Help please - oxycon problem?

[Redkite]

This evening, my oxycon has started playing up!

It is making quite a racket and vibrating lots. Also, the flow rate is varying: on my usual setting it gives a steady 4lpm, but it now goes from 2.5 to 4 as it "breathes", making it impossible to get a steady flame.

It isn't beeping or flashing its little light, but it's definitely not well. 

Any suggestions?

[Dragonfire Glass]

Check the filters 

[Redkite]

I checked the little foamy bit at the back. What do I have to do to check the filters? (As you can tell, I haven't ever done this, so that's more than likely my problem!!!)

[Kaz]

I wonder if one of our oxycon suppliers could please write us up a blow by blow account to servicing and maintaining your oxy. (and list the bloomin' spare filters for sale on their websites as these seem as rare as rocking horse wotsit - I keep asking on every order I place but they never arrive!!!)
One of mine which is less than a year old is also playing up - keeps red lighting and causing havoc with my lynx - I'd rather have a go at servicing it properly than just sending it back when it may be simple to rectify.
Kazx

[amareargentum]

Have you tried washing the foam filter on the back? Mine starts to wheeze and the flame becomes variable. It has done it a couple of times and when I wash out the filter (dry it properly before you put it back) it has been fine. Which oxycon have you got? Q sent me instructions on changing the internal filters on the Airsept.
HTH
Amanda

[Redkite]

Well, I found this thread, which contains some useful advice about changing the filters from Q:

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17442.0

But I have cleaned the black filter at the back of the unit and have removed the grey felt filter and tried to run it for a couple of minutes without it, but no difference.

Also this thread about problems caused by dampness in the filter beds:

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4388.0

So my next step, while I wait to hear from Q is to bring it indoors and try to run it for a bit to dry out any moisture. I don't think my shed is particularly damp and I have a heater in there that kicks in automatically to keep the temperature above freezing, but I want to try all possibilities before having to send it off for repair!!

Guess I'll be getting the old Hothead out of it's box tomorrow!!!

[Pat from Canvey]

When my new Nuvo oxcon was playing up I was very annoyed but opened it up and discovered a square 9 volt battery inside. I thought "in for a penny, in for a pound " replaced it and it's worked well ever since.