Suddenly my eGo feels like it's really hard to take a drag... not sure what is going on, tried two attys and different carts, as well as different battery... not sure what is up here. Feels almost like something is blocking the incoming air, I think it might be the "protective sleeve." Seems a little better if I take off the sleeve.
Anyone know what could be causing this? Is it possible that I somehow, partially, bent the sleeve so air isn't flowing right(looks like it's still round, but maybe...)? Or could overfilling cause it, I do notice a good amount of liquid (sticky, so assuming juice) when I remove the sleeve sometimes.
Two days ago I did clean out the atty using alcohol as suggested in another thread, seemed great right afterwards.
Thanks.
With most ecigs, if there is a hard draw it can be mainly in two places - the airflow through the cartridge or the airflow through the atomizer. With the eGo, the cone can also be a factor. But the first thing I do is remove the cartridge and draw and blow through it to make sure the air channels along the side of the cart are clear. Sometime ejuice can get in there and dry up cutting the air channel - if that's the case I remove the filler and soak the cartridge in 151 vodka. With certain cartridges - 'D' types for the 510 and 901 there can be a problem where a part has come loose inside the mouthpiece and is blocking the air flow - this is rare but it happens. And if that's the case - throw it away and get another cartridge.
If the cart is fine, then check the flow through the atomizer. Remove it, make sure it's cool and 'tailpipe' it. Again draw and blow through the cart end of the atomizer. If it seems clear, then attach it to the battery and tailpipe it again - if it is obstructed then it is likely that you have gunk in the threads that is blocking the air flow. But if it is the atomizer itself, then clean it like you did and also check the air holes above the threads - I'll stick a needle in them to clean them. Keep in mind that the air comes in through the rectangular cuts in the battery connection --> the holes above the threads --> up through the coil and pot --> under and around the bridge/metal mesh.
So there is only a few spots where the flow can be obstructed. IF the threads and air holes are clear, then it is likely that the coil and pot has a build up of crud that is blocking the flow through the atty. Another problem could be the wicking but you would likely to be able to see that looking down at the bridge from the cart end of the atty. If you see a 'wad' I suggest moving it with a toothpick rather than removing it because once removed that atty is only good for dripping.
With the eGo - not all cones are equal - ie the diameter at the top is the only air channel - so if there is not enough room or it is bent then you need to address that. I have a reamer that I use:
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL : Sinclair Carbide VLD Case Mouth Chamfering Tool -
I also use this and an extra cone for reaming to accomodate cartomizers that are wider in diameter than atomizers. If, as you say, the airflow is better without the cone - you can of course vape without the cone but either for looks or for 'preheating' the air, you want to use the cone, it sounds like you should find a way to ream it out - any 'taper' bit that is close to the size of the opening should do the trick as well.
