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Gasket: replace

Before you start: kit, springs, helper

Springs off first, dome open, helper holding it. The two hinge springs carry the dome's weight. Every Big Green Egg method takes them off with the dome fully open before any band or hinge nut is loosened (BGE UK). No BGE document warns about it, but owners report a dome whipping open, and one was hit in the face when a band slipped (owner report). The dome and base are heavy ceramic (99 kg together): work with two people. A dealer can do it for you, and BGE UK offers paid servicing.

The gasket is self-adhesive felt, one strip on each rim. BGE Europe expects about two years; burnt, flattened or torn felt leaks smoke. BGE US sells kit 113726; BGE UK sells the "High Temperature Gasket" AC8302, rated to 500 °C. There is no genuine BGE gasket kit on Amazon UK: buy from an authorised dealer.

This guide follows BGE UK's method (the only BGE step list), with BGE Europe's laying tips. Ace's method lifts the dome off with the bands still on it instead.

Springs off, dome off, old felt off

BGE UK's how-to.

  1. Open the dome fully, helper holding it, and take off both springs.
  2. Close the dome and undo the nuts on the side brackets and hinge; the fittings hang down.
  3. Lift the dome off with two people and set it upside down on a towel over the base.
  4. Peel off the old felt from the dome and base rims.
  5. Scrape off the residue with a utility or putty knife.
  6. Rub with coarse sandpaper, wipe with a little white spirit, and let it dry.

Fit the new felt and refit the dome

BGE UK's method, with BGE Europe's laying tips.

  1. Lay the new strip on the dome rim starting at the back left, rubbing it down, with a tiny overlap at the end. Let it overhang slightly on the outside, never the inside (BGE Europe).
  2. Do the base rim the same way from the top left, its joint away from the dome's.
  3. With your helper, set the dome back on, brackets and hinge fitted loosely.
  4. Line up all the dots, then tighten the nuts (7/16 in) and the rear clamp bolts (1/2 in).
  5. Open the dome and refit both springs; close it and check for gaps.
  6. Keep the lid closed 24 hours, then fire it gently so the adhesive bonds (BGE Europe).