Dave Sabot

Bleeding a Lighter for Consistent Performance

Even the most expensive torch cigar lighter will have some problems now and then. Fortunately, these problems are not usually due to any mechanical shortcomings in the devices.

In fact, the most common problems have nothing at all to do with the lighter but with the fuel. If the flow of fuel is interrupted, one can be certain that they will have a few sputtering and quickly extinguishing lights with which they must deal.

Most often, a lighter that is failing to provide a sustained flame has air trapped in the reservoir, fuel supply line or both. On some lighters, one will be able to see these components. Most high-end cigar lighters, however, have opaque cases which makes this impossible. To determine if this is the problem, one can simply hold down the fuel release and listen for the hissing sound of gas escaping. It there is no hiss audible, there is likely a fuel problem.

One can hold the lighter up to their ear to ensure that fluid is flowing out of the reservoir. There may be a sputtering sound which generally indicates that air is being discharged from the fuel line. This can be done until the sound is an even hiss which means that fuel is flowing evenly from the lighter and that it is ready to ignite.

One can avoid this situation altogether by properly filling their lighter. Most often, air is introduced into the reservoir when the lighter is attached to a butane can with an uneven seal. This results in air being forced into the reservoir. Because the butane is a liquid and the air is a gas, the air floats to the top of the reservoir and fills the fuel line. The most common, and most ineffective, response to this seen is when individuals shake their lighter after becoming frustrated with turning the wheel or pressing the button over and over again.

A high-quality lighter almost always comes with a warranty. Because of the quality of the devices, manufacturers are willing to stand behind their products. Aside from bleeding the lighter, one should not attempt to fix the lighter on their own. This can result in the warranty being voided altogether. A technician can look at the device to determine if there is a problem.

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