How often do you change wicks?

[Halofan2013]

I just switched to a new triton tank and things were great for about a week and then I started getting dry hits today. Am I using the coils too long? Is there something I should be doing to make them live longer?

Thanks

 

[BigBen2k]

Yeah: clean it!

Take it apart, rinse it under hot water, and let it dry overnight. Look at the coil; if it's gunked up, do a dry burn (in 3 sec burts), rinse it, and put it all back together.

I use a can of compressed air when in a hurry.

 

[Halofan2013]

Ah ok. I've never cleaned one so that is new to me. If I'm in a real hurry, like late for work running out the door hurry, would changing the coil take care of the problem in a tank that is already filled?

 

[spaceballsrules]

Ah ok. I've never cleaned one so that is new to me. If I'm in a real hurry, like late for work running out the door hurry, would changing the coil take care of the problem in a tank that is already filled?

Yes.

Cleaning coils is best done by soaking them in water, vodka, or PGA (Everclear) for about 30 minutes. Then air dry, and finish by dry burning in short bursts. Here is a video that shows the process (skip to 11:00):

 

[jefsview]

Dry hits usually denotes not wicking. If your tanks are topped off, then there shouldn't be any dry hits; when the tanks get low, tilt and swirl.

If it's more of a smoky or burnt taste, then that is gunk build-up and they definitely need a rinse or dry burn. Dry burns are not recommended, since the coils might break during the process, and it's tricky inside the tank (the only way they connect to the battery. The top of the chimney does come off for better airflow and viewing while dry burning.

In most cases with high PG liquids, unless they are dark or high in sweetener, they shouldn't need dry burning. A simple rinsing usually fixes the problems -- but allow the newly rinsed and dried wicks time to reabsorb, and prime. The bad thing about rinsing is that you have to re-break them in.