Newby question regarding all-metal smoke unit

[Art Hogus]

Question to a more knowledgeable community: Does anyone know what this white stuff inside the smoke unit (on the right) is made from?
Also, what can I use to replace or top it up?
It looks like some sort of glass/mineral fiber.

Also, how much oil should I put in? Should it be just slightly wet or fully soaked with oil?

20250819_205344.jpg (224.29 KiB) Viewed 597 times

[Kaczor]

Pour in enough liquid so that the fiber is soaked but not floating in it. Too much liquid causes it to leak into the outlet and clog the hoses.

[Art Hogus]

Thank you, Kaczor. Do you know what I can replace this fiber with? There is not enough of it to touch the wick.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I am interested in Art's question, too. Over the years I have accumulated smoke units removed from some tanks, smoke units that may need nothing more than the fiber replaced. "Do you know what I can replace this fiber with?"

[ColemanCollector]

I'd use some tiki/deck torch wick material. Most hardware stores will have replacement wicks for cheap. Unravel it and stuff.

Mike.

[Art Hogus]

Thanks, ColemanCollector
I did some digging and found a few suggestions as well.
Some recommend cotton balls, as I understand HL smokers use them.
Some recommend rayon balls because it more absorbent than cotton.
The last suggestion is to use a fibreglass torch wick. Usually, glass fibre starts degrading at about 350°C, so I think it is safest to use it.

[ColemanCollector]

That's what tiki torch wick is. Lol

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"glass fibre starts degrading at about 350°C." That should be warm enough to "cook off" a Sherman.

O.K. I'll behave...someday.