Steam cleaning records 2

So I just watched Stltrains video again and noticed that the steaming time is much longer than I have been doing. I have the same steamer and it runs out of steam after about 3-4 seconds. If I ever hold it in place long enough for the record to rotate fully - then move it closer to the spindle to do the same, I'll run out.

I was thinking that I need to be quicker, but now I see that I should be doing it longer. But even the way I'm doing it, when I go to do my 'rinse' I can't make it across the record.

Any ideas why I am running out of steam so fast?

I wonder if I my steamer is simply a dud. I guess for $15 I can try buying another.

Another question: I'm still confused about rinsing - not the logic behind it but this: wouldn't another steam blast be just as good of a rinse?

Crem1, I'm using the one recommended in this thread (the one Strltrains used in his video) - forget the name offhand.

Halcro, I am using the same attachment as Stltrains does in his video.

Crem1: Yes, it's the perfection and I'll replace it.

Question for all you experts;

Would not an extra steam application (without use of any cleaners) be the equivalent of a rinse?

The best water I have is simply distilled and I'm wondering what my best option (with distilled) is to rinse - pour on distilled or another steam application.

Thanks.

I just tried my Perfection again. If I fill it up all the way, I get enough for a full application (before running out of steam and having to reheat).

Sometimes on the 2nd applications (about 20-30 seconds later) I can run out though.

I do have the lid on tight - otherwise steam escapes and it's obvious.

Here's what I do: place the nozzle 4 inches from outside edge. Start steaming. After full revolution, move 1" towards spindle & repeat. Four positions covers the record.

Now three other things I'm noticing:

1) I can't help but warp every LP that's less than 180g (noticible jump of needle during playback)

2) There are settings on the steamer where the nozzle attaches, eg. "I", "II" etc. Does this setting matter?

3) I can't seem to clean out blotches on the LP - stuff that looks like, I dunno, mildew or discolorations. Is that to be expected?

Thanks guys

Bought a new Perfection.

Unfortunately it's no different. I can clean 2 records; after that I can only get 8 seconds of steam at a time - not enough to do a side of an LP.

I wait for the red light to go off (indicating the unit is ready to steam again), but still runs out quickly. Doesn't seem to matter whether I have a full tank or not.

It's as if the heating light goes off prematurely; I'm going to try waiting several minutes and see if it comes back stronger.

I'm very puzzled.

The vortex tube didn't work for me. You get it setup for one record thickness and then it doesn't work for others.

I do use the two o-rings though, but I'm not steaming anymore - I'm using the Walker 4 step.

Has anyone compared steam cleaning to the Walker four step Prelude system?

I used to steam clean but got tired of having to dry off labels and have been using the Walker method for a while - but wondering what produces better results (costs aside).

When I steam cleaned, I started at the edge and moved in towards the center but the spray of the steamer would splash upon hitting the LP... I don't see how you couldn't help but get the label wet.

In any case, thanks for the response.

Ian