Moisture Evaporator

[vinyl-4ever]

I recently purchased the moisture evaporator. I was wondering what the best method is for using this tool. The first couple of times I used it I put the evaporator on the glass for about 12 seconds and the star break started to spread further. I live in PA and I can see that I am going to be fighting moisture all winter.

[GP2]

When I use the evap tool I'll depress the button and watch the element heat up red hot, release the button, and then hold the element to the chip for about 15-20 seconds, review the chips' progress, and repeat as needed. I hold the element right against the glass as I find it works better and faster for me. After the windsheild temps equalize across all the glass I will then start the repair. That's just my method, and I know a few other techs use the same basic idea. If you're just starting out I'd suggest following the directions given by Mr. Higgens and the good people at Delta.

[screenman]

I vary this method slightly I watch the element heat up in the mirror once I have it against the glass, this prevents heat shock. I must add that I have had a few crack out on me but that was when I first started practising with this piece of kit. Nice thing is the leg normaly only runs for about a inch or so, which is easy to fill. I think Delta even mention this with the instructions.

[Dave M]

Screenman,
I agree about the heat shock. I hold mine about 1 inch -1.5 inch above the glass. Do you do the same or actually touch the glass?

[screenman]

DaveM, I actually hold it against the glass bit scarey at times but I need those chips dry. Rained here everyday for about 5 weeks. Does holding it that far away get the glass hot enought?

[Dave M]

Yes, it does. I do 15-20 second bursts, 2-3 times and than cool down. I had problems when coming in contact with the glass (as you described earlier).
Did you read my post on warming the w/s? Any thoughts?

[mrchip]

anybody use car cig lighter??..not that i"m against using the moisture evap..just something to use if you didn"t buy one..cig lighter is very effectiveand just as hot as evap..

[Dave M]

Mrchip,
Yes, I have in the passed. I'm finding that most new cars no longer have lighters but power points (12v outlets). I just purchased new vehicle which is the same way. I must clarify....I used lighter only on the inside if I had a stubborn air pocket or bubble.
I use the GT VP 5000 which has an outlet for my Dry Star and now find myself using the interior power point for the Dry Star if needed on the inside.

[tooldini]

Vinyl same thing happened to me first time I use mine. cracked about 3 inch. It was a warm day and had rained earlier a little bit so I figured I would try it out. I did what you did and held the button down till it got red then just put it on the glass and continued to hold it down for about 15 seconds then suddenly I hear that horrible sound and it cracked 3 inches. It looked ok after I was done and kinda had to explain to customer but they were ok with it. So I figured it was just shock to the glass with so much heat and for so long. Next time I let off once it gets hot and then hold it down for like 5 seconds a few times. Hopefully that will save the cracking.

Jeff

[mrchip]

i "ve used it on the outside..never on inside..if cars don"t have lighter and i am parked next to car i use my lighter