Lionel and Mikes both recommend in the range of 15 drops of fluid to add when smoke diminishes. I like a lot of smoke. I opened the SMU and changed the batting. I add more batting then they come with from factory. I use fiberglass Tiki wicks. As we all do, I ensure that the forced air path is unrestricted.
Based on the size of the fluid holding part of the SMU you can add 40 drops no problem. The size drops I use are standard eye dropper size which are larger than using pipets or syringe drops.
I understand that running SMU on high when low on fluid can char the wick or just "stiffen" it so it absorbs fluid very slowly or not at all. When wick becomes damaged it is easy to think you need to add smoke fluid because of limited smoke out put. You add the smoke fluid and since it isn't being absorbed well by the wick there is a good chance the fan will blow the unabsorbed puddle of fluid out the stack. Albeit at a slow rate.
To solve this, again I like large volumes of smoke, I increased the batting as stated and I refill with 25 drops of fluid when smoke output decreases.
Based on my forum reading no one seems to do this. My gut tells me since that is the case I may be setting myself up for a future problem.
Is my thinking on all this valid? What are the potential problems this may cause if any. Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions on this.
