cleaning Protank 2/3, Aerotank - WHEN/HOW OFTEN?

[AlBaron]

Guys,
so my collection of tanks (all with replaceable coils) is growing rapidly - I've got a Protank 2 Mini, Protank 3 and Aerotank, with Aspire Nautilus on the way.
Reading different posts on this forum, I kind of gather that it's time to replace coils when I start getting a bad smell in my vapor.
But then I also see references to washing and dry-burning coils as well. So my question is:

Is washing/dry-burning coil actually prolongs the life of it, or is this simply an optional exercise for when changing the flavor of the juice?

Thanks much,

AlBaron

 

[Agamer]

Dry burning has the potential to extend the life in the coil by removing the buildup that accumulates on the coil, however it also has the potential of killing a coil if over done since you can burn the little insulator at the bottom resulting in a burnt rubber taste for near forever.

 

[TheColdHandedVG]

Well, if you plan on dry-burning your coils you are going to need some replacement silica, or some cotton to change out the wick. I guess you can dry-burn with the silica still in the coil but it might not go to well if you aren't experienced with doing so.

The only point in dry-burning is to burn off excess gunk on your coils. It is black residue that builds up on the coil itself, and also gets onto parts of the silica touching the coil. Other than that there is no other reason to dry-burn that I can think of. I personally just change to a new coil anytime my old one isn't performing to my expectations, but if you are tight on cash and that is your only option then go for it.

 

[Ace90]

I have a Kanger Protank 3 mini and I've never dry burned it/washed it for fear of killing the coil like Agamer said could happen. I just change out the coil in it when I start getting a burnt taste like Cave123 suggested.

 

[EBates]

I have been cleaning and dry burning PT coils (single coil) for months. Never burned an insulator, yet. I am attempting to clean me first nautilus coil now, it's soaking in alcohol now. So, TBD on cleaning nautilus atomizer heads.
I have 10-12 pt atty heads that have been successfully cleaned and returned to use multiple times. And I have also been successful in cleaning and reusing the flavor wicks.
I have however had three coils burn open. I suspect I failed to get them dried sufficiently before dry burning. They will be rebuilt at some point.

Soak in 91% Isopropyl alcohol or everclear over night or until I get 5-6 to clean.
Rinse throughly with warm tap water forcing water into the wick area.
Towel dry and blow out any water.
Mount the head on a tank base.
Remove the gasket and stem.
Remove the flavor wick(s).
Mount the tank base with the atomizer head on your PV.
Dry burn 6 watts, 5 seconds on/off. Repeat until coils are all turning red and wick is clean.
Blow the burned off crud away.

Flavor Wicks
Hold the flavor wick with tweezer while burning them with a lighter or torch until wick is clean.
-Place the flavor wick back on top of the coil.
Or
-Replace the flavor wick with the material of your choice.

Reinstall the stem and gasket.