MTH smoke wick charred - need advice

It should just pull off, did you spread the 2 resistors out from each other? Then squeeze them back close after putting in the new wick. That's what holds it in place

Thanks for the suggestion, Paul. I just got the new wick & a new gasket. I'll take a look at it tomorrow. I didn't try to separate the heaters, the wick appeared to be stuck and I didn't want to risk damaging the coils. Anything else I should check while I'm at it?

If the gasket is what I think it is,be careful. It breaks apart very easily....too easily.

The wick may stick to the resistors but it should pull off without any problems. Just go slowly with it.

If the wick is truly stuck to the resistors, put a couple drops of smoke fluid on the wick where it is stuck and let it sit for a couple hours. Don't do it when the resistors are hot, just put a couple drops on it, and let is soak while you do something else. While you have everything apart, make sure the gasket between the fan housing and the wick housing is intact and in place. Also check to make sure the fan is tight on the motor shaft, if it pulls off easily you need a new one. I would send you one, if you need it.

I soak the wick that's stuck and then help if off with a plastic screwdriver so I don't damage the heating element.

If I may offer a small suggestion; installing a new gasket normally requires that you unsolder and remove the heating resistors.

To avoid having to do that, simply use a hobby knife to cut where shown in this picture:

Then all you do is slide the center "tongue part" of the gasket between the reistor leads.

Rod

Rod,

Great tip. Thanks, Joe

Rod,
Mega dittos. Great tip!

Thanks to all for your tips and suggestions! Got the new wick installed and it works fine. I just needed to work the old, charred wick a bit to get it loose once I spread the heaters apart. The gasket tips were especially helpful also.

Nice tip on the gasket, I'll remember that one.