Vape spitting or gurgling occurs when excess e-liquid floods the coil or the chimney of your device, causing it to not vaporize properly. This results in small droplets of liquid being spit into your mouth or creating a gurgling sound when you inhale. It can be unpleasant and may reduce the quality of your vaping experience. Fortunately, there are several common causes and solutions for this problem.

Causes of Vape Spitting or Gurgling:

  1. Over-Priming or Over-Saturating the Coil
    • Issue: If too much e-liquid is applied to the coil when priming, or if the coil hasn’t had enough time to absorb the liquid before use, it can cause flooding, which leads to spitting or gurgling.
    • Solution: When priming a new coil, apply just a few drops of e-liquid to the cotton, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb properly. Avoid overfilling the coil or tank.
  2. Low Wattage Setting
    • Issue: Vaping at a wattage lower than what your coil is designed for can cause the coil to heat up too slowly, meaning not all of the e-liquid is vaporized. The excess e-liquid remains in the coil, leading to gurgling and spitting.
    • Solution: Check the recommended wattage range for your coil and ensure your device is set within that range. Increasing the wattage may help vaporize the liquid more efficiently.
  3. Flooded Coil or Airflow
    • Issue: If your coil or airflow becomes flooded with e-liquid, it can block airflow and cause gurgling. This often happens when you draw too forcefully, which pulls more liquid into the coil than it can handle.
    • Solution: Take gentler draws and avoid inhaling too hard. Also, disassemble the tank and remove excess e-liquid from the coil and airflow by gently blowing into the mouthpiece or cleaning it with a paper towel.
  4. Thin E-Liquid (High PG Content)
    • Issue: E-liquids with high PG (Propylene Glycol) content are thinner, which can cause the liquid to flow too quickly into the coil, overwhelming it and leading to spitting.
    • Solution: If you’re using a high-PG e-liquid, consider switching to a higher VG (Vegetable Glycerin) e-liquid, which is thicker and less likely to cause flooding.
  5. Inhaling Too Hard
    • Issue: Drawing too hard on your vape can pull too much e-liquid into the coil, which the device may not be able to vaporize quickly enough, causing spitting or gurgling.
    • Solution: Try taking slower, gentler puffs to give the coil enough time to vaporize the liquid.
  6. Condensation in the Chimney
    • Issue: Sometimes condensation can build up inside the chimney or mouthpiece of your device, leading to gurgling sounds when inhaling.
    • Solution: Remove the mouthpiece and chimney, and clean them with a paper towel or tissue to remove excess moisture. Regular cleaning can help prevent this buildup.
  7. Worn or Damaged Coil
    • Issue: If your coil is old, damaged, or improperly installed, it may not vaporize e-liquid efficiently, leading to spitting and gurgling.
    • Solution: Replace the coil with a new one, ensuring it’s installed correctly. Check the O-rings to ensure there’s no leakage from around the coil housing.
  8. Overfilled Tank
    • Issue: Filling your tank all the way to the top can block the airflow and cause e-liquid to flood the coil.
    • Solution: Leave a small air pocket at the top of the tank when refilling. This helps maintain proper airflow and prevents liquid from flooding the coil.
  9. Incorrect Airflow Settings
    • Issue: If the airflow is too restricted, e-liquid may accumulate in the coil chamber, leading to gurgling and spitting.
    • Solution: Adjust the airflow settings on your device to allow more air to flow through the coil, helping vaporize the liquid more efficiently.

How to Fix Spitting or Gurgling in a Vape:

  1. Clear Excess Liquid:
    • Method 1: Disassemble the tank and remove excess e-liquid from the coil and chimney by blowing gently into the mouthpiece while holding a tissue at the bottom of the coil.
    • Method 2: Shake the device to dislodge excess liquid from the coil or chimney, but be careful to wipe down any liquid that escapes.
  2. Increase Wattage:
    • Gradually increase the wattage to vaporize more e-liquid. However, avoid going too high, as this can burn the coil and give you dry hits.
  3. Check for Coil Flooding:
    • If the coil is flooded, remove it and clean the area thoroughly. Let the coil sit upright for a few minutes before reinserting it into the tank.
  4. Use Thicker E-Liquids:
    • If you’re using a high-PG (thinner) e-liquid, consider switching to a higher VG ratio, such as 70/30 VG/PG, which is thicker and less likely to cause flooding.
  5. Adjust Airflow Settings:
    • Open up the airflow to allow more air to pass through the coil. This can help prevent flooding and improve vaporization.
  6. Change Your Coil:
    • If none of the above solutions work, the coil may be worn out or damaged. Replace it with a new one, making sure to prime it properly.

Conclusion:

Vape spitting or gurgling is a common issue that can usually be fixed with simple adjustments, such as checking your coil, adjusting your wattage, or switching e-liquids. Proper maintenance, including regularly cleaning the tank and replacing worn coils, can also prevent these issues. By understanding the causes and applying these fixes, you can enjoy a smoother and more pleasant vaping experience.