I've got three generations of the smoke daddy. It looks like you may have solved one smoke daddy problem of the creosote sealing the top on. Once you get it going, and you've got the smoker at temp, you should be able to shut off the air pump. Nice job.
Yup, there is a creosote build up in this as well, but becuase the top slides, it's easy to open. The bottom is hinged and just swings open.
A few other features I like better on this comapared to the Smoke Daddy;
1. There is jusy enough of a seal break on the top that you can also see if the generator is still smoking.
2. To remove, simply hold the eyebolt, push in on the quick connector and remove the generator, the quick connect fitting seals the port.
3. When you're done, you set it on the legs to cool down and clean.
4. The legs can also be adjusted for proper height to connect to low profile, Homer Bucket style cold smokers.
5. The bottom lid stays attached to the generator.
6. Pump side has an easy barb type slip connection, not a tube in a tube over a tube connection like the Smoke Daddy.