Defective Blu batts, Attys and/or Carts??? HELP!

[fatalis]

I guess I'm still truly shocked when I see positive feedback regarding Blu E-Cigs. I have had mine for only around 2 weeks and am completely dissatisfied! Hopefully it's because I'm a noob and am doing something wrong... Because that means it can be fixed...
Anyway - They seemed to work ok the first week or so, then suddenly it was like I had to drag really, really hard and wasn't getting much vapor OR taste anymore, even when I kept changing the cart every 10 drags or so in frustration! Also, my batts don't seem to want to charge anymore. Every time I tried to charge a batt, whether it was via USB to PC or via wall charger or pack charger, the red light would turn to blue within 15-20 minutes (yea, yea, I know about the pack recall thingy, just frustrated & desperate!)! How do I tell if it's the battery, the atty or the carts?
Anyone have similar experiences with their batts? Please help! GRRR, I'm SO frustrated! I wish I had found this forum and the VT forum before I purchased the Blu kit... I've ordered 2 more starter kits yesterday, but I'm currently in Taiwan so I won't get them until I'm back in L.A. in 3 weeks.

 

[hxj]

Anyway - They seemed to work ok the first week or so, then suddenly it was like I had to drag really, really hard and wasn't getting much vapor OR taste anymore, even when I kept changing the cart every 10 drags or so in frustration! Also, my batts don't seem to want to charge anymore. Every time I tried to charge a batt, whether it was via USB to PC or via wall charger or pack charger, the red light would turn to blue within 15-20 minutes (yea, yea, I know about the pack recall thingy, just frustrated & desperate!)! How do I tell if it's the battery, the atty or the carts?

In my experience, pulling really hard on a blu will NEVER give good results. When you pull gently, is the battery activating (LED lights up), or do you mean you have to pull hard to even get it to activate?

The performance drop-off after ten drags is actually very typical if you're using the stock pre-filled carts, because the liquid and wicking material in the carts just don't work very well. Also, the plastic and foil that seals the carts may well be blocking your atomizer wick, making the liquid wick even MORE slowly. Try this first: when you put on a new cart, instead of twisting a little like blu tells you, try twisting all the way around and pulling it back off. You'll probably be left with the plastic and foil stuck to the atomizer wick. Pull it all off, put the cart back on, and see how that goes.

If your batteries are indeed malfunctioning, it's certainly possible that they aren't supplying enough power to vaporize the liquid properly. I think it's unlikely that both of your batteries are misbehaving the exact same way, though. A depleted blu battery only takes about 45 minutes to charge; are you waiting until you get the 30 flashes to recharge, or are you topping off? And is the LED turning to blue after 20 minutes and STAYING blue, or, if you leave it for a few seconds, does it cycle back to red? It's not uncommon for the chargers to flick to blue briefly as the battery gets closer to full, then flick back to red for a while, then to blue for longer, then red for less time, etc. until finally the battery is fully charged and the LED stays solid on blue until you unplug it.

 

[Scry]

I believe I may have received a defective battery as well with my starter kit. Not really similar to what's happening here, but basically this is what it's doing:

I got the starter kit yesterday. I plugged both batteries into the USB charger and the charging pack into the wall charger. I was actually pretty impressed that one battery came pre-charged as well as the charging kit (they both indicated full charges when plugged in, the other battery did not). I used the pre-charged battery all day and after finishing off a cart, I noticed the blue LED wasn't staying on as consistently as before when taking a pull. Sure enough, it then blinked 20 times, indicating the battery was low. So I happily screw on the now-charged second battery and pop the dead battery into the USB charger.

An hour later the charger light was solid blue so I removed the battery and as soon as I did, the battery LED started blinking repeatedly and did not stop. In fact is hasn't stopped since last night. Whenever I attempt to charge it, the charger reflects a full charge and the blinking stops, but as soon as I take it off the charger it starts up again. I've tried charging it in the pack as well and the pack reflects that the battery is fully charged, but again removing it from the pack it starts blinking again.

Blu has told me to just RMA it, but I'm wondering if anyone else has ever seen this? I'm also curious if I just let the thing blink until it's totally dead if that may fix the issue upon a fresh full recharge. Man I hate RMA'ing stuff through the mail though, especially since Blu can be really slow to respond on the customer service side.

 

[hxj]

Man I hate RMA'ing stuff through the mail though, especially since Blu can be really slow to respond on the customer service side.

My advice is just to call them and get an RMA. I had two defective batteries, and once I called, they emailed me a return form to print out right away-- and before I even had a chance to fill out the form, I received email indicating that two replacement batteries had already been sent out. Honestly, it was the easiest RMA I've ever had to deal with (with the possible exception of Apple, who sent a replacement router overnight, with a prepaid, pre-printed return label to send the bad one back in the same box).

 

[Deena]

An hour later the charger light was solid blue so I removed the battery and as soon as I did, the battery LED started blinking repeatedly and did not stop. In fact is hasn't stopped since last night. Whenever I attempt to charge it, the charger reflects a full charge and the blinking stops, but as soon as I take it off the charger it starts up again. I've tried charging it in the pack as well and the pack reflects that the battery is fully charged, but again removing it from the pack it starts blinking again.

Same thing happened to me. I bought the starter kit and an extra battery and only one of the batteries worked. I returned two of the batteries, with an RMA, on 12/31 and still have not received my replacement batteries. I've communicated with them a few times in their live chat and they did acknowledge that they received the bad batteries and are shipping two new replacements. But, I have not received the replacements.

 

[Synf]

Cart wise, make sure you are doing one thing and that the foil is not covering up the space beside the inner cart. It will block the vapor from going to the mouthpiece. Keep in mind if it is blocking it, and you are dragging really hard... the battery life is going to deplete faster.

As for the batteries, RMA them. If you are completely dissatisfied with Blu, and want to still try a crack at the L88B, return it and try a Volcano. If not, try a 510 or Kr8. I'm sure you will be extremely satisfied with any of those options.

 

[Deena]

Same thing happened to me. I bought the starter kit and an extra battery and only one of the batteries worked. I returned two of the batteries, with an RMA, on 12/31 and still have not received my replacement batteries. I've communicated with them a few times in their live chat and they did acknowledge that they received the bad batteries and are shipping two new replacements. But, I have not received the replacements.

Well, I received one of my replacement batteries. I chatted with them and they said they would send the other one out next week. But now, my PCC is not working! Go figure.

 

[lorim]

I can't start a new thread because I'm new, BUT I'm having an Atty issue that is similar to what others are saying. I ordered a white set from blu it came 3 weeks ago and I have been happily cig free since. I thought the pack charging thing was so cool I ordered the black set (white always gets filthy) and I didn't care that it was on back order, which it came in a week. Here's the deal, the white set has shorter atty's than the black set. Here is where the whole thing gets odd, same 2 weeks on white atty's and all was good and bang now I have to take very long drags and not getting squat and what I am getting does not taste like the flavor. Black/longer attys get awsome smoke (way better than the white ever did) but after 3 quick drags it tastes like metal, every time, every flavor, old or new cart with metal picked off and both black/long attys do the same thing with the metal taste. So what on earth do I do? If I order new attys will I get the longer or the shorter ones. Do they need cleaned somehow or is something wrong? And I noticed that the Volcano has mysteriously stopped shipping new kits and atty's (looks like something is wrong??)
Thanks for any help
Lori

 

[Scry]

It's on Volcano's front page:

Stock & New Products Update
*6:15 pm - February 4, 2010*
We regret to have to do this, but we are placing all kits and atomizers on back order until WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010. Due to our recent Shipping Department move and the enormous increase in demand for our kits and atomizers, we have fallen quite a bit behind in getting orders out the door and we need this extra time to get the backlog of orders out the door. We take our shipping claims very seriously and assure you we are making the necessary adjustments needed to address the new volume of orders we are receiving. We appreciate your understanding with this matter and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about your order. Mahalo... [Joe Volcano]

As for the new Blu attys, it's been rumored for a while that they were going to reengineer their atomizers to produce more vapor. I assume you received the new ones, and as always with new tech there are bound to be issues. I wouldn't sweat it though, your attys probably just aren't broken in yet. You'll just have to endure the metal taste until they are. You could also try forcibly breaking them in by soaking them in coke (not diet) for about 6 hours, then soak them in isopropyl alcohol for about 1 hour, then soak in water for 2 hours. That will clean any residues off of the attys and possibly remove whatever is causing the metallic taste.

 

[Britbikr]

Since I'm new and can't thread yet, this looks to be turning into a battery/atomizer thread. My led only stays lit for about 1.5 seconds. I have to do the multi-puff to get any drag at all. This seems to happen on both of my batteries. Is this normal?

 

[lorim]

Ok, thank you for the cleaning advice. I think I have solved some of the issues or at least understand it a little better. After cleaning 1 short and 1 long Atty, the short atty is like it was 2/3 weeks ago when it was new. All tastes better and I'm getting decent hits of smoke off it, so I think it really needed cleaned. The long attys are no better, they are awesome with a fresh filter for 10 or so hits then it goes to 1st hit great 2nd hit taste is slightly off, then 3+ hits tastes like metal. Leave it sit for 5 mins and it is great again on 1st hit 2nd not as good 3+ metal. I have to assume the longer one is maybe just not getting enough juice to sit and vape non-stop from the stock filter. I think what I'm going to do is set the longer ones aside and buy juice and try dipping. I'm going to order a couple more attys from both blu and volcano and see if I get shorts or longs.
Thank you!
As for the cleaning I used rubbing alcohol and then hot water for an hour each, no cola at the house and I'm not going anywhere until we see a snow plow!

 

[Deena]

My led only stays lit for about 1.5 seconds. I have to do the multi-puff to get any drag at all. This seems to happen on both of my batteries. Is this normal?

From my limited experience (I've only been vaping for two months), it is normal for Blu. My three defective batteries did that before they died completely. I have a Vapor King 808 and a Joye 510 and they are fine. Haven't had any problems with those models as I have with the Blu. Makes me think it's the brand.

 

[Scry]

That doesn't happen with either my Volcano or Blu batteries.

 

[lorim]

My led only stays lit for about 1.5 seconds. I have to do the multi-puff to get any drag at all. This seems to happen on both of my batteries. Is this normal?

Sort of, but I noticed that cleaning the atty made a huge difference in the drag/smoke/taste. Cleaning the atty made the draw/drag easier, makes more smoke, and tastes more like the cartridge flavors.

My battery goes on/off sometimes too, but I notice it more with long slow drags, it seems to come on, go off, then back on but my drag is still fine. When my battery gets weak I find my self dragging like it's a milkshake straw and not much smoke or taste, switch battery and all seems improved.

When cartridge gets low, I notice less smoke and almost a metal crappy taste.

Hope this helps!
Lori

 

[Schmoe]

Hmmm, starting to have similar problems as well. Sort of. I think it's the atomizers. The other one works with the other batteries just fine, this particular atomizer really requires a lot of puffing, and even when it does light up, it taste like dog-poo and doesn't get that warm. I've cleaned them both in boiling water and nothing has changed. Just sent an email to the support folks and they responded with a ticket number and will "assign" this to an agent. We'll see. I bought mine on 1/19/10. The EGo is starting to look good.

 

[hxj]

Hmmm, starting to have similar problems as well. Sort of. I think it's the atomizers. The other one works with the other batteries just fine, this particular atomizer really requires a lot of puffing, and even when it does light up, it taste like dog-poo and doesn't get that warm. I've cleaned them both in boiling water and nothing has changed. Just sent an email to the support folks and they responded with a ticket number and will "assign" this to an agent. We'll see. I bought mine on 1/19/10. The EGo is starting to look good.

What liquids are you using? Your symptoms sound like you have serious carbon deposits on your coil. Water won't clean them; you need something that will dissolve the burnt-on gunk. I've had some success with gentle shaking in warm alcohol (I actually got small black chunks of carbon sitting at the bottom of the container afterwards), and also with soaking in Coca-cola.

There are many, many threads on ECF about cleaning atomizers, with little consensus as to what actually works without weakening the atomizer itself. At $5 a pop, though, unless you're killing an atomizer every few days, it's sort of a moot point. There's no part of an e-cig that isn't a consumable that will eventually need to be replaced. (I've been lucky, though; only killed one atomizer since getting blu last July, and that one was definitely my fault.)

 

[Schmoe]

Wow. Dude, your good because that's exactly what I just did, cleaned it really good. I got a fresh battery, put the atty on it with a hallow cart and started sucking on it for a long time. The atty got good and hot. Did that about 3 times until I could see the elements glowing. Seems to have at least temporarily fix the problem. I'm using a combination of JC Artic and Liquidexpress Cool Rush. Not the best, but JC is a little strong on the tobacco flavor, while Cool Rush has none. Waiting for Halo menthol ice to become available in the 18 mg. Heard that stuff is the bomb. So, you seem like the blu expert, what is the best way to clean the atty without killing the longevity?

 

[hxj]

Wow. Dude, your good because that's exactly what I just did, cleaned it really good. I got a fresh battery, put the atty on it with a hallow cart and started sucking on it for a long time. The atty got good and hot. Did that about 3 times until I could see the elements glowing. Seems to have at least temporarily fix the problem. I'm using a combination of JC Artic and Liquidexpress Cool Rush. Not the best, but JC is a little strong on the tobacco flavor, while Cool Rush has none. Waiting for Halo menthol ice to become available in the 18 mg. Heard that stuff is the bomb. So, you seem like the blu expert, what is the best way to clean the atty without killing the longevity?

Like I said, the jury's still out. Lots of people insist that boiling atomizers can weaken the internal connections, though I've personally never found this to be a problem—however, I've also never found boiling them to be any more effective than just flushing them out really well under hot running water. It's a nice quick-an-dirty way of getting most of the non-burnt-on liquid and residue out of an atomizer. Then I just blow through them from the battery end and stand them mesh-side-down in a loosely crumpled paper towel overnight. Prime them with four or five drops of liquid and they're usually good to go.

For the baked-on stuff, I've only found two things that seemed to help, which are the alcohol shake and Coke soak I mentioned before. The alcohol method has the benefit of letting you see the crud that comes off, but shaking an atomizer even gently in a container of warm alcohol (I use an old contact lens case, fill with isopropyl alcohol, add the atomizer, screw on the cap, and submerge the whole thing in hot water) probably puts stresses on the contact points between the mesh and the body of the atomizer, so it's probably not the most atomizer-friendly method. And then you have to be really conscientious about flushing all the alcohol out with water afterwards, too.

The Coke method sounds silly, but it really seems to work quite well; when atomizers start running cold, with a tight draw and little vapour, I just throw them in a little container of Coke and swirl it around a bit and let it sit overnight, maybe swirling things around occasionally. Then I flush it all out with hot water and let it dry as mentioned above, re-prime, and it's almost like new again. The prevailing theory is that the low concentration of phosphoric acid in Coke is effective at tackling the carbon deposits, and certainly people who have experimented with higher-strength phosphoric acid (ice machine cleaner) have demonstrated that to be the case. All I know is that it seems to work well for me.

The "dry burn" method that many swear by (especially a lot of 510 owners, it seems, but maybe it just looks that way because there are so many 510 owners) strikes me as a bad idea. At least according to the manufacturers, atomizers are never supposed to be run dry, because they get way too hot and destroy themselves. The only blu atomizer I ever killed died because I eventually burned right through the white fiber wick inside, so while the coil would still heat up, no liquid would get to it. (This is also the cause of the "dry/metallic taste" people describe when they let their cartridges run too dry.) Keep the atomizers wet and they will live longer and be happier.

It's also good to keep in mind that since a new atomizer costs less than a pack of cigarettes, it's probably not worth spending too much time stressing over how best to clean them.

Incidentally, the reason I asked about which liquid you were using is because Johnson Creek liquids have a reputation for crudding up atomizers really quickly. I never put much stock in the rumours, but after months of using mostly ECOpure with no problems, I switched to JC's Red Oak Domestic, and within two days had symptoms of coil deposits, so now I'm starting to believe...

 

[Schmoe]

Thanks for that. Using Coke....what about Pepsi???? ha ha.
The liquid express and the innovapor just don't have that "punch" that JC has. I've been using JC for about two weeks straight, but yesterday I mixed the JC/cool rush together, well, I'm not impressed. Geesh, getting tired of all this experimenting. Last night I ordered Newpure from Halo. Lot of good things have been said about this stuff, so I'll try it. For 30ml/18mg at 19.99 including shipping, not a bad deal and the ECF4HALO discount code worked. Now you got me scared to go back to straight JC. Don't want to have to be worrying about cleaning atty's every week. I was going to try their Wisconsin red oak menthol version, but I get the impression it's a sweet flavor, not a real menthol flavor. I wonder what the actual ingredients are in this stuff, I mean, the actual chemistry. You hear so much about carbon build up, but if the formula uses no carbon, then what's making it junk up the atty's?

 

[hxj]

I wonder what the actual ingredients are in this stuff, I mean, the actual chemistry. You hear so much about carbon build up, but if the formula uses no carbon, then what's making it junk up the atty's?

I think any organic compound has carbon in it (carbon-based life forms, after all), which gets left behind when the substance burns. Shouldn't be any different than the black crud on a grill or in an oven, right? But I'm no chemist.

And if you've ever had to clean a grill or an oven, you know that water isn't getting that stuff off.

ECOpure and ULTRApure include as few ingredients as possible to minimize potential health effects, which also seems to have the pleasant side benefit of not gunking up atomizers as quickly. I know that InnoVapor had to change their warranty policy on atomizers because people would return them claiming they'd failed, when it turned out they had been used with liquids that had completely covered the coils with crud.