My lotus lighter now has to build up a bit of gas first beore lighting

[rickcr]

I have a nice Lotus lighter my wife bought me several months ago. It's the kind of lotus that you pull down on the slide/lever and it opens two flaps at the top that exposes the flame. Currently it now seems to be have a slight issue. It used to always work the first time when you pull down on the slide, but now it never works the first time, it's like I need to have some gas build up first around where the igniter is. If I pull down slightly first on the lever to release some gas then do the complete pull it lights just fine. Also after the first light, it often will work on subsequent pulls. I notice it looks a bit black around the small ignition pin so maybe there is some build up on there (if so what can I clean it with)?

Since the lighter is about 50 bucks I'd prefer it to work every time on the first pull. Is there something I can try to do to improve how it operates? I tried messing with the flame settings but it already needs to be higher than I'd prefer just to get to work as described above.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[wavescrashing]

I've had this issue with my Lotus before. Try purging it by depressing the butane valve until it's completely empty, then refilling the lighter.
Hope this works.
Cheers!

 

[rickcr]

I've had this issue with my Lotus before. Try purging it by depressing the butane valve until it's completely empty, then refilling the lighter.

I should have mentioned that was the first thing I tried. I'll try again though.

 

[grateful1]

1) Did you contact the manufacturer or a certified repair shop?
2) Try new gas(with the purge)..and I mean a new bottle.
3) Clear with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip..could be build up.

 

[Ty Atkinson]

What brand of gas are you using?

 

[eljimmy]

I use nail polish remover on a qtip to clean those black spots.

 

[rickcr]

I use nail polish remover on a qtip to clean those black spots.

Cool. I will try that today (and/or try it with alcohol.)

To the other poster/questions:

- No I haven't contacted the retailer who my wife bought it from.
- I'm using Xicar butane that I purchased online

 

[T2P]

I use nail polish remover on a qtip to clean those black spots.

Cool. I will try that today (and/or try it with alcohol.)

To the other poster/questions:

- No I haven't contacted the retailer who my wife bought it from.
- I'm using Xicar butane that I purchased online

I use the Xicar fluid too and have had very few problems although I am also using a Xicar lighter so YMMV. Best bet would probably be to contact the retailer or manufacturer.

 

[b.dawgson]

I use a Ronson $3 lighter from Wal-Mart and have the same issue on occasion. I also use a Master utility torch and it does it as well. Never thought much about it, it's almost as if you have to prime it a little before pushing all the way down to the ignition point.

BTW: here's the link to the Master torch:
LINKY

 

[rickcr]

Actually, cleaning it (used nail polish remover since wife had that on-hand), or at least moving that little pin thing (the igniter?) around just a little bit seemed to have helped.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[dlow]

Just as a note. Make sure the lighter doesn't have air in it also. It happens primarily when the temperature changes. You can clear it by emptying all the fluid then filling it while the clicker is depressed (so that gas escapes out the top). Let some fluid through it, then let go of the clicker and fill it up.

Man torch lighters are a pain in the butt!

 

[w00ts!te]

Warm the lighter in your hand before lighting to see if it affects it differently.