semi-technical question

KINGFISH · Tue May 06, 2008 10:09 am

My question may sound silly to some and I'm sure there has been many a discussion about it but I've not figured out how to enter a topic and actually have a search returned to me, all I ever get is " no topics match this search" or something like that. (suggestions??)
Anyway, the spark in every gun I've shot gets weak after a few dozen shots. WHY??? I use hairspray... is it gumming things up ( the electrodes seem to be clean) or does the ignitor get weak after a while?

Boom_erang · Tue May 06, 2008 10:45 am

Hairspray is the problem, IMO. It definitely gums things up. For aerosols, try Static Guard. For me it works very well. Since it is much higher in fuel content (compared with hairspray) you need much less of it, so you'll probably have to experiment again with the spray time.

I've not had a BBQ ignitor go bad on me yet. The one installed on my dad's CharBroil grill has lasted like 15 years.

KINGFISH · Tue May 06, 2008 12:08 pm

Thanks ' Big Bang Boom_erang' !!! Anyone else???

paaiyan · Tue May 06, 2008 12:09 pm

I'm going to second the Static Guard suggestion if you're insistent on a spray'n'pray. Otherwise, there are many threads on the forum that will show you how to make a cannon that takes metered propane.

My first cannon was an 8 1/2 foot beast with a .8/1 CB ratio. Static Guard got me a good couple hundred yards once I got the timing down.

Maniac · Tue May 06, 2008 5:44 pm

some times these BBQ ignitors go bad and just die on and sometimes they'll last for ever.

Lentamentalisk · Tue May 06, 2008 6:08 pm

I had a problem with the nasty spray sticky stuff coating the sides of the cannon and creating a short circut. Every time I could get 2 shots off, and then the third wouldn't work any more before it would start shorting. Try to spray somewhere away from the electrodes sticking into the cannon if possible.

Ragnarok · Tue May 06, 2008 7:28 pm

KINGFISH wrote:My question may sound silly to some and I'm sure there has been many a discussion about it but I've not figured out how to enter a topic and actually have a search returned to me, all I ever get is " no topics match this search" or something like that. (suggestions??)

To cover what no-one else seems to want to...
The search function is a little interesting.

Firstly, spelling is fairly important. Although, it doesn't seem you have any problem with that - but the problem is, what you're searching for might have been spelt wrong in the first place. You may need to try a few alternate spellings - also bear in mind, both US and British English is spoken on the forums, it might have been written in either.

Secondly, try toggling the option buttons on the search form. Some might get you the result you want, but others mayn't (or may not, whichever you prefer).

Thirdly, it takes some experience to get the search function to work at it's fullest. Just practise, and you'll probably learn how to get the best results quicker.

Anyway, the spark in every gun I've shot gets weak after a few dozen shots. WHY??? I use hairspray...

Most likely, the hairspray is having some effect. It's a naturally sticky product. Try switching to a lower stick spray like a deodorant.

ralphd · Tue May 06, 2008 9:51 pm

I think part of the problem if fresh air. I had the same problem. You can try to "hand fan" air in but the best way is a chamber fan. Ever since I installed one in mine the bangs were louder and more powerful. Propane is the way to go as well although mapp seems to be good as well.

daxspudder · Tue May 06, 2008 10:06 pm

if you insist on using hairspray there is a simple solution to avoid gumming your gun up, soak the inside with carburetor cleaning, give your contacts a rub, and after that let it air out, DON'T TEST YOUR IGNITER with the chamber open, the almost pure ether in the cleaner is hard to extinguish, if you do light it off, your cannon will turn into a rocket if you try to smother it, so do not click your igniter until refueled and ready to go.... also the cleaner works great on its own, but it takes a very very short spray to be effective, personally i use it right before a hairspray shot to give some extra punch to the hairspray, but be warned you might inadvertently shoot a flaming projectile, as well as torching your gun, so do so at your own risk, they don't call them spray'n'pray for nothing...

mega_swordman · Tue May 06, 2008 11:41 pm

For searching, spelling is probably the biggest problem. I also get a similar message sometimes when I try pressing the new topic button. I can't predict it, it just happens sometimes.

KINGFISH · Thu May 08, 2008 12:38 am

THANKS TO ALL!!!! I believe I'll give static guard or Axe a go when I get a chance and as far as the seaching goes I'll just keep practicing.
As a reward for your thoughtfulness in answering my questions I'll THINK about uploading a picture of the 'spray and pray' I built for my son last Christmas, I've been hesitant about it because I don't want anyone using my ideas. Not to piss anyone off but there's very few cannons that I've noticed on here that could hold a flame to it ( as far as looks go ).

jimmy101 · Thu May 08, 2008 12:09 pm

KINGFISH wrote: I believe I'll give static guard or Axe a go when I get a chance and as far as the seaching goes I'll just keep practicing.

Don't bother with Static Guard or Axe or hairspray or .... If you are going to go to the trouble of buying a new can of something then get something that contains nothing but gaseous combustables.

Go to the local car parts store and get a can of "Engine Starter". Usually, it'll contain propane and dimethyl ether. No dissolved or suspended solids. No residue in the chamber. No junk, no fuss, no mess.

And, if you are a typical spudder, you are much more likely to use the engine starter for other things than you are to ever use hair spray, Static Guard or deodarant.

Or, just get a disposable butane lighter. A piece of wire insulation converts it into a source of clean fuel that is supplied at a reasonable rate. And, it's cheaper than any can of aerosol.

FLONE · Thu May 08, 2008 12:20 pm

Being a spray type of guy I've found the nozzle from Static Guard has more of a fogging type pattern than some other nozzles. Works nice for me on the starting fluid can, keeps the bulk of the spray in the middle of the chamber rather than the end.

The cheap disinfecting spray from WalMart works nice for me also. Static Guard is a bit too pricey.

KINGFISH · Thu May 08, 2008 2:46 pm

I've heard of using starter fluid but that crap is highly explosive, couldn't it be a hazard to use? I'm a family man, I like to play it safe.

jimmy101 · Thu May 08, 2008 4:22 pm

KINGFISH wrote:I've heard of using starter fluid but that crap is highly explosive, couldn't it be a hazard to use? I'm a family man, I like to play it safe.

It differs from propane (or any aerosol can using propane, butane, isobutane, ... as the propellant) how?

"Highly explosive" is pretty much the whole idea.