Solenoid Problems

Matt101905

Matt101905

Love Guru
Feb 11, 2009
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Arkansas
I don't think my solenoid is working on my CO2 regulator. First of all my regulator leaks where it hooks onto the bottle but I can fix that. When I turn the bottle on and turn the knob to get working pressure...I turn the needle valve all the way open and nothing comes out through the bubble counter. I have the solenoid plugged in. My dad and I tested it with a meter and it does have current going through it I believe. Do you think its just stopped up or something? Thanks.
 
could be.. solenoids are actually pretty simple in design..electric , magnetic field activates a cylinder/piston allowing the gas to pass thru
 
You need to correct the leak at the regulator. If you donot have a teflon washer inside the nut that connects to the tank, get one. If it leaks at the thread still, put some teflon tape wrapped clockwise on the tank threads. Use soapy water to find any other leaks.

Your solenoid may be stuck closed, even with power to it. I had one that would stick open and overdose the tank. What you cold try is to remove the 4 long screws that hold the solenoid together and examine the plunger and spring that hold it shut. If it's stuck, put a small drop of household oil in there and exercise it. Put it back together and try again. You shoul hear the solenoid snap that little plunger back with power applied. If you don't you may have to replace it. I ended up replacing mine.

Best wishes!
 
Thanks guys, I'll check the reg. to see if I have a washer or not and then maybe go to a welding shop to see if they have one and maybe if they will take a quick look at the regulator. Thanks!
 
Matt101905 said:
Thanks guys, I'll check the reg. to see if I have a washer or not and then maybe go to a welding shop to see if they have one and maybe if they will take a quick look at the regulator. Thanks!
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No worries. Let me know if you need one. I have plenty! I think I can afford a stamp to send you one. LOL!
 
avionics30 said:
No worries. Let me know if you need one. I have plenty! I think I can afford a stamp to send you one. LOL!
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Hey man thanks! I'm going by a welding supply shop tomorrow so maybe they will have one. IF not I'll get back to ya on that offer. ANYWAYS I'm home now and I took off the regulator and it didn't have a washer. But I plugged in the Solenoid and it clicked on...very wierd because the other day I was messing with it and it wouldn't click when plugged in or wouldn't let the working pressure out. So I'm confused on the solenoid. :werd:
 
Matt101905 said:
Hey man thanks! I'm going by a welding supply shop tomorrow so maybe they will have one. IF not I'll get back to ya on that offer. ANYWAYS I'm home now and I took off the regulator and it didn't have a washer. But I plugged in the Solenoid and it clicked on...very wierd because the other day I was messing with it and it wouldn't click when plugged in or wouldn't let the working pressure out. So I'm confused on the solenoid. :werd:
Click to expand...

How old is your solenoid? I had one fail in a similar manner after about 1.5 years. Mine was opposite though... it wouldn't close!

Anyway, keep an eye on it. If you tried to oil it and it's still not working, check the spring that sits behind the plunger. You can try stretching it out a bit to force more pressure on the plunger. Just a little though! If you stretch it out too far, it may never open.

If all else fails, just replace it. It's not worth killing everything in your tank with an overdose.

Best wishes!
 
Thanks. Well I plugged it in today and I could hear it click and stuff. I went to a welding supply store today and got a washer for my regulator...the guy asked if it was for CO2 and I said yea...well when I got home it didnt fit. The whole is way to small...I'm thinking that he thought it was for paintball...I may be wrong though. I mean he just assumed it was for CO2 and alot of kids paintball around here. I shoulda said it was for my double gauge regulator for my 10lb CO2 tank. I'm going back tomorrow and take my regulator in to see what they say.
 
Thanks!
 
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