From what I've read, that's pretty common. You could try and blast some gas though it a few times to see if it will seat again.
Malfunctioning solenoid
I've got a standard Milwaukee kit running on a 20# tank. When power is disconnected from the solenoid, it makes the usual clicking sound, but doesn't completely stop the flow of gas. It goes from the 3-4 bubbles/sec I set it at, down to maybe 1 bubble every 10 seconds. It's not leaking at a rate that is going to cause any problems over night, but I'm wondering if this is semi-normal, or if the solenoid is defective/damaged and I should look into replacing it. Any thoughts?
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I have the same problem with my Burkert. I suspect a debris of sealing tape got inside or an Oatey.
One bubble every 3 seconds after solenoid is off. Co2 indicator is green in the morning. To counter save the wasted CO2 overnight, I set CO2 timer 3 hours after the lights ON and turn off 3 hours before the lights OFF.
One bubble every 3 seconds after solenoid is off. Co2 indicator is green in the morning. To counter save the wasted CO2 overnight, I set CO2 timer 3 hours after the lights ON and turn off 3 hours before the lights OFF.
I've had the problem with a Burkert a couple times. Remove the bubble counter, open the nv all the way, turn the working pressure up to 50 or so, and turn power on and off quickly a few times. The goal is to blow any debris out of the solenoid valve (the stuff that would keep the diaphragm from closing all the way). It's worked the two times I tried it to fix the same issue on a single solenoid.
I've had the problem with a Burkert a couple times. Remove the bubble counter, open the nv all the way, turn the working pressure up to 50 or so, and turn power on and off quickly a few times. The goal is to blow any debris out of the solenoid valve (the stuff that would keep the diaphragm from closing all the way). It's worked the two times I tried it to fix the same issue on a single solenoid.
I was thinking of opening the solenoid but I m afraid I mess it up.
Eh, the worst thing that could happen is that you loose the little spring in there. The only other thing you could screw up is the screws. They are soft and the torx heads strip easily.I was thinking of opening the solenoid but I m afraid I mess it up.
Same thing happened to me with my up aqua solenoid , I had 3 bubbles over 30 mins , it's annoying as it should shut it off completely but I took mine apart and cleaned it with an alcohol cleaner and It seems to have done the trick 
I would definitely go for taking it apart and cleaning. There are not lots of parts in there to screw up. Mine had a spring and a metal cylinder. Electromagnet pulls the cylinder down and the spring pushes it back. It would click but not close or open fully. A bit of lube like Vasoline just as a film may get it going again.
I'm not sure I would want to try to blast it out as the diaphram is just a thin layer of rubber like stuff which seems like it might tear pretty easy.
I'm not sure I would want to try to blast it out as the diaphram is just a thin layer of rubber like stuff which seems like it might tear pretty easy.
I tried the method kevmo suggested and it didn't seem to help. I'm going to take the solenoid apart this weekend. Any suggestions on how to get the needle valve off the Milwaukee rig? Looks like it's glued in there.
Mine got stuck and I took it apart. Easiest thing in the world. Disconnect it from the CO2 and unplug it (of course), but you can leave it connected to the regulator. Just unscrew the 4 screws. That opens it up. Take needle nose pliers to grab onto the middle part and pull it up. It won't take any strength to pull it up; it just needs something to grab it (maybe you can do it with your fingernails). I think there were 3 pieces, including the spring. Just remember what you took out and in what order/direction.I was thinking of opening the solenoid but I m afraid I mess it up.
Once I got the parts out, I used compressed air (the kind you use on computers) to blast the inside of the hole. That cleaned out whatever was causing mine to stick because when I put it back together, it started working again. Mine was completely stuck open and would not close at all, but the compressed air fixed it.
Just put the 3 parts back together, including the spring, and then screw in the 4 screws, and you're good to go. Plug it in to see if it's working.
You really can't screw it up. If you can play with a kid's toy Legos, then you can do this. :smile:
Found a picture of the 3 parts inside. Just take a look and you'll see how easy it is. Don't pay attention to anything other than the 3 pieces in the middle. That's what you'll take apart once you remove the 4 screws on the solenoid. They just come out, you clean it, and then you put them back in. So simple!
http://www.wonderbart.com/images/09/feb/vtec_solenoid_1.jpg
http://www.wonderbart.com/images/09/feb/vtec_solenoid_1.jpg
Good info.
I'm trying to vent tomorrow like kevmo suggest. If thats not going to fix, I have to open it.
I'm trying to vent tomorrow like kevmo suggest. If thats not going to fix, I have to open it.
I took mine apart, and it's working much better now. There's an o-ring in there that sits between the two halves and it looks a bit oversized. I reseated it and closed it up, now the valve closes much more positively.
I did this today and it worked!I've had the problem with a Burkert a couple times. Remove the bubble counter, open the nv all the way, turn the working pressure up to 50 or so, and turn power on and off quickly a few times. The goal is to blow any debris out of the solenoid valve (the stuff that would keep the diaphragm from closing all the way). It's worked the two times I tried it to fix the same issue on a single solenoid.
My 5lbs tank was overfilled so, I have to vent excess gas. It was perfect timing that I can also blow those debris out from solenoid by those excess gas.
I plug the cord to a timer so it is easier to switch On and OFF manually. I turn power On and off cycle for about 10x and until 100 psi is vent out.
I placed back the bc and hooked it back to my aquarium and did a series of test. The solenoid was back to normal!
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