The crackling and spitting sound coming from your vape device is a common performance issue, often called “spitback.” This phenomenon is essentially a symptom of too much e-liquid collecting on or around the heating element, which the coil cannot fully vaporize. Addressing this issue involves diagnosing the cause, which usually relates to either an operational mistake or a minor maintenance need. Understanding the mechanics allows you to apply immediate fixes and prevent the issue from happening again.
The Physics Behind the Crackle
The distinctive crackling sound is caused by e-liquid droplets rapidly boiling when they contact the hot coil, a process known as flash vaporization. When the heating element functions correctly, the liquid drawn from the wick is instantly turned into a smooth, inhalable vapor. The sound you hear is the result of a disruption in this smooth vaporization process.
If an excess pool of liquid accumulates on the coil, the heat is not distributed evenly or quickly enough to vaporize the entire volume at once. Instead, the liquid boils violently, similar to a drop of water hitting a hot frying pan. These miniature “explosions” create the crackle and pop sounds. The force of the boiling liquid expels hot droplets up the chimney and into the mouthpiece, resulting in spitting.
The crackle and spit indicate that the coil has become oversaturated, causing it to essentially “drown” in e-liquid. This flooding is usually caused by surrounding conditions or user action, not the coil itself.
Primary Causes of Liquid Oversaturation (Flooding Diagnosis)
Cause 1: Improper Usage and Priming
One frequent cause of flooding is improper priming when installing a new coil. Applying too much liquid directly to the cotton wick before the first use oversaturates the material. Similarly, drawing too hard or too quickly on the mouthpiece pulls liquid into the coil chamber faster than the heating element can vaporize it. This forceful suction overcomes the wicking material’s ability to hold the liquid back, resulting in a flooded coil and gurgling sounds.
Cause 2: E-Liquid Composition and Coil Wear
The composition of your e-liquid can contribute to the problem. Propylene Glycol (PG) is thinner than Vegetable Glycerin (VG), meaning high-PG liquids soak into the wick much faster, increasing the likelihood of oversaturation and spitting, especially in coils designed for high-VG.
A worn-out or expired coil can also be a factor. Over time, the cotton wicking material may become less absorbent. This reduced absorbency causes the liquid to pool around the coil instead of being held firmly within the wick.
Cause 3: Environmental and Assembly Issues
External factors like changes in altitude or temperature can force liquid into the coil chamber. For instance, traveling on an airplane or leaving your device in a hot car changes the air pressure inside the tank, pushing excess e-liquid into the atomizer head. Incorrect tank assembly, such as damaged O-rings or not fully tightening the seals, can also allow liquid to seep into the coil section, leading to flooding.
Solutions and Prevention: Optimizing Power and Maintenance
Immediate Fixes
To immediately address spitting, clear the excess liquid from the coil and chimney by taking a few sharp, downward flicks of the device over a tissue or sink. You can also “pre-fire” the device by pressing the power button for a second or two without inhaling. This slightly warms the coil and burns off some of the excess liquid before you take a proper puff.
Optimizing Power Settings
A more lasting solution involves optimizing your device’s power settings to match the coil’s specifications. If the wattage is set too low for the coil’s resistance, the coil will not get hot enough to vaporize the liquid efficiently, causing pooling and spitting. Check the recommended wattage range printed on the coil or packaging. Incrementally increase your power within that range until the crackling subsides and the vapor production is smooth.
Preventative Measures
Adjusting your inhalation technique is a powerful preventative measure. Use a slower, longer, and more gentle puff instead of short, sharp drags that pull too much liquid into the coil. Regular maintenance, such as wiping away condensation buildup from the inside of the chimney, prevents residual liquid from dripping back down and saturating the coil. If troubleshooting fails, replacing an old coil is often the simplest fix, as a new wick restores the proper liquid-holding capacity.