22.5" kettle lid fits sloppy?

[ChrisJ]

As I mentioned in another thread my wife found me a beautiful 22.5" kettle on Craigslist.  Aside from a missing ash catcher which I replaced the entire thing is in beautiful shape.

However, I notice the lit fits a little sloppy compared to my older 18.5", is this normal for a 22.5?
Specifically quite a bit of side to side movement in one direction, almost like the lid is oblonged a little.  I also see smoke leakage from the expected areas depending on how you move the lid.

I don't see any damage to the lid, almost like it came like this.

[LightningBoldtz]

Take a measurement from side to side see if it is oblong at all.   you may need to do a slight bear hug to get it back to round.

[ChrisJ]

Take a measurement from side to side see if it is oblong at all.   you may need to do a slight bear hug to get it back to round.

Is it possible to do this without risking the porcelain enamel?

[LightningBoldtz]

you have to be careful for sure.

[1911Ron]

Done it a few times myself, once on a brand new one! Slow and easy!

[dalee2]

I have the same problem on a brand new one. I haven't been able to bend it to fit so I just put binder clips on when I want to cut down on the leaking.

[Banjodave]

It sounds like you might be a candidate for buying and installing the lid gasket. I bought and installed one on my kettle and it works great. NO smoke leakage, no need to clamp the lid for low and slow cooks, better temp control. I'm thinking this will solve your problem. Amazon sells them.

[Quadman750]

Can you post a pic of the style of gasket you installed.

[Harleysmoker]

Like mentioned above, just gently squeeze it on the long side a little. After a few cooks when some grease and ash carbon build up on the lid and kettle rim it will be just fine. No need for a gasket. The sound and feel of placing the lid on will feel better also.

[Banjodave]

Smokey Joe: I can't seem to figure out how to post pics on here but, if you, or any other folks would like to see a shot of mine just email me at: dougdavelass@gmail.com   I DO know how to do that.