Problems filling Smoktek 1.7 XL (RESURRECTOR)!

[dontyouevah]

Hey ECF! I'm new to vaping...bought a Volt a few weeks ago, it wasn't doing it for me so I read some reviews on here and went for the Kgo...

Anyway, I started out dripping on the Kgo while I was waiting for the smoktek 1.7s...they finally came today and I seem to be having some issues filling them. The first one I tried I think I managed to toast. Wasted so much juice on it, too. No vapor, no taste, just dry burning plastic. I've managed to get the second one going after a rough night at work. I even ended up bumming a few analogs because i was having issues with these cartos. Is there a certain amount of time I should let these cartos soak before I start puffing? I filled this one 9 hours ago and after a night of hasseling and dripping juice it's finally starting to function properly, but if I have to wait that long for cartos to soak, I'm thinking a may try another route (have some E-turbo clearomisers coming in the mail).

Anyway, this forum has been a major help...couldn't be happier with my Kgo. Was just hoping to get the proper method down on these cartos.

 

[MattyT]

I use those cartos all the time, shouldn't need to let them sit for very long if at all after filling. How exactly are you filling them, or what method?

 

[dontyouevah]

I use those cartos all the time, shouldn't need to let them sit for very long if at all after filling. How exactly are you filling them, or what method?

The one I toasted I used to condom method, the one I've got working now I've just been dripping on the filler.

 

[MattyT]

Condom method never worked well for me personally. I usually fill with either a syringe or drip onto the filler and (while keeping condom on battery connection) shake it like a thermometer to get the juice all the way to the bottom. Keep repeating the process until you see the juice pool a little bit in the filler. Give that a try and let me know how it works for ya.

 

[LucentShadow]

Hi, and welcome to the ECF!

It depends upon how thick your e-liquid is, how long it will take to feed down to the bottom of a carto. VG-based liquids can be troublesome in cartos.

I'd suggest looking up some videos on youtube for 'filling cartomizers' or 'how to fill a cartomizer'. Some keywords you may want to try, also: 'Taryn spin', 'condom fill'.

I usually do a 'thermometer shake' or actually suck on the top of the carto (!) to help the juice settle in, as I use VG liquids. Doing the condom fill from the bottom also works well.

 

[Darkstarncw]

With the XL cartos I use the condom method as well as dripping into the top. Usually takes nearly 2 of the condoms they come in plus 8-12 drops on the top to get them completely filled, don't be afraid to overfill the first few just to see what it takes.

 

[MattyT]

Oh and before you vape it, tap the battery connection on a paper towel before attaching to your device. Sometimes you can get some juice in the air hole and if you dont do that you can get some juice in you mouth.

 

[MattyT]

Hi, and welcome to the ECF!

It depends upon how thick your e-liquid is, how long it will take to feed down to the bottom of a carto. VG-based liquids can be troublesome in cartos.

I'd suggest looking up some videos on youtube for 'filling cartomizers' or 'how to fill a cartomizer'. Some keywords you may want to try, also: 'Taryn spin', 'condom fill'.

I usually do a 'thermometer shake' or actually suck on the top of the carto (!) to help the juice settle in, as I use VG liquids. Doing the condom fill from the bottom also works well.

Good point about VG and youtube as well.

 

[rolandpibb]

It's always recommended that you fill the 1.7s with a syringe.

I use the clear ones, flanged stainless steel, and black ones. Probably gone through 30 of them and have never had a problem.

 

[LucentShadow]

...I usually do a 'thermometer shake' or actually suck on the top of the carto (!) to help the juice settle in, as I use VG liquids...

It occurred to me that I should explain that second one better. With my slightly-thinned VG e-liquids, I find some cartos (like Boge cartos) to be a bear to even get started on wicking up the liquid. I'l dripp a few drops on top of the filler, and instead of watching it make no progress for the next half hour, or poking at it with a sharp object to help it along, I'll give the carto a light pull from the mouth end. The airflow in the carto will actually pull the liquid down into the filler. After doing this a few times, the weight of the liquid seems to be enough to finish drip-filling, then let it sit awhile.

That method could net you some juice in your mouth, especially if you get any juice in the center air tube, though it's never happened to me. If it did happen, a quick spit and mouth rinse should minimize nic absorption. It works well for me.

I neglected to mention the syringe fill, which I've never tried, but many swear by. Seems like it'd work well, but I just don't like messing with needles more than I need to.

 

[MattyT]

Syringe method IMHO is the best especially for the initial fill. If I top off when I am out and about I will drip and do the thermometer shake, don't want to carry a syringe with me. I probably already look weird with my case with some small bottles of juice and extra cartos, the syringe would make me look like a crack head

 

[dontyouevah]

Cool thanks for all the help...the problem carto did have some high vg malty toffee in it. Im in the process of filling another by just dripping on the filler and shaking it. I don't have the means for the "taryn spin" at the moment. I do have a needle point bottle that I tried on the bad carto but still nothing happened except juice all over the place. I did watch some of the videos before I posted, but they make it look so easy. They fill and are vaping in a matter of minutes. Hopefully this one works out...maybe it's just bad luck my first carto was a dud. The 808 cartos were so much easier to fill it seems, but they didn't last long at all. I may be just impatient...

 

[MattyT]

From my experience, the first fill is usually the hardest. After that when you go to top it off just dripping it onto the filler, you will find the juice will wick into the filler much quicker and easier.

 

[LucentShadow]

From my experience, the first fill is usually the hardest. After that when you go to top it off just dripping it onto the filler, you will find the juice will wick into the filler much quicker and easier.

^ This is true. Dry (new) filler just does not want to take liquid well, whereas filler with some residual liquid will take new liquid easily.

Once you do get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. I drip fill while I have my morning coffee while watching the news.

Also, you can do the Taryn spin with some string and most any bag, as long as you tie it so that the carto remains in-line with the string.

Just remembered another doohickey that you can use:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/200782-cartomizerfillinator.html
^ That's the original, open-source, DIY idea

The Plunger Kit - MyFreedomSmokes.com
^ That's one vendor's version of it with an interesting connection. A bit spendy, IMO.

 

[NaturesEncore]

I've been using these for about a month, now. To fill these to max capacity, using the condom method, fill BOTH condoms with your e-liquid about 3/4 of the way. Push the carto slowly until liquid is absorbed. Then, fill one condom a 3rd time and slowly push the carto into it until the filler looks slushy on top.

With the condom still on, flick it like a thermometer a few times, then lay it down on a paper towel to roll around a few times to distribute the juices inward toward the center. Let it sit a few minutes, then it's ready to go.

Be sure to wipe off any excess liquid, and gently tap the battery end onto the paper towel to clear the center hole. Connect it to your battery, add your drip tip, and give a few short, stiff draws WITHOUT pressing the button. This will further wick the liquid to the atty.

 

[dontyouevah]

Okay...looks like i just wasn't putting enough juice in. i guess 10ml really is a "sample" size, ha. Maybe it's time to get some 30ml bottles. Didn't realize how much these things can hold i guess coming from the 808s. That combined with the first carto being a dud really threw me off and there's so much info to slog through it can be overwhelming. You guys really saved me...thanks for the insightful responses.