Encore warped grate

[Megunticook]

Finally ordered a new grate for my 22 year-old Encore 2550. It's pretty warped, been that way for several seasons, and this year I noticed a crack forming right in the middle. Anybody else experience this? Overfired perhaps, although I keep pretty close tabs on it with a probe thermometer just below the cat. plus a griddle top thermometer.

 

[begreen]

Just age, nothing you likely did. This part sees the most heat. They don't last forever.
With the new part you can look forward to Grate Expectations.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Just age, nothing you likely did. This sees the most heat. They don't last forever.
With the new part you can look forward to Grate Expectations.

Great now my knee is sore from slapping the heck out of it.

 

[Megunticook]

Don't think I can top that.

I guess if I get 22 years out of this one too I'll be in grate shape.

 

[Rob the Scott]

Mine is 33 years old, and has the same warped grate. I looked at a used one that someone was scrapping, and it, too, had a warped grate. Mine works just fine, so I use it as is. I may even have small cracks, but no functional loss. Steady as she goes!

My cat baffle at the top, back of the firebox is also warped. That is much more annoying as it constantly falls off. I have tried metal wedges to hold it in place, but they don't tolerate the heat. I tried buying a new one, and it wouldn't fit! I couldn't get it onto the small shelves that hold the "pins" on each end!

Are there any better suggestions?