Thread: Colibri Lighter Troubles

I hate to be the one to tell you but Colibri lighters have a terrible reputation. They last about 6 months if that and die. That looks like a piezoelectric circuit lighter which have more problems than any other.
I've had a few Colibri lighters and stopped buying them because even after warranty service they didn't last long. A friend has a cigar and fine wine store and started carrying Colibri lighters but stopped after a year because of all the complaints. Another store in town did the same because of the hassle of returning so many and customer complaints.
You can try some alcohol and a q-tip and try to get the crud from around the jet where the butane comes out. Sparking without lighting it common with those.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Oh they do use a battery which if replaced may help-----That's most likely why it stopped sparking.

The new Colibri lighters have a terrible reputation; the old ones are fantastic.

When filling, you need to make sure you purge the lighter first, then fill properly. Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong here. Sometimes the filler valve clogs, sometimes the valve where the butane lights clogs, sometimes the gaskets leak, sometimes the butane flow adjuster doesn't work, etc etc. For all these reasons, I try to avoid buying any butane lighters that have not been tested.

As for the lighter no longer sparking, I have no idea what that could be. That is another reason I prefer flint roller lighters.

Regradless of what the issue may be, I've never had any luck finding anyone who can repair vintage Colibri's. It's a shame, because I have two beautiful rollers - one won't fill and the other has either a leak or a broken adjustment valve or both.

I was going to say the mistake you made was not buying a Zippo.

So I just actually watched the video, and, IMO, he does not fill the lighter correctly.

You should purge the lighter first to make sure it is totaly empty and does not have any air in it. You can do this by pressing down on the filler valve with... well I use the point of my pipe tool, but a screwdriver point or something similar would work too. I'd not suggest using a pen because the ink could get in/on the nozzel.

When you no longer hear any noise (gas coming out), release the nozzel and prepare to fill. Many instructions say to adjust the flow rate to the minimum it will go, but I'm not sure that it really matters. Hold the lighter and can upside down and straight, like the guy shows. Most cans will say to fill for 3 to 5 seconds, then release. Then wait 5-10 seconds and repeat.

Most instructions will then say to let the lighter sit for a few minutes before you attempt to light it. This is to allow the butane to equalize in temperature and pressure - when you first fill the lighter it will feel cold (assuming the butane goes in correctly) and if you try to light the lighter, the butane will come out much more rapidly than if you let it sit. Letting the lighter sit also ensures that any butane that may have leaked out onto the lighter, you, or any surface around you has evaporated (I once lit my desk on fire because I didn't wait).

If you did adjust the flow rate to the minimum, try lighting (after you've waited a few minutes) and adjust as necessary.

Also, the quality of the butane does matter. Cheap butane contains more impurities, and will be more likely to clog the lighter.

If the lighter fills your problem is the route it takes to the burner
Ususlly a rubber tubing and a brass pipe
If it dont work after dismateling this and blowig through this you probably cant make it work yourself

I was going to say the mistake you made was not buying a Zippo.

Sadly, as much as i love working with chemicals on a daily basis, i'm not too crazy about sipping on lighter fluid each time i light up my pipe. I was looking for a butane solution to the horrid taste lighter fluid. Don't get me wrong, i love the way Zippo's look, and they truly are the quintessential American lighter.

So, an update for all of you:

I managed to fix the striking mechanism by fiddling with the open container. Got it to take a light somewhat, albeit a little wimpy by my standards. I decided to take it apart again and somehow managed to screw up the butane delivery system. Seems like its sparking this time, holding lighter fluid (And i made sure to fill it correctly) but not delivering it proper.

I'll keep you guys up to date, any thoughts on how to clean out the butane delivery system? You're thoughts have been wonderful help.

Cheers,

-Jaxx

the new zippo butane cigar lighters are very nice and not bad for the price.

Originally Posted by Doc

the new zippo butane cigar lighters are very nice and not bad for the price.

I'd definitely look into that if i found myself smoking more cigars, but seeing as i'm very much liking my pipe, i find that the heat might be a bit much and rather awkward for lighting. Guess i've got to start searching for a second hand pipe-lighter, or just carry an attache case full of matches for when its windy outside.

Jaxx, look on ebay. Try to find someone who sells a lot of lighters, and make sure they show a photo of the lighter actually working and guarantee it will arrive working. Or visit your local smoke shop - IIRC the IM Corona lighters that are current production are good (they make the Old Boy).