# Butane lighter problems with elevation?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butane-lighter-problems-with-elevation/194131>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 10, 2003, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butane-lighter-problems-with-elevation/194131 "2003-08-10T02:36:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![carver42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc8723/32.png) [@carver42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carver42)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2003, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butane-lighter-problems-with-elevation/194131/1 "2003-08-10T02:36:45Z")

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I just bought a Vector Torpedo, which is a butane torch lighter. I bought it in Vegas (elevation ~ 1000 ft.), and now it won’t work in Flagstaff (elevation ~ 7000 ft.).

Does anybody know if elevation is the problem?

I bled the tank and refilled it, but it still doesn’t work. It seems to be blowing out the flame. When I light the lighter, I see an imediate flame then none. I have it on the lowest flame setting.

Thanks In Advance.

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**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2003, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butane-lighter-problems-with-elevation/194131/2 "2003-08-10T06:02:18Z")

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Propane stoves and heaters require different venturis at altitude. If you google high altitude conversion kit you’ll see plenty. Vector make 2 lighters, Pinnacle and Gear, that they advertise as altitude resistant. They do not make this claim about the Torpedo.