Temperature falling off

[tdeshong]

Costco model 57CLB is supposed to be same as a 575 or Century22….. 10 years old last month. All original parts. Temp falls off hard when I open the lid to put meat on, check meat temp, turn food over, etc. Then climbs back up very slowly. Never reaches max temp anymore. Used to go up to 430F fast. I want to buy a Hot Tod and Temp Sensor. Traeger is a pain, want me to do all of these dumb little tests that I have already done myself. What Hot Rod and Temp Sensor is everybody buying? Thanks

 

[RayClem]

The rule of BBQ is "when you're lookin', you ain't cookin' ". When you open the lid, close it as quickly as possible.

The problem is NOT your hot rod. The only time the hot rod is activated is at the start of the cook. Once the fire is burning brightly, the hot rod turns off and the fire is self-sustaining. However, check your burn pot; if it has any cracks or holes, the fire might be inconsistent.

The issue may be with your pellet auger or with the blower fan. Since your Traeger has a smoke stack, the pipe might be plugged, or the cap might be set to the incorrect clearance.