Should I junk this dripper?

[Vapocalyptic]

Was experimenting with low ohm nichrome builds and somehow I managed to char my center post. I'm not 100.00% positive how that happened but I believe it being a 6.49 Patriot clone has something to do with it, ie probably less than desirable build quality... And my builds were pretty hot. Just curious if I'm vaping anything potentially harmful here, never really ran into this issue before.

 

[cjvdh]

I would tear it down and clean it and see if it comes off. I doubt it's harmful.

 

[Vapocalyptic]

Sounds good!

 

[DebiK]

I agree. Shine 'er up and try again

 

[David1975]

I'd strip it down and REALLY check it. Some (most) clones use chrome plated brass instead of SS. Make sure the chrome didn't "cook" and pull away from the brass if it is how it's made. If it is.... toss it. Brass contains lead that your juice WILL leach out.

 

[bsnyder]

What ohm were u at

 

[happydave]

looks like the sugers in the e-liquid caramelized on the post. not a big deal, same thing happens on the wick and coil.

lot of people are weary of vaping brass, and that might be for good reason. i would hope that manufacturers are using naval (lead free) brass, but i bet most of the time its not.

 

[Despraci]

You also want to check the center post to see if it's loose. If it is you might have burnt and melted the delrin insulator for the center post. If you did, then it's done for. But like others said, it does appear to be sugar discoloration.

 

[Vapocalyptic]

Well I ran it under water, and it's definitely not crystallization - it's a definite toast. The middle post doesn't spin and I don't taste burnt plastic or rubber, so the insulator is intact. However the aforementioned brass construction comment was enough for me to throw it in a drawer.

I have the worst luck in this hobby.... Dropped my stingray x and caved in the switch thread, charred my Patriot, lost my kayfun deck screws, broke the middle post on my omega,.... And that's just recently. Jeez

 

[TheJakeBailey]

If you really cooked it on there, and it sounds like you did, just running it under water isn't going to take it off. Same as if you poured your liquid into a frying pan. Same as the gunk that is built up on the coils, actually. You're going to have to put a little elbow grease and a qtip or two into it. To say that MOST clones are not stainless and are just chrome plated is a huge generalization. For your rda, it might be true, but also might not be true. Up to you if you want to find out or just junk it. Personally, if you have already established that the insulator is ok, it's probably just cooked on gunk.

 

[Vapocalyptic]

Ah okay. What would you recommend cleaning it with? Rubbing alcohol, or just a good scrubbing? I've also got some 40 proof vodka I could soak it in, though it is drinking vodka.. Not grain or what have you.

 

[TheJakeBailey]

Honestly, I would let it soak in some soap and water for a few hours, and then hit it with a q tip and see what comes off.

 

[Asbestos4004]

40 proof is only 20% . Its not fit to drink. Throw away the vodka and try to save the dripper.