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Zeus Dual Coil RTA Consistently Tastes Burnt - Need Help

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Well as the title says it, my Zeus Dual Coil RTA Consistently tastes burnt. I'm pretty new at this but I'm at a loss as to what I can try next. Here's what I do -
I'll clean my coils by dry burning them after removing the cotton, and then dipping the hot coils in water. I'll rewick (I've tried a lot of cotton, a little cotton, tons of cotton on the deck, a little cotton on the deck) with Japanese organic cotton, of course I prime it, and a few hits later @ 40 watts it tastes burnt again. I'm sure that it's something I'm doing wrong but I just don't know what.

When I pull the cotton out of the coils it does look a little brown but it's not burnt. I can wash the cotton and it turns white again, so that leads me to believe the brown is just the ejuice.

I have no clue what coils I was given with this Zeus. I bought this in a shopping mall in Malaysia while traveling and it already had the coils in it. I'm used to hitting 65-80 watts in my wifes vape that uses the prebuilt coils. She doesn't have any problems like this. I took the vape back to the vendor in the mall and told them about this and they said don't hit it on such high wattage with the liquids they gave me. Originally I was hitting it on 100 watts, he told me to stay around 40-50.
 

jwill

The Great King of Nothing
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Welcome to VU dude. Sounds like you have some kind of combination that isnt playing nicely. What kind of coils are you using, and please be specific?
Type, size, metal composition, etc....

Pictures are gold.

The Zeus in my experience is not particularly picky. I have an inkling I know what your issue is, but need you to verify.
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Welcome to VU dude. Sounds like you have some kind of combination that isnt playing nicely. What kind of coils are you using, and please be specific?
Type, size, metal composition, etc....

Pictures are gold.

The Zeus in my experience is not particularly picky. I have an inkling I know what your issue is, but need you to verify.

Thanks for your reply. I'll post some pictures shortly when I get home. I honestly have no clue what coils they actually are because the guys at the shop spoke Malay and couldn't tell me :) I figure the coils are whatever came with the Zeus. I did smoke 3mL out of it during lunch today with only a slight taste of burnt. I'm using so little cotton now it barely fills the gap in the coils :)
 
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PoppaVic

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Once Upon A Time... My Russian 91% went to tasting like hell - nothing I could do was improving it and it was downright disgusting.

I finally tore it down as far as I could, and lo'! The damned insulator had partially melted. Scrubbing down all the parts, soap and water and air drying, I reassembled with a spare - the flavor was once again perfection.
 

Branpro

Member For 4 Years
Not saying I’m an expert by any means, but I’m a decent builder with years of experience. I’ve had nothing but similar issues with mine. I have tried everything and then some. With a single coil only and minimal cotton (barley reaching the slots and thinned beyond words lol), I’ve had an ok vape. Any time I used dual coils the cotton would burn up in the middle. I think the coil chamber in whole is too small, and the wicking ports are even smaller. So it now sits on a shelf with the countless other paperweights I’ve bought on a whim lol. Best of luck.
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Here are my images. Let me know if you want to see something different.
 

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Don29palms

Silver Contributor
Member For 3 Years
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I don't have that tank. From looking at the pictures I would suggest maybe using smaller id coils and drop them a little closer to the deck. Maybe 2.5mm id? Just a suggestion.
 

heateris

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I don’t have a Zeus dual, but I’m gonna offer some basic rta tips.

First, check all your seals and gaskets. The tank has to be tight to wick properly.

When you have it all built and wicked, do you see air bubbles coming up from the bottom when you hit it? This is important because the air bubbles signify the liquid is getting sucked up into the wicks.

Second, you always need the wick to be tight inside the coil. You’ll get a burnt taste if the liquid is vaporizing off a bare coil.

Based on your photos, your wick tails look to big. I would shorten and thin them out. Then keep trimming them until you get good wicking to the coil.

Good luck.


Edit - I would also watch DJLsb’s video. He always seems to find the perfect build for the subject.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
I don’t have a Zeus dual, but I’m gonna offer some basic rta tips.

First, check all your seals and gaskets. The tank has to be tight to wick properly.

When you have it all built and wicked, do you see air bubbles coming up from the bottom when you hit it? This is important because the air bubbles signify the liquid is getting sucked up into the wicks.

Second, you always need the wick to be tight inside the coil. You’ll get a burnt taste if the liquid is vaporizing off a bare coil.

Based on your photos, your wick tails look to big. I would shorten and thin them out. Then keep trimming them until you get good wicking to the coil.

Good luck.


Edit - I would also watch DJLsb’s video. He always seems to find the perfect build for the subject.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How could you possibly see air bubbles inside the tank when you are hitting it?
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Thanks. So when I brush my cotton like the guy in the video it seems to just come apart and I’m left with no cotton.

Yes the tank has bubbles it always has.
 
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coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
By thinning out the cotton and making sure it was definitely touching inside the coils on my Zues I was able to get a good vape for about 24 hours (4-5ml of juice). Now it's starting to taste burn again. Is it normal to have to change cotton that often?
 
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I have the geek vape zeus dual as well and have only ever used your run of the mill SS24/36 claptons (think that's it I don't pay attention to names) and have only gotten dry hits initially from using too much cotton. I also run mine @40w-50w, it runs like a champ now using 20/80 pg/vg and much less cotton. Could it be the pre-made coils it came with? I tossed the ones mine came with just for not knowing for sure what type of wire China used when assembling it.

And no, I can usually go through a 30ml bottle or a little less if I burnout on the flavor before changing the wick/cotton.

Good luck man!
 

minimag03

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
By thinning out the cotton and making sure it was definitely touching inside the coils on my Zues I was able to get a good vape for about 24 hours (4-5ml of juice). Now it's starting to taste burn again. Is it normal to have to change cotton that often?

Nope, that's not normal.

What do the coils look like right now? Are they still clean or has one (or both) started to accumulate black junk?

I'm asking because hot spots on a coil can cause that black junk to accumulate extremely quickly. When the coil is heated, that junk can cause a very nasty burnt taste even if the cotton/wicking is working perfectly.
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Nope, that's not normal.

What do the coils look like right now? Are they still clean or has one (or both) started to accumulate black junk?

I'm asking because hot spots on a coil can cause that black junk to accumulate extremely quickly. When the coil is heated, that junk can cause a very nasty burnt taste even if the cotton/wicking is working perfectly.

I noticed last night when I rebuilt it there was lots of black junk accumulated on the coils. One of my coils gets hotter faster than the other when dry burning.
 

minimag03

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
And that black stuff got on the coils from only 4-5 ml of juice? That's a sign that the coils probably have hot spots on them. I'm guessing the coil that heats faster had more junk than the other coil too?

One coil heating faster than another is usually from the coil leads not being tightened evenly. It can also be caused by one coil having more hot spots than the other, but lets tackle one potential cause at a time. So start by making sure the screws that hold the coils are equally torqued down. They just need to be secure, no need to over tighten them.

Next you need to work out the hot spots on each coil. This is a process that's kinda difficult to explain. I'm sure you can find plenty of tutorials or Youtube videos if you search on Google. The end-goal is for the each coil to heat evenly, from the center outwards the ends.

My best advice for wicking is to not use so much wick that the coil itself moves when you pull the cotton through. Just a little resistance is best.
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
One coil heating faster than another is usually from the coil leads not being tightened evenly. It can also be caused by one coil having more hot spots than the other,.
Quite so. If bad enough, it can also be caused by one coil having more wraps than the other.

Of course I've only heard this. I've never done such a nitwitted thing myself. :wait:
 
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coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
Quite so. If bad enough, it can also be caused by one coil having more wraps than the other.

Of course I've only heard this. I've never done such a nitwitted thing myself. :wait:

Sorry I didn't have a clue what I was doing and the vape shop guy did this for me :) I'd actually like to get some clapton's put in here. Anyone suggest some wire and a place to purchase it?
 

minimag03

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
https://www.advancedvapesupply.com/

I've been getting all my wire from these guys for awhile now. With one minor exception (and they fixed it), everything I've gotten from them as been amazing. They also have premade coils as well.

I use their (28X2)40 fused clapton and (30X3)38 triple fused clapton for everything. Both are small enough to work in your RTA, but the triple couple can easily be used in RDAs too. I'd suggest it if you're only getting one type

One important thing to note: their wire is SS316L, and should only be dry-fired around 15-25 watts. Make sure to watch the video below explaining how to properly do it. I promise it's worth the effort.

https://www.advancedvapesupply.com/pages/316l-coil-wire-instructions
 

coreymanshack

Member For 1 Year
https://www.advancedvapesupply.com/

I've been getting all my wire from these guys for awhile now. With one minor exception (and they fixed it), everything I've gotten from them as been amazing. They also have premade coils as well.

I use their (28X2)40 fused clapton and (30X3)38 triple fused clapton for everything. Both are small enough to work in your RTA, but the triple couple can easily be used in RDAs too. I'd suggest it if you're only getting one type

One important thing to note: their wire is SS316L, and should only be dry-fired around 15-25 watts. Make sure to watch the video below explaining how to properly do it. I promise it's worth the effort.

https://www.advancedvapesupply.com/pages/316l-coil-wire-instructions

Thanks! I ordered some of the (30X3)38 clapton and some cotton bacon.

I did dig into my problem further and found that the guy at the vape shop tightened most of my coil screws so tight 3 out of 4 of my screws were stripped out. I barely got them out. The replacement bag only came with 2 extra screws. Can I order some generic screws somewhere for this? I contacted geekvape already.
 
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minimag03

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Ouch that sucks...There should have been extra post screws in the extra included with the tank. But if there wasn't you'll have to contact Geekvape directly. They might send you replacement screws, or at least tell you the correct threading and length information so you can buy the screws yourself. I'm guessing it's a metric sized screw (which obviously makes it a little more difficult to source in the States).

Those set screws are nothing special though. They can be replaced by any all-metal set screw that will thread in and fit the holes. The problem is finding out the correct size. I usually order stuff like that online from McMasterCarr. Or you can try your luck locally at places like Fastenal. Lowes and Home Depot might even have something but normally their choices on set screws are pretty slim.
 
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KoblinV3

Member For 1 Year
I don't have any experience with that particular RTA but with other RTAs I had the same thing happen.

Well, dry hits anyway. I had to still wick them the way that's suggested by various YouTube reviewers videos and forums BUT I had to thin out my tails a lot.

I basically had my cotton blocking the juice wells far too effectively and after thinning the ever living crap out of them can now chain vape and get the proper flavor. I think you would be surprised how thin you can make them on a given RTA and still have zero leaking. I certainly was.
 

Count Vapula

Member For 4 Years
I just fixed my single coil Zeus. It can be a combo of:

1. Coil too low. Min 2-3mm from hole
2. High VG juice and not brushed out cotton in the channels.
3 Legs intersecting with the cotton. Try and not twist the coil in-line with the channels.
 
I don’t have a Zeus dual, but I’m gonna offer some basic rta tips.

First, check all your seals and gaskets. The tank has to be tight to wick properly.

When you have it all built and wicked, do you see air bubbles coming up from the bottom when you hit it? This is important because the air bubbles signify the liquid is getting sucked up into the wicks.

Second, you always need the wick to be tight inside the coil. You’ll get a burnt taste if the liquid is vaporizing off a bare coil.

Based on your photos, your wick tails look to big. I would shorten and thin them out. Then keep trimming them until you get good wicking to the coil.

Good luck.


Edit - I would also watch DJLsb’s video. He always seems to find the perfect build for the subject.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This video does look helpful. Though lets see how it helps me in getting rid of the burn taste. Actually in my case the cotton is burning out with as low as 2-3 ml of liquid. Have tried different cottons and vaping material but still no relief. Any suggestions?
 
Everything here is pretty good advice.but let me give you my advice on how it works excellent for me.
I own the zeus dual(clone).theproblem you are having is because of wicking.I have tried a lot of different cotton.I would suggest using rayon with the zeus dual.it wicks faster than any cotton as long as you thin the tails.a lot of people don't like rayon and I may get flamed for suggesting it.on rayon though it shrinks when wicked with so keep that in mind(cotton expands).also on rtas of this design I build more of a dam at thewick ports with very little of the actual rayon inside them.another thing if you have any cotton or rayon touching the actual bottom of the juice well you will get dry hits and burnt cotton.try it like I have described and I think you well be pleasantly surprised with how much better it performs.
 
Everything here is pretty good advice.but let me give you my advice on how it works excellent for me.
I own the zeus dual(clone).theproblem you are having is because of wicking.I have tried a lot of different cotton.I would suggest using rayon with the zeus dual.it wicks faster than any cotton as long as you thin the tails.a lot of people don't like rayon and I may get flamed for suggesting it.on rayon though it shrinks when wicked with so keep that in mind(cotton expands).also on rtas of this design I build more of a dam at thewick ports with very little of the actual rayon inside them.another thing if you have any cotton or rayon touching the actual bottom of the juice well you will get dry hits and burnt cotton.try it like I have described and I think you well be pleasantly surprised with how much better it performs.
Hey.. is it possible to explain a little about building the whole dam thing as I quite didn’t get it. If possible please share some pictures as well. Would be a great help.
 
Remember I'm using rayon here instead of cotton.put enough rayon in so when you pull it back and forth you feel fairly tight resistence.it will make a squeaking noise and feel.
 
Wet your rayon now.and your tails will barely be long enough to go I the wick ports and will look like this.don't even let a few stands touch the bottom of the juice well or you will get dry hits.
 

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Remember it all starts with having your coils glowing evenly.just one little hot spot will will burn your wicking material under the hot spot.Then no matter how well you have your wicks it will always taste burnt.
 
Remember it all starts with having your coils glowing evenly.just one little hot spot will will burn your wicking material under the hot spot.Then no matter how well you have your wicks it will always taste burnt.
Hey.. thanks for all the pictures.. it explains everything.. really appreciate your help buddy..
 

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