New Treager owner with a problem?

[MattB]

Hi all added a Treager Texas grill to my gas fired BBQ, Weber and South African braai collection this w/e. Can't wait to get into some of the long cook time recipes I've seen on the forum.
I have a concern though. I followed the pre cook procedure to the letter to burn off the oils etc this afternoon and once finished I had a bunch of paint burn/flake off the burner box assembly. I also had an issue getting the pellets to light initially. Appeared the rod wasn't getting hot? I'm assuming something is not right here as the paint should be good for max temp? Appreciate any thoughts comments. Txs.

 

[dnew]

Suggest you call Traeger service for assistance.

 

[scooter]

What dnew said!

 

[MattB]

Didn't realize they have a 7 day a week service dept!! Called them up and the guy said this is normal as it's the hottest part of the grill. As long as it's only around the fire pit and not along the length of the burner box assembly all's good! Time to get cooking.

 

[piggy D]

welcome to the pellet smoking forum a lot of helpful people here. I'm also a new member here and really enjoy it.what was wrong with the hot rod?i would burn it in for a good 2 hrs. or until i did'nt smell any paint,before putting any food on

 

[MattB]

what was wrong with the hot rod?i would burn it in for a good 2 hrs. or until i did'nt smell any paint,before putting any food on

Firstly I had issues with getting the pellets to light due to no heat. Took control panel apart, checked fuse, etc and then it lit but after the heat time all the paint around the fire pit had flaked off. That didn't seem right to me - why paint it if it's going to flake off on first burn? However, Treager support tell me that's normal? Cooking tonight so we'll see if I get a hint of burnt paint in my first offering!!

 

[TentHunter]

why paint it if it's going to flake off on first burn?

That's a valid question. I'd wonder the same thing if I saw paint bubble off the way it is in your pics. The only thing I can think is they paint it to keep it from rusting until it gets used.