Sealing the pipe thread on the air intakes..
 

Question: I used permatex high temp rev silicone gasket maker #81160 to seal the fittings I used in the air intake holes. Is there any reason why that wouldn't be a good idea before I finish and do my first burn on my UDS?

You'll be fine, the vents, believe it or not, will be the coolest part of the smoker at temperature.

the viscosity of silicon is tooo thick to seal a thread, it will just roll off. Also, is a leak proof thread nesc on an air inlet? If you want to seal threads telfon tape / paste or leak loc is the best. If you are sealing nat gas or propane be sure to read the lable...and use a thread sealer applicable to the job, as silicon is more for a gasket surface. Log onto a permatex web page for proper application.

I agree with BigBellyBBQ... sealing those is totally unnecessary.

They make a thread sealer paste in a Yellow tube, Rector Seal 1.75 Oz. Pipe Thread Sealant at Lowe's that has the NSF stamp on it.

whoa....GREAT GREAT INFO!!!!!! I have rector seal in my box, the grey stuff...heading to it now to check out and if so this is gooood info ..stuff!!!

While I wouldn't bother sealing the joints between the pipe fittings, I would go ahead and seal the hole where the pipe goes into the drum. I didn't on mine and I got some goo that leaked on the bottom of the hole onto my patio.

:doh:Rust isn't a sealant:noidea::

I would be apprehensive to use any sealant just for the fact that the fumes may be harmful. I would almost guarantee that if you screw the fitting into the barrel and it tightens up there will be very minimal air leakage to affect the temp control. Keep it simple and remember that the fire needs air so there will never be a time where you completely shut it off unless your trying to smother it out.

I would also be concerned about VOC fumes. But that is just me. I would find a welder and run a MIG bead.

If you are talking about putting in on the threads then no it wont really work very well, if you are saying it will be on the inside then no not a good idea, if you are using it around the outside around the pipe, just know it wont paint well, if you want it to paint try some JB weld. I would do it after the burn with a good clean surface. The red REV is what I used on my uds, because the fittings were a bit loose. I have only lost the hair on my left side with one eye now about 1 1/2 inch lower than my other one.:twitch::twitch::twitch: and of course the :twitch: in my left foot.
Dadadadave

+1 on the JB Weld

I don't think you guys are seeing what he is asking. I'm assuming from his name its a uds. Sealing the outside of the pipe nipples before tightening the conduit nut. He'll have no issues.

There may be no issues doing it that way, unless it draws the sealant and cracks it, so to be safe I would put it on after the nut is tightened. Having said that I really do not think is will matter much because after a few uses it should seal its self.
Dave