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Author Topic: Weldless valve for kettle  (Read 1838 times)

Offline Joe Sr.

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Weldless valve for kettle
« on: November 08, 2014, 01:22:32 pm »
I'm ready to drill out my kettle and add a weldless valve.

But I have to ask, will that silicone o-ring really not melt?  If I read the directions right, it goes on the outside.

I'm sure it works, since so many others have done it.  I'm just leery and need convincing.
It's all in the reflexes. - Jack Burton

Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2014, 01:43:01 pm »
I have 2 weldless kettles. No problems.
Jeff Rankert
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Offline archstanton

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2014, 01:50:44 pm »
I have three and none have shown any signs of melting. I am always conscious of them when using a flamed heat source, making sure the flames can't come up the sides and touch it.

Offline Joe Sr.

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2014, 01:57:47 pm »
Cool. Thanks to both of you.

I'll get out the step but and start measuring.


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It's all in the reflexes. - Jack Burton

Offline kramerog

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2014, 08:38:18 pm »
My valve kit included a flame shield, to place under the pot by the valve.  I hardly ever use it.

Offline dzlater

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2014, 04:47:43 am »
Slightly off topic. But I have been wondering if I can put a weldless valve on my aluminium kettle?
Dan S. from NJ

Offline Stevie

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2014, 06:12:34 am »

Slightly off topic. But I have been wondering if I can put a weldless valve on my aluminium kettle?

Yep. See it all the time. Just be very, very, careful when drilling the hole. I've heard the step bit can get away from you with aluminum.

Offline Jimmy K

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2014, 07:05:01 am »
I have a weldless fitting that came with a silicone washer (wide and flat) instead of the little o-ring. It sticks out around the edge of the fitting completely exposed and it still hasn't been damaged on my banjo burner.
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Offline glenmoorebrewing

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Re: Weldless valve for kettle
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2014, 09:48:00 am »
My only problem with the gasket on the outside of a weldless bulkhead was trying to get a jump on heating my strike water up by lighting burner while getting the hose ready to fill the keggle  With no water and a full tilt bayou burner the smell and smoke had me dropping the hose to kill the gas. Never did replace that little guy, looks a little crispy on the outside. Still no leaks.
-AK