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 seaair |
LPG solenoid problems? |
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Posts: 66 04/18/08 20:26:29 |
I am beginning to think that I have a problem with the LPG solenoid. A couple of times it appears not to have opened, but I am never sure that it isn't
that I am just out of fuel. Also, the solenoid is very warm to the touch, and the indicator LED on the breaker panel is very dim (like maybe it is sucking
more power than it should be). Does your solenoid run hot, or is it just my imagination?
Thanks.
Warren
Seattle, WA Sutlej, #920 3-cabin pullman |
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pwinterfeld |
Solenoid etc | #1 | ||
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Posts: 110 04/19/08 05:42:05 |
Hi
I have replaced my solenoid and the new one doesn't act any better. My led indicator light flickered to nothing so I replaced that too - now the new one is flickering again - same question as you have - is there anyone out there that has the same problem???? And how was it solved??? Peter C'est la Vie Hull #746 |
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captjohn |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 75 04/19/08 05:50:57 |
My solenoid is very warm to the touch if left on for long periods, however it is 10 years old and always worked fine.
And the panel lamp, like yours, burned out. I replaced the one twice as bright from Radio Shack. Many others have the same reports. I assume all is normal. John # 582 |
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peter |
same | #3 | ||
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Posts: 257 04/20/08 04:04:25 |
I was wondering??? when the solenoid is warm to the touch after being on for long periods of time, are you turning the solenoid off after use????
The solenoid is a protection device that when you turn it on you should hear a distinct click ( it is on ) If there is no click, it probably is always on and needs replacing. You should turn the solenoid off when the stove is not in use. Also check the pressure gauge to see that it remains the same once you shut the valve off at the tank. It should stay constant, a slight decrease over several hours is ok , but the difference should be slight. You can also open the solenoid, pressure the system up and shut the tank and observe the pressure reading. should be no change. Testing all joints with soapy water is the way to isolate individual joints for leakage. That is all that I know about not having your boat go BOOM  !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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pwinterfeld |
Boom | #4 | ||
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Posts: 110 04/20/08 05:24:53 |
The solenoid is only turned on when the stove is in use - I am very neurotic when it comes to gas - my very first boat had a little problem after a little gas
accumulated in the bilge due to a leaky hose and I lit the stove - so now I shut the solenoid off and even the valve off at the tank immediately after cooking
is finished. I am just surprised at the poor quality of the solenoid - even the new one I recently bought and the quality of the led light on the panel - the
one I have in there is number 3 - and its already flickering again.
Peter C'est la Vie Hull #746 |
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Paladin42Peter |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 10 04/20/08 17:24:01 |
This sounds like a possible bad wire or connections. Check the voltage at the solenoid. If the voltage is low you would be drawing higher than normal amps
which might cause it to run hot. The flickering would indicate a loose connection. If you have the spade connectors at the main panel they are prone to coming
loose. You should hear a loud click when you turn on the solenoid, if not something is amiss.
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captrick |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 199 04/21/08 14:35:38 |
I haven't felt mine lately, but you should expect the solenoid to get warm but not so hot that you can't touch it comfortably. You can verify it is
working properly by leaving a burner lit and shutting off the solenoid. Just remember to turn it off again. The solenoid has a lot of inductance and when you
switch it off it generates a reverse voltage spike that eventually pops the LED. While they are long lasting when properly powered, LEDs are extremely
vulnerable to this problem unless protected. I think Seaward is aware of the problem and will send you a sturdier replacement. It's conceivable but
unlikely that the voltage spike can break down the insulation in the solenoid causing windings to short and overheat. If you are electronics-savvy, you can
cure both problems by adding a reverse connected 1 amp diode or an RC snubber across the LED. Mine has lasted 6 years. Or replace it with a small incandescent.
Rick 704-3
Last Edited By: captrick 04/21/08 15:17:41.
Edited 1 time.
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captjohn |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 75 04/22/08 03:52:47 |
When the solenoid is turned on for long periods of time it is by accident. However, the Radio Shack panel light replacement is much brighter and has helped
with this problem. An upgrade I have considered doing is placing the solenoid switch and lamp on a remote panel at the stove. Many boat builders do this and I
think it makes sense.
John |
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