be happy to talk you through stuff on the phone if you want to do the basic strip down yourself.

Otherwise, if you can remove the hopper and pellet feed (four bolts) and come over to Reading, I'm happy to strip the unit down for you and diagnose the problem. I have a Lil' Tex body here that we can run your workings on to make sure it's working fine if I can fix it. Unfortunately I have no spares at the moment myself.

Can't help you with anyone closer though,I'm afraid. One of the other Traeger owners on here might be closer and chime in. I assume the American BBQ Co. are no longer supporting the Traegers then?

[Toby]

One thing that hasnt been covered it the control board. Two screws, top and bottom, pull it out and see if the fuse has blown, I think the fan is controlled separately, the units are normally shipped with an additional fuse strapped to the inside of the control panel.

[Kent BBQ]

I very much appreciate every bodies impute. This coming weekend, I will take the bull by the horns and take the hopper and pellet feed/motor off and see if anything is obvious. I used the bbq two weeks ago and no problem, then it just stopped feeding the pellets. I don't think there is anything blocking, however, when I pull it apart ...... If it is the motor, American BBQ have a couple of spares, so Steve, I may be making an appointment to come and see you. Again, thanks.

[Kent BBQ]

I just want to say a big "thank you " to Eddie for coming to see what he could do to help. It would seem that it is the Auger motor that has gone, so will see what a replacement will cost and then go from there. Again, many thanks.

[Steve]

Good stuff.

Glad you found someone locally who could help (well done Eddie). Hopefully you'll be able to get one from American BBQ.