Torch lighters low on fuel might flicker, sputter, or produce a weaker flame. The sputtering is both an indicator that your fuel is low and that air is mixed in with the fuel, which occurs after multiple refills, forming a pocket. You will need to bleed out the air before refueling.
A sputtering butane torch can be caused by several factors: Low Fuel Level: If the fuel level is low, the torch may sputter. Check if the butane canister needs refilling. Clogged Nozzle: Debris or residue can clog the nozzle, disrupting the flow of gas. Clean the nozzle carefully to ensure proper gas flow.
A temporary hissing sound is common when you refill a butane lighter as fuel and air escapes in the process. But, if the noise persists, butane is leaking out, which is dangerous because it can ignite. Send your lighter out for repair, or toss it away, if won't stop hissing when you refill it.
Weak flame
Butane lighters low on fuel typically produce a feebler flame. If this is the case, you will need to bleed out the air before refueling. On the other hand, a clogged nozzle restricts the flow of butane. Use a can of compressed hair to blow out debris from the nozzle.
Luckily, you can effectively clean the residue with a can of compressed air and a clean cloth. First, turn down the flame control to its lowest setting, then depress the butane nozzle at the top of the lighter where the flame distributes with a small screwdriver head, effectively depleting any remaining air or butane.
If it continues or seems like too much butane leaking, try using one of the plastic tips provided with the butane to insert into the bottom of the torch. If the flame comes out way too big, this means that there is too much pressure inside of the torch.
There might be a clog in the fuel lines, hindering the flow of butane. Ensure there is an adequate amount of fuel in the torch lighter. If necessary, try purging the lighter to remove any potential blockages in the fuel lines.
Moderation is key.
Don't overfill – stop adding liquid butane when the hissing sound stops.
The next and most important step to properly refilling a butane lighter is to PURGE it. Purging gets rid of excess oxygen which remains in the gas tank. All refillable butane lighters have a valve on the bottom that works like a tire valve.
In order to release the air from the tank on a butane torch, press in on the fuel valve using a small screwdriver, or similar tool, at the bottom of the lighter. A steady stream of air will hiss out. You may have to tilt the lighter up and down and pump the valve a few times to fully release all the air.
The hissing or sputtering noise is caused by incomplete combustion or an imbalance in the fuel-to-oxygen ratio. This issue can be resolved by adjusting the fuel and oxygen flow rates to achieve the correct mixture. If there is too much fuel or too little oxygen, the torch will sputter and produce a loud hissing sound.
Check the Fuel Level
If the fuel is low or empty, that's likely the reason your lighter isn't functioning. To refill it, start by making sure the flame adjuster is set to the (-) position. Then, hold the lighter upside down and press the refill nozzle of the butane canister firmly into the refill valve.
You need to purge the lighter before refueling it. Hold down the nozzle where you squirt the butane with a pen or something and let out everything before refilling.
The hissing sound means gas is flowing correctly when open, if you hold down the button on any bic lighter you will hear the same noise, nothing to worry about.
If the lighter sparks but will not light, check the lead wire. The wire may be arcing back to the lighter frame. If this is the case, push the lead wire toward the burner. This will create a closer connection and allow the spark to go from the lead wire to the burner.
The reason that an oxyacetylene cutting torch will pop and go out is because of a problem with gas flow. Usually this is either an issue with flow settings, a leak or blockage.
If your lighter does not have the means to check the fuel level, you will have to rely on the performance of the flame. Spitting or flaring are good signs that your lighter is nearing the empty mark and needs to be bled.
If the pressure is not released after each use, it can build and build with every refill, meaning less and less butane will flow into the gas chamber every time you refill it.