Issues With ZAP (FIRE!)

[Judge Dredd]

Everyone else who already replied knows much more about this than me but I thought I would chime in real quick. I just got a ZAP myself and I was having a miserable time getting Boba's Bounty (100% VG) wicking with the pre-installed 400x400 wick. I went ahead and removed the pre-installed wick and coil and switched over to one of the 325x325 wicks that was included - this solved my problem completely and I didn't need to remove the insulator. It is important to note that the coil that was pre-installed was at about 1.8 ohms and the one I wrapped myself is 2.3 ohms. I actually prefer the resistance to be at about 3.0 ohms so I ordered kanthal in gauges that will allow me to do that with the same number of wraps.

I have noticed that I need to dry burn the coil to get gunk off about once a day and I attribute this to the 100% VG juice I use. I have also needed to adjust the coil a couple times when hot spots cropped up so it may be worth trying that. I am learning that coil maintenance is just part of using a Genesis style atomizer.

I am completely new at this but my advice would be to try to work with the materials supplied with the ZAP until you get the results you are looking for. On my first day with the device I got tremendously frustrated but all was well with a little tinkering. Best of luck to you!

I did the EXACT same thing. VG wasn't wicking with the installed 400 wick, so I tore it out, put in my bag of spare parts, and made a new wick and coil using the 325, but it STILL will NOT wick VG juices. I'm going to try taking the insulator out. I do really appreciate your post though because it shows that I'm not the only one with this problem that was able to fix it without buying more stuff.

I just switched out the 400 ss mesh for 325 ss mesh. Left the insulator in and wrapped my coil using the drill bit method. Also I unwrapped Zens 325 mesh and made it a bit thicker. Also oxidized it some more. Put some 100% VG juice into it and currently having a fantastic vape. Very smooth and no dry hits.

Just curious what you mean by short-cut though? I'm also new to genesis atomizers and want to use them to there full capabilities.

I'm afraid to unwrap the included wicks because I don't have the funds to replace them. Is this something I should do?

 

[Rymarski]

I did the EXACT same thing. VG wasn't wicking with the installed 400 wick, so I tore it out, put in my bag of spare parts, and made a new wick and coil using the 325, but it STILL will NOT wick VG juices. I'm going to try taking the insulator out. I do really appreciate your post though because it shows that I'm not the only one with this problem that was able to fix it without buying more stuff.



I'm afraid to unwrap the included wicks because I don't have the funds to replace them. Is this something I should do?

I think you should be fine. I did it with caution and it just rolls out with ease. I used the syringe to start wrapping it and then finished it on my own. I also oxidized it some more.

 

[NayrTrawe]

I did the EXACT same thing. VG wasn't wicking with the installed 400 wick, so I tore it out, put in my bag of spare parts, and made a new wick and coil using the 325, but it STILL will NOT wick VG juices. I'm going to try taking the insulator out. I do really appreciate your post though because it shows that I'm not the only one with this problem that was able to fix it without buying more stuff.

I could be mistaken (again, I'm new at this) but I think if you remove the insulator you are going to need a wider wick to fill the opening. Given that the wicks included with the ZAP were made for a smaller diameter opening it might be hard to widen them sufficiently. As someone else mentioned, by removing the insulator you are more likely to get shorts so that is something else to consider. Also, I read somewhere that Zen doesn't recommend doing this if you are new to RBAs. That being said, you can get SS mesh that you can roll and oxidize yourself for really cheap on lots of different sites, including Ebay.

I think there are a lot of people like us out there right now who bought a ZAP as their first RBA. Given the initial learning curve I think it is safe to assume that we aren't alone in some of the challenges we are facing. Thankfully we have a place like this where we can get support and help each other out.

I am going to be heading out to a Super Bowl party in a bit and it will be the first time my ZAP has left the house for a field test. It is by far the best vaping experience I have had but I have concerns about how well it will travel. I have a Killer 705 coming that I hope will work out as my on-the-go solution in a Pro-V Cartomator tank. After using the ZAP for a few days it is going to be hard to go back to Vivi Novas and the like if that doesn't work out.

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[Jacoji]

... Also, I don't recommend the DBM or the Petar-K method. It's a short-cut that will prevent you from using your device to its full capabilities.

V Ninja Curious - how do these shortcuts prevent use of the device to its full capabilities?

I like the ability to remove my wick and give it a burn and also dry-burn the coil to clean it up. My coils are "snug" but allow the wick to be pulled out.

My ZAP setup is currently: removed insulator, 40mm #500 SS mesh wrapped around 3mm silica (with a small tail in the tank to keep the wick from touching). It is wicking like a champ - so no silly tips ("tips" as in tilting, not as in helpful advice).

 

[Judge Dredd]

I added a few drops of distilled water to my 100% VG juice....WORKING LIKE MAGIC! Thanks so much everyone! This will keep me going until I can afford to buy other juice ratios and mesh.

 

[pAth77]

One thing to remember is that not all VGs are created equal. I have some 50/50 mixes that are much thicker than some of my 70%VG juices. Now while that may be an issue of the proportions used by the people that make the juice, I used to DIY and the different VGs that I've used (from varying vendors) over the years have definitely had varying viscosities.

If you're in need of some mesh, send me your name and address via PM and I'll send you a few pieces of #325, #400 and #500 for you to experiment with. I'll take care of the postage.

 

[Judge Dredd]

One thing to remember is that not all VGs are created equal. I have some 50/50 mixes that are much thicker than some of my 70%VG juices. Now while that may be an issue of the proportions used by the people that make the juice, I used to DIY and the different VGs that I've used (from varying vendors) over the years have definitely had varying viscosities.

If you're in need of some mesh, send me your name and address via PM and I'll send you a few pieces of #325, #400 and #500 for you to experiment with. I'll take care of the postage.

I have indeed noticed that for example my Rawr Vapor stuff (all 100% VG) is actually thinner than my Mt. Baker Vapor stuff that's all 100% VG! Weird!

And that's very very nice of you but I'd feel guilty asking you to do that. Thanks so much for the thought though!

 

[Koman]

One thing to remember is that not all VGs are created equal. I have some 50/50 mixes that are much thicker than some of my 70%VG juices. Now while that may be an issue of the proportions used by the people that make the juice, I used to DIY and the different VGs that I've used (from varying vendors) over the years have definitely had varying viscosities.

If you're in need of some mesh, send me your name and address via PM and I'll send you a few pieces of #325, #400 and #500 for you to experiment with. I'll take care of the postage.

Hmm...didn't know this. Thanks dude.

 

[pAth77]

I have indeed noticed that for example my Rawr Vapor stuff (all 100% VG) is actually thinner than my Mt. Baker Vapor stuff that's all 100% VG! Weird!

And that's very very nice of you but I'd feel guilty asking you to do that. Thanks so much for the thought though!

Another thing to keep in mind is that even though a juice is listed as 100% VG, the flavorings are still PG, and that will essentially make a juice with 20% flavor a 20/80 (PG/VG) juice.

Don't feel bad about my offer for mesh. I've been helped out a lot over the years by our fellow ECFers, and I do my best to PIF whenever possible. My offer still stands so just PM me if you would like me to send over some mesh. I have enough to spare so I honestly don't mind sending you some to hold you over for a short time.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Another thing to keep in mind is that even though a juice is listed as 100% VG, the flavorings are still PG, and that will essentially make a juice with 20% flavor a 20/80 (PG/VG) juice.

Don't feel bad about my offer for mesh. I've been helped out a lot over the years by our fellow ECFers, and I do my best to PIF whenever possible. My offer still stands so just PM me if you would like me to send over some mesh. I have enough to spare so I honestly don't mind sending you some to hold you over for a short time.

Well that's very kind of you! Perhaps I'll take you up on that offer but I would at least like to pay for postage. That's the least I can do if you're going to help me out like that!

Thanks again!

 

[Judge Dredd]

I'm extremely happy to report that since I've broken in my wick and coil with my distilled water-diluted 100%VG juice, and have learned a bit about how the wicking in this device works, it is working beautifully with my 100% VG, non-diluted juice. It's wicking as normal with my 325 mesh set-up. I'm very, very happy and really starting to love these genesis atomizers. I'm considering switching completely over to genesis as soon as I have the money to do so.

All the help is much appreciated, folks!