Noob help with KR808 batt problem

[daveshoot]

This might belong in a tech or model-specific forum, but I don't think I can post there yet.

I got a KR808D-1 starter kit with two batteries. One is fine, but the other seems to have an issue. It did not seem to hold a charge, after a few days. But after fiddling with it, I find that it is related to how tightly the cartomizer is screwed down.

I would get the flashing light after a few hits from a fresh charge. If I back the cart thread off a little, I can hit again. It actually has to be a little loose on the threads for it to work, and it is not necessarily consistent. This happens on many different carts.

Sometimes if I tap the batt on something hard, the light will flash. Then I can hit again for a while, also. Also I found that it was not charging in the PCC unless it was screwed on "just right", not necessarily all the way down.

Since the other batt has none of these issues I am sure there is an issue with this one. Anyone ever run into something similar? Any fix or maintenance issues someone can advise? I don't know how to take it apart and wouldn't really know what to look for. I would contact the vendor (a well-known and well-regarded one) but it is Sunday and I am tired of banging it on the table.

 

[Parmacrafter]

I am assuming this is an auto (no button) battery. If that is the case it sounds like the diaphragm is bad. It happens sometimes even on a new battery. I am not sure who the vendor was, but if it was V4L they have a fantastic warranty. All you have to do is send a PM to Mark and he will take care of it. However, if this is a shorty (65mm) battery, there is a sticky in the Vapor4Life subforum with directions on how to fix the shortie problem. Hope this helps.

 

[daveshoot]

Interesting- it is the Nhaler 3.25"/80mm auto batt. I will give them a call or email on Monday.

Is there any field fix for a diaphragm?

 

[tarkus]

You may want to try using a needle or a paper clip to lightly pry up on the center post on the battery. I have one kr8 batt that requires this once in a while.

 

[uzzaperez]

I had one that was sticking. I could draw and get a vape, but the switch wouldn't set back down. I found that if I took the carto off and blew into the battery it would push the switch back down and then I could put a carto on and draw it up again...but obviously removing the carto and blowing every time wouldn't work for actually vaping - the switch would stick in whatever position i sucked or blew it into.

Anyway, I just took a paperclip and stuck the end into the battery to jog the switch in and out a few times. Whatever was tight must have gotten worked out. Works like a charm now.

I've taken cartos apart to see exactly how they work, but my battery knowledge is pretty limited so I don't know if doing this could be recommended without risking killing your battery forever.

 

[daveshoot]

Thanks everyone! I searched on "diaphragm" and found a post about dropping batteries (which I did, but not very hard, on carpet) and tried the blowing in it (reverse direction) trick.

It worked! Batt is happening again! Great forum. I will also file the paperclip/center post idea away for future reference.

 

[daveshoot]

Batt quit again

I took it apart. I don't think it is going to work any more. This is a total drag because just as I was replacing analogs, I am down to one batt, and that is not going to cut it.

Fortunately I had an XL and a pass-through on order. I will call about this one on Monday, but help should be in the mail. It will just be a nerve-wracking wait. I took some close-ups of the internal batt pack if anyone is experienced at troubleshooting these things.

 

[zelda]

I have an automatic 808 and the led light is staying on and the battery won't work.

 

[daveshoot]

My experience did not end well. The vendor told me that since the battery was over a couple of weeks old, and that I had taken it apart, I was on my own (but they would be happy to sell me a new one).

I obviously wouldn't buy from that vendor again, but have found excellent replacements elsewhere, so I consider the matter closed. I guess I understand their position and I hope they understand mine, because I will never buy from them again.

I still have the batt hoping to find a tech trick to restore it down the road.

 

[cadcoke5]

I don't think you should expect any vendor to exchange a battery after you have disassembled it. He has no way to know if it was a defective battery, or your own destructive efforts.

Joe Dunfee

 

[Guineahill]

In the future if you receive a defective battery simply contact the supplier and return it. I have never had a problem getting a replacement from any supplier.

 

[daveshoot]

Ok! Taking the battery out was really not the issue because they stated I was SOL before we got to that point.
The 2 week "warranty" was apparently up. I took it apart to see if I could fix it. I did fess up and they are free to pursue any policy they wish (as indicated).
I was really just hoping they had some experience or tips to deal with it on my own. I saved the internals and I imagine they are recoverable at some point. Lesson learned and I am fully recovered, thank you.

 

[cadcoke5]

Did the vendor have any stated warranty at all, or did they just not honor their existing one?

Joe Dunfee

 

[mn shutterbug]

I'm having annoying problems, also. However, I think my problem is the crappy USB chargers. After 3 weeks I got one replaced, but I'm having the same problems again. I screw it into the charger and the light turns green like it's fully charged, and will not charge. I also got the push in style from another vendor a few weeks ago, and now with this one, I have to push in very slowly to find the sweet spot or it shows charged and will not charge. This is happening to 4 of my batteries and 3 chargers right now.

I need something USA made. These things should last more than 3 weeks.

 

[pm2006]

I'm having annoying problems, also. However, I think my problem is the crappy USB chargers. After 3 weeks I got one replaced, but I'm having the same problems again. I screw it into the charger and the light turns green like it's fully charged, and will not charge. I also got the push in style from another vendor a few weeks ago, and now with this one, I have to push in very slowly to find the sweet spot or it shows charged and will not charge. This is happening to 4 of my batteries and 3 chargers right now.

I need something USA made. These things should last more than 3 weeks.

I had this problem with my 401 charger and one or two of my batts. I found that if I screwed it all the way on then backed it off a a bit it usually worked. Sometimes I would unscrew it then go slow at the end until the red light came on. One of these tricks has worked every time.

 

[terrie1]

I just purchased a kr8 and I love it. I started out with the 510 but after 3 months of fiddling with it, I set my sights on somethiing with more ease of use. Well I got what I wished for. Not great vapor until I add my own liquids that I add vg to. It produces adequate vapor with vg added. The flavors are so much better too. I have to seat my batt in the charger "just so" or it will not go red. All in all a great way to spend 30 bucks