Posted on July 1, 2022 by Munchies

Delta 8 cart not hitting? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Let’s troubleshoot and explore why your Delta 8 cart might not work and how to fix it. Whether it’s a battery issue, a clogged airway, or something else, we’re here to help get your vape back on track so you can enjoy those smooth hits again. 

Key Takeaways

  • Common Causes – Delta 8 pens may stop hitting due to condensation build-up or chamber flooding, which can block airflow.
  • Condensation Build-up – Tiny droplets inside the cartridge’s airway can prevent proper airflow, leading to a clogged pen.
  • Chamber Flooding – If the Delta 8 liquid thickens and floods the coil, it can obstruct vapor production, requiring cleaning or replacement.
  • Solutions for Clogging—You can fix clogs by tapping the cart, blowing into it, cleaning the mouthpiece, or gently warming the cart to disperse the trapped liquid.
  • Prevention – Prevent clogging by taking smaller hits, cleaning the mouthpiece regularly, storing the pen upright, and using the vape regularly to avoid residue buildup.
  • Maintenance Tips – Proper storage and regular maintenance help extend the lifespan of your Delta 8 pen and keep it functioning smoothly.

What are Delta 8 THC Carts and Disposables?

A Delta 8 cart is a cartridge filled with Delta 8 THC oil, a cannabinoid derived from hemp that shares similarities with Delta 9 but has milder effects and more flexible legal status. These cartridges are used in vaporizer pens for recreational or therapeutic purposes.

Most Delta 8 carts are compatible with 510-thread batteries, a common rechargeable battery type in the vaping industry. The term “510-thread” refers to the threading that allows the battery to screw onto the cartridge. This secure connection heats the oil in the cartridge, producing vapor for inhalation. Due to its versatility, 510-thread batteries are widely used for Delta 8 carts and other vaping products.

Vaping Delta 8 involves multiple forms of cannabis consumption, from dry herbs to e-liquids. Disposable Delta 8 vape pens, or D8 for short, are popular because they are affordable, convenient, and pre-filled with Delta 8 vape juice. These disposables work like regular vape pens but have a shorter lifespan, making them ideal for budget-conscious vapers.

However, like any other vaping device, D8 pens can experience issues, such as failing to deliver a proper hit. Let’s dive into some common reasons why this happens.

Why Isn’t My Cart Hitting?

Common Causes for Delta 8 THC Carts Not Hitting

  • Clogged Airflow – Residue can clog the mouthpiece or airflow holes, making inhaling difficult.
  • Low Battery – Ensure your vaporizer pen’s battery is fully charged and can heat the oil.
  • Poor Connection – Check if the cart is properly screwed onto the battery, ensuring a good connection.
  • Thick Oil – If it is too viscous, it may not vaporize properly. Try warming the cart or storing it in a warm place.
  • Defective Cart – In rare cases, the cartridge itself may be faulty, and you may need a replacement.

Is My Cart Battery Dead?

If the cart isn’t hitting, your battery might be dead. Ensure it’s fully charged for 1-2 hours before use.

Is My Cart Leaking?

Leaks can cause issues with airflow. Check the seams of your cart for any oil leakage, which may indicate a problem.

Is My Cart Turned On?

Some carts are draw-activated, while others require manual activation. Check the battery’s specifications to ensure your cart is turned on.

Is There Trapped Residue in My Cart?

One common issue with Delta 8 carts is trapped residue in the mouthpiece, which can harden over time and block airflow. Thankfully, this is easy to clear by gently heating the cart or taking a few long draws to dislodge the residue.

How To Fix A Cart That Won’t Hit

Check Your Battery

Ensure your 510-thread battery is charged. Here are ways to confirm if it’s fully powered:

  • LED Indicator – Most batteries display a red light while charging and turn green (or off) when fully charged.
  • Voltage Reading – Some batteries have a voltage meter—fully charged batteries typically read around 4.2 volts.
  • Charge Time – Most batteries take 1-2 hours to charge. If yours isn’t working after a full charge, it may be time for a replacement.

Take a Long Draw

Oil residue can sometimes clog the cart. A long, firm draw can help dislodge any stuck oil and restore airflow.

Hold Down the Button

If your Delta 8 cart has a button, hold it down for 10 seconds while drawing. This heats the coil, helping to vaporize any clogged oil and clearing the obstruction.

How Do I Check the Cart Mouthpiece for Clogs?

  1. Remove the cartridge – Disconnect the cart from the battery and set it aside.
  2. Check the mouthpiece – Inspect it for any visible residue or blockage.
  3. Clear the blockage – If you spot a clog, use a toothpick or similar tool to gently remove it. You can also blow through the mouthpiece to help clear it.
  4. Check the airflow holes – Examine the small holes on the sides of the cart. If clogged, carefully clean them out with a toothpick.
  5. Reattach the cart – Once everything is cleared, reattach the cartridge to the battery and test if it works.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, it might be time to replace the cartridge or consult the manufacturer.

Can You Use a Hair Dryer to Heat a Cart?

No, we do NOT recommend using a hair dryer to heat your Delta 8 cart. Hair dryers can become much hotter than expected, overheating your Delta 8 oil and altering the cartridge’s quality. Instead, try using body heat to loosen any clogs. Simply hold the cart in your hands, place it in your lap, or even tuck it into a warmer spot like your armpit. This gentle warmth is usually enough to loosen the oil and recharge your cart.

How to Prevent Carts from Clogging

Taking care of your Delta 8 vape cartridge is essential if you want to enjoy it for longer and keep it functioning properly. Each issue you encounter with your vape may require a different solution, but here are three common methods to help prevent chamber flooding and condensation build-up.

Clean the Mouthpiece

Regularly clean the mouthpiece with a Q-tip or a small cotton ball to keep your vape free from clogs. While you don’t have to clean it after every use, doing it often will help prevent build-up that could block airflow.

Take Small Hits

Taking shorter draws—no more than 3 seconds—helps prevent condensation from forming in the mouthpiece. Avoid long hits and leave sometime between puffs to allow the vapor to clear. Shorter hits reduce the amount of vapor that lingers, minimizing the risk of condensation build-up.

Take Dry Hits

Before heating the coil and generating vapor, take a “dry hit” to clear out any stale moisture in the mouthpiece. Be careful not to overdo dry hits, as this could cause chamber flooding and damage the wick.

Why Do Vape Carts Get Clogged?

One of the most frequent issues with Delta 8 vapes not working is clogging, possibly due to condensation build-up inside the cart’s airway or chamber flooding. Both problems can lead to an unsatisfactory vaping experience, causing a bitter taste instead of the flavorful puff you expect.

Build-up Condensation

Condensation can accumulate in the cart’s airway, blocking airflow and preventing vapor from passing through the mouthpiece. When this happens, you might get a mouthful of bitter vape juice instead of a smooth, flavorful hit.

To identify condensation build-up, notice if you feel specks of liquid on your tongue while drawing from your vape. This is a telltale sign that condensation is causing the clog.

Chamber Flooding

Chamber flooding occurs when Delta 8 THC liquid thickens and settles at room temperature, especially if the vape hasn’t been used for some time. Over time, the liquid may pool at the bottom of the cart, flooding the wick and submerging the coil. This makes it harder for the coil to heat up, causing weak vapor production and overworking the vape pen.

If your hits aren’t producing thick enough smoke and you’re experiencing a foul taste, these are signs of flooding in the vape chamber. Continuing to vape in this condition could damage the cart or the pen, so it’s best to stop and troubleshoot.

In both cases, these issues can prevent you from enjoying your Delta 8 THC vape as intended, but they can usually be fixed with a few simple adjustments.

How to Prevent Vape Chamber Flooding

Store Your Vape Upright

Always store your vape upright, especially if you’ve not used it for a while. Storing it sideways or upside down could cause the cartridge contents to leak and flood the chamber.

Check for Leaks

A loose cartridge can cause leaks, leading to a flooded chamber. Ensure the vape cart is tightly sealed and leak-free. A small leak can cause major issues, so check your cart regularly. If your vape is refillable, avoid spilling juice inside the tank.

Avoid Over-Priming the Wick

Before using a new vape cart, prime the wick by drawing vape juice without activating the device. Be sure not to overdo it—over-priming can flood the chamber, while under-priming may burn the wick.

Hit Your Vape Every Few Days

If you leave your vape unused for extended periods, the wick and coil can become oversaturated. To prevent this, hit your vape every day or two to avoid clogging.

Take Smaller Hits

Taking long, heavy draws can cause the coil to overwork, leading to clogging. Shorter, frequent hits help prevent this, allowing for smoother and more flavorful draws.

Ensure the Vape is Primed Before Storage

Before putting your vape away for more than a week, ensure it isn’t already primed. Disconnect the cart from the pen and store it in a cool, dark place to prevent the contents from being affected.

How to Fix a Clogged Vape Cartridge

Nobody wants their Delta 8 cart to get clogged during use. Improper care or condensation buildup can lead to this issue. If your Delta 8 vape is clogged, follow these steps to fix the problem.

Clogging Due to Flooding

Tap and Flick the Cart Sideways
Start by gently tapping and flicking the cartridge sideways to distribute the liquid evenly and prevent buildup.

Blow Into the Cart
After tapping, blow into the cartridge to clear any liquid from the wick and coil. If you’re using a refillable cart, disassemble it and clean the coil before reassembling it.

Fire Up and Take a Small Pull
Once cleaned, fire up the vape by holding the power button for 1 to 2 seconds. Take a small drag to ensure the excess liquid is vaporized without burning the wick. If these steps don’t work, it might be time to replace the cartridge or use a refillable tank, coil, and wick.

Clogging Due to Condensation

  1. Take a Hard Pull From the Mouthpiece
    Start by pulling strongly from the mouthpiece without turning on the power. This helps clear out any extra liquid trapped inside.
  2. Remove Excess Liquid
    Using a thin wire, paper clip, or pin, carefully insert it into the mouthpiece to scrape away sticky residue. Move the wire around, careful not to damage the cart’s interior. For best results, do this when the cartridge is cool, as the dense liquid will be easier to remove.
  3. Remove Lodged Residue
    Finally, heat the cart carefully to loosen any remaining residue. Use a hair dryer on low heat or place the cart in a sealed ziplock bag and warm water. Once the cart is warmed, stand it upright so the excess liquid can settle at the bottom.

How to Avoid Poor Quality Delta 8 THC Vape and Carts Online

  1. Research the vendor – Look for reviews and feedback from other customers to ensure the vendor has a solid reputation.
  2. Check product specs – Ensure the product includes details like THC content, hemp source, and other relevant factors.
  3. Look for third-party lab tests – Reputable vendors provide third-party lab results to verify the purity and potency of their Delta 8 products.
  4. Read customer reviews – Pay attention to reviews about the product’s taste, potency, and overall experience.
  5. Watch for red flags – Be cautious of vendors selling Delta 8 carts at significantly lower prices than others, which could indicate low-quality or unsafe products.

Final Thoughts

A clogged Delta 8 pen can be frustrating, but you can keep it working smoothly with the right care and maintenance. Simple troubleshooting steps like tapping, cleaning, and proper storage can make all the difference, whether the issue is due to condensation build-up or chamber flooding. By taking smaller hits and regularly checking your pen, you can prevent future clogs and enjoy a seamless vaping experience. With a little extra attention, your Delta 8 pen will continue delivering smooth, flavorful hits every time.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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