Title: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: greenweb on May 13, 2020, 02:30:07 PM
Post by: greenweb on May 13, 2020, 02:30:07 PM
Using my A code 22" Green MBH to illustrate this very simple how-to.
This is how I rescued this kettle many years ago. First, drill out rivets.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_155443.jpg)
Be careful not to enlarge the holes. Start with smaller drill bit and increase in size till the rivet pops/falls out.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161018.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161414.jpg)
Here are my replacement vents I had. You can buy replacement vents or use donor kettle vents. If you require fasteners, stick to 1/2" long 1/4-20 round head ss bolts, nuts, and washers. Btw, every nuts and bolts on any Weber kettles are 1/4-20.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161705.jpg)
Here it is all finished.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_162215.jpg)
Same procedure for replacing damaged lid vent. I would use carriage ss bolt instead of round head with slot or star for cleaner look. Need to take off some material off the square part of the carriage bolt but worth it IMO.
This is how I rescued this kettle many years ago. First, drill out rivets.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_155443.jpg)
Be careful not to enlarge the holes. Start with smaller drill bit and increase in size till the rivet pops/falls out.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161018.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161414.jpg)
Here are my replacement vents I had. You can buy replacement vents or use donor kettle vents. If you require fasteners, stick to 1/2" long 1/4-20 round head ss bolts, nuts, and washers. Btw, every nuts and bolts on any Weber kettles are 1/4-20.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_161705.jpg)
Here it is all finished.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/rsz_20200513_162215.jpg)
Same procedure for replacing damaged lid vent. I would use carriage ss bolt instead of round head with slot or star for cleaner look. Need to take off some material off the square part of the carriage bolt but worth it IMO.
Title: Re: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: bladz on May 13, 2020, 04:07:12 PM
Post by: bladz on May 13, 2020, 04:07:12 PM
Nice write up @greenweb. Now pack that grill up and send it to me! 
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: greenweb on May 13, 2020, 06:30:57 PM
Post by: greenweb on May 13, 2020, 06:30:57 PM
Quote from: bladz on May 13, 2020, 04:07:12 PM
Nice write up @greenweb. Now pack that grill up and send it to me!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Thanks! You collect great condition Gen 1 MT kettles, so this useless old kettle is not for you. lol.
Title: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: Jules V. on May 15, 2020, 09:51:04 AM
Post by: Jules V. on May 15, 2020, 09:51:04 AM
Button head bolt also works great on the vent. It fits perfectly inside the recessed portion of the vent. I had used carriage bolts but the smaller head on the button allows the vent to rotate more smoothly.
All my grills are cookers so I've replaced the rivets on most most them with button head. Makes cleaning under the vent much easier and also allow the tension to be adjusted.
Nuts are stainless either top or center torque lock nuts.
Locknuts, 18-8 Stainless Steel, 1/4"-20 Thread Size
https://www.mcmaster.com/90045A445
Locknuts, 18-8 Stainless Steel, 1/4"-20 Thread Size
https://www.mcmaster.com/90047A029
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/f0a09aa3ee03c305acc1a56946e0e604.jpg)
All my grills are cookers so I've replaced the rivets on most most them with button head. Makes cleaning under the vent much easier and also allow the tension to be adjusted.
Nuts are stainless either top or center torque lock nuts.
Locknuts, 18-8 Stainless Steel, 1/4"-20 Thread Size
https://www.mcmaster.com/90045A445
Locknuts, 18-8 Stainless Steel, 1/4"-20 Thread Size
https://www.mcmaster.com/90047A029
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/f0a09aa3ee03c305acc1a56946e0e604.jpg)
Title: Re: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: greenweb on May 15, 2020, 05:20:34 PM
Post by: greenweb on May 15, 2020, 05:20:34 PM
Jules, thanks for that additional info. Great point about the button (and round) head being smaller than carriage bolt head.
Title: Re: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: greenweb on May 15, 2020, 05:21:17 PM
Post by: greenweb on May 15, 2020, 05:21:17 PM
Btw, what kind of date code is that?
Title: Re: Replacing damaged or missing 3 wheeler bowl vents
Post by: Jules V. on May 15, 2020, 05:30:54 PM
Post by: Jules V. on May 15, 2020, 05:30:54 PM
Quote from: greenweb on May 15, 2020, 05:21:17 PMThat's an 18 LE.
Btw, what kind of date code is that?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200516/281e5ed526f593cb07482f89fa4dae7a.jpg)