Bullseye solution since I can't purchase a replacement part from recteq

[Alteaux]

My bullseye has developed hundreds of pinholes in the lower "kettle". I've kept it under a covered patio and also covered the grill. I understand things get old and simply fail. The issue is I can't purchase a replacement from recteq. I was told...."this is not a part of the grill vs the grill itself", and they don't stock this part. I was also told the pin holes won't affect temperature as I stated and was told about the lid spacer as an example it will hold temperature. Maybe so, but I won't chance a low and slow and instead use my kamado or buy a gravity fed smoker. Needless to say this will be my last recteq. While I think the end result is inevitable, I thought about cleaning it good and applying some high-temp, food grade silicone with a putty knife to get some additional life out of this thing before it goes to the land fill, then cross my fingers it will hold. Anyone else have any suggestions that won't break the bank?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Alteaux

 

[SmokeOCD]

How old is it? Can you do the skinny firebricks inside to extend its life? Outside can be welded, but cheaper to get a new bullseye.

 

[Alteaux]

Old enough. I'm not complaining that it happened. My issue is I can't buy a replacement part. The firebricks would need to be the perfect size for the height and width between the brackets that hold the heat deflector and grate. I have trouble giving them more money if they can't support the product I have. There are other solutions if I go with something new or just stick with my kamado.

 

[SmokeOCD]

Can you retro a Weber kettle?
It would be a cool project.

 

[Alteaux]

Interesting. I hadn't thought of that and have no idea. I imagine it would take quite a bit of rework, but maybe not.

 

[Jim6820]

Old enough. I'm not complaining that it happened. My issue is I can't buy a replacement part. The firebricks would need to be the perfect size for the height and width between the brackets that hold the heat deflector and grate. I have trouble giving them more money if they can't support the product I have. There are other solutions if I go with something new or just stick with my kamado.

I understand your frustration, but I don’t know any manufacturers that stock fundamental structural parts of their products. Auto manufacturers don’t have frames available, for instance. Now, if Recteq was the company we all thought it was before the venture capitalists took control, it would make you a generous offer on a new grill; something like a 50-60% discount. That’s how you build customer satisfaction and loyalty. Bean-counters don’t see it that way, however; to them, it is just wasted profit.

 

[SmokeZilla]

Unfortunately, it looks like corrosion is the root of this evil. Anytime my cookers develop any signs of rust, I hit it with a brush and spray it with high temp paint to prevent pitting. For a solution (depending on how the rust propagates), you can do a “poor man’s wrap” with either aluminum or stainless steel sheets. If you cut it properly, it may actually look pretty cool. For attaching the sheet metal, my preference would be to buck it will stainless steel rivets using washers on both side of the rivets to distribute any forces present when the cooker expands and contracts to preserve maximum life of the device. This can give you many more years of use. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[Alteaux]

I understand your frustration, but I don’t know any manufacturers that stock fundamental structural parts of their products. Auto manufacturers don’t have frames available, for instance. Now, if Recteq was the company we all thought it was before the venture capitalists took control, it would make you a generous offer on a new grill; something like a 50-60% discount. That’s how you build customer satisfaction and loyalty. Bean-counters don’t see it that way, however; to them, it is just wasted profit.

The difference is that it's not practical to replace an auto frame due to the labor involved. I worked as a product service manager that either stocked individual parts, a group of parts sold as a set (many do this), or offered a replacement. This is just laziness to do nothing. It happens all the time with corporate buyouts until they realize customers go elsewhere. The competition is getting greater all the time on grills.

Unfortunately, it looks like corrosion is the root of this evil. Anytime my cookers develop any signs of rust, I hit it with a brush and spray it with high temp paint to prevent pitting. For a solution (depending on how the rust propagates), you can do a “poor man’s wrap” with either aluminum or stainless steel sheets. If you cut it properly, it may actually look pretty cool. For attaching the sheet metal, my preference would be to buck it will stainless steel rivets using washers on both side of the rivets to distribute any forces present when the cooker expands and contracts to preserve maximum life of the device. This can give you many more years of use. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Thanks for the suggestion. Still deciding.

 

[Greg Jones]

Thanks for the suggestion. Still deciding.

Is this one of the OG Bullseyes that came with a black, mild steel kettle? Hard to tell from the picture.

 

[Alteaux]

Is this one of the OG Bullseyes that came with a black, mild steel kettle? Hard to tell from the picture.

I assume so. I have cleaned it regularly and never saw any pinholes until now. The rust didn't seemed to be so bad I was overly concerned.

 

[Greg Jones]

The OG Bullseye was discontinued over 4 years old now, so I can understand that they don’t have parts to replace that. Not what you want to hear, I’m sure.

 

[Alteaux]

The OG Bullseye was discontinued over 4 years old now, so I can understand that they don’t have parts to replace that. Not what you want to hear, I’m sure.

I think this is what separates companies that sell premium products versus those that sell disposable products through many of the big box stores. I have a couple of options provided to pursue, but I support companies with good customer service with my wallet.

 

[C. Keeper]

I think this is what separates companies that sell premium products versus those that sell disposable products through many of the big box stores. I have a couple of options provided to pursue, but I support companies with good customer service with my wallet.

@Alteaux educate me, please.
How long to expect a grill to last in that price range?

 

[Alteaux]

@Alteaux educate me, please.
How long to expect a grill to last in that price range?

I never complained about it not lasting. I complained I couldn't purchase a replacement part.

 

[v1per95]

I never complained about it not lasting. I complained I couldn't purchase a replacement part.

*For a grill that was discontinued over 4 years ago

That parts important.

 

[Alteaux]

*For a grill that was discontinued over 4 years ago

That parts important.

I have a Char-Griller product that is less expensive and older than the recteq. I recently received a free replacement part even though the product is well out of warranty.

 

[C. Keeper]

I never complained about it not lasting. I complained I couldn't purchase a replacement part.

@Alteaux today is your lucky day my friend! I found the replacement parts for you.

 

[Alteaux]

@Alteaux today is your lucky day my friend! I found the replacement parts for you.
View attachment 22215

LOL It even comes with some free extra parts!!!

 

[Greg Jones]

LOL It even comes with some free extra parts!!!

Probably less extra parts than you think. The Stainless Bullseye was a pretty significant upgrade from the OG model. I expect you might find many of your old components could not be used if they did send you the current model barrel. If you have a grill that is say, 5 years old, what do you think recteq’s responsibility is to have parts in stock for your particular situation?

 

[v1per95]

I have a Char-Griller product that is less expensive and older than the recteq. I recently received a free replacement part even though the product is well out of warranty.

And Char-Griller is a behemoth of a company compared to RT. This sort of thought process is why we're in the age of company consolidation.