Urn not heating to usual temp - what to check first?

[buckerooni]

I've got one of the buffalo 40L urns that doesn't appear to heat as fast, or as high as it used to.

I need to use my over-the-side to get 35L up to temp and boil, where before it would boil like a m-fugga if both urn element (2400w) and over-the-side (2400w) were both on.

I've unscrewed the urn base to check the wiring, it all looks er...connected.

Any tips about how I go about troubleshooting? Is seeing how much power it's pulling a good start? If so, how? I have multimeter!

 

[buckerooni]

Did a test the other day and after 50 mins with 10L it had gone from 16c to 50c with the lid on!

The urn is insulated with insulation wrap and a yoga mat, and these mods already done, about 20 brews in

1. Added some insulation between the bottom of the urn and the temperature probe (used a bit of silicone hose around probe)

2. Replaced the cutout sensor to a 130ºC one

Instructions: http://www.jimsbeerk...php?f=6&t=42675

Part required: [SIZE=11pt]http://www.ebay.com....984.m1439.l2649[/SIZE]

3. Replaced the thermal fuse with a 170ºC one

Instructions: http://www.jimsbeerk...1cfbbd&start=15

Part required: [SIZE=11pt]http://www.ebay.com....984.m1497.l2649[/SIZE]

 

[supertonio]

I had this problem once before and I replaced the thermal cut out with a higher temp one but still the problem persisted.

I then bypassed the thermal cutoff completely and no issues at all and a nice rolling boil.

 

[buckerooni]

I had this problem once before and I replaced the thermal cut out with a higher temp one but still the problem persisted.

I then bypassed the thermal cutoff completely and no issues at all and a nice rolling boil.

thanks, I'll give that a shot. I have a few more of those, and now I think about it, I did boil the sh*t out of the urn by mistake for about 2 hours just recently which may have messed with those parts...

 

[supertonio]

I'm no expert but I think sometimes the cut will just overheat even if your wort is less than 100c which prevents it from reaching a boil.

I had to stir the boiler and almost scrape the element to get it to work.

My one kept in making a clicking noise and then the light would change from green to orange and then take about 5-10mins to work again. I've got the same boiler as you and it worked well for a while and then started playing up.

It's a total ball ache when it happens and just adds unnecessary time to your brew day.

 

[supertonio]

Forgot say -

I only bypassed the cut out but kept the fuse.

No electrician but someone may advise that this process is incorrect/dangerous.

I accept no responsibility for dead brewers.

[emoji54]

 

[Bribie G]

Sounds like a thermal cutout thing to me. Had same problem with a Birko and got it bypassed.

Remember that urns are really intended for little old ladies on bingo nights and we ask a lot of them as brewers.

 

[supertonio]

Best to get a porcelain wire connecter and use this to join the two wires which are attached to the cut out.

 

[buckerooni]

thanks fellas, will replace the cut off as a starting point, and bypass it with porcelain if the problem persists. Also got a bit of scorched wort that I'll get rid of too.