Solenoid Stuck Open

[scottward]

Hi. This morning I noticed CO2 bubbling through my bubble counter, even though the CO2 wasn't meant to switch on until later in the day. I disconnected the CO2 solenoid from the power, waited a few minutes, and the CO2 is still bubbling through at the usual rate...

So, the solenoid is stuck in the open position.

It is a Red Sea solenoid and I have had it for about 18 months. It has been working perfectly until now.

I am hoping that there is some way that I can fix it, perhaps I can open it up and inspect the parts inside? Maybe something is just stuck?

Help!

Scott.

 

[Philosophos]

Take the solenoid apart and clean it very well; if it has a rubber diaphragm on it pay close attention to that part, and inspect it for damage. I've had solenoids leak on me before and it isn't fun. Fixing them is a matter of close inspection.

-Philosophos

 

[scottward]

Ah ok - so it's possible that mechanically it is working but may just have a leak in an internal diaphragm (if it has a diaphragm)? Hopefully this would be a spare part that I can get from Red Sea if it has worn out.

I actually thought it would be a purely mechanical thing, with no parts that can wear out.

Hopefully I can open the thing up?

Scott.

 

[scottward]

Fixed!

I was able to loosen a nut on one side of the solenoid and slide the assembly out of the casing. I was then able to open the assembly up and examine it. There was some gunk built up at one end which I thoroughly cleaned. After reassembling it it worked again.

Just thought I would share this in case anybody else comes across this thread down the track and needs some help.

Scott.