Solenoid...

[Dr. Scroggins..]

So, i'm pretty sure the solenoid on my CO2 regulator (Milwaukee) is toast... the gas cylinder IS full, i get my pressure on both gauges, and i hear the solenoid click when it gets plugged in and unplugged, but i don't think it's opening and i get nothing through the bubble counter... Anyone know where to get a replacement??? preferably the kind that connects between the regulator and bubble counter, as compared to the inline types.

Thanks for any assistance!

 

[neilanh]

Interesting, if the solenoid is clicking I would think it's working properly.

Make sure you have fluid in the bubble counter so you can see that it's making bubbles (dumb, I know, but sometimes the simplest things...)

Also, remove the top of the bubble counter and then turn it on to see if it starts bubbling then. You may just have a kink in the line or something clogging it from being able to force through.

What is your low-side set to?

 

[mgamer20o0]

Burkert Brass Solenoid Valve Type 6011
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The Best Aquarium Regulator & CO2 Parts

though i would go with neilanh try to see if you can find the problem. normally if it clicks it should be working. i would take it apart and clean it make sure its not getting stuck.

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

there is fluid in the counter, no kinks in line (took top of counter off to make sure), and the left gauge reads about 1000psi...

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

i suppose i could put the bubble counter directly into the regulator until i fix or replace the solenoid.. anyone see issues involved with that?

 

[cabezon]

the electrical part of the solenoid may be working, but the mechanical side may have broken off.

 

[David S]

If it clicks its opening and shuting,can you check you have pressure before the mag valve and after the regulator

 

[neilanh]

What does your right-side guage read?

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

gauge on the right won't drop below 95... but i can raise it slightly by adjusting the valve on the regulator.

thanks again for these replies everyone.

 

[neilanh]

yeah, something definately jammed up then.

Be careful if you do remove the solenoid, 95psi is a good amount of pressure to have built up that will have to release at some point. Just be careful when you do it so noone gets hurt.

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

do you suggest taking it apart, cleaning it, and putting everything back together and trying it again???

 

[neilanh]

can't hurt to try it before you spend money on a replacement.

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

i've taken everything on the regulator apart, and have come to the conclusion that its the needle valve that is blocked up.. i have air through the solenoid, and it opens and closes without having the needle valve and bubble counter attached. anyone know where i can find a replacement to fit the Milwaukee regulator?

thanks guys.

 

[neilanh]

Check on ebay, they usually have them there - might come with a new bubble counter too though.

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

hmmmm. all i can seem to find are inline needle valves.. guess i keep looking, any other suggestions?

 

[meegosh]

How old is the regulator? Milwaukee has a 6 month warranty, don't know if that helps, probably not. You might try calling them also, they may have replacement parts.

 

[Dr. Scroggins..]

Thanks for the suggestion Meegosh.

I ended up calling Milwaukee, and the guy directed me to a link on their web site (below) specific to clogged needle valves. It basically tells you to use a drill with a 1/16th inch bit, to ream out the chamber in the valve.

So i am now up and running, bubbles and everything!

http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/pdf/clogged_needle_valve_repair.pdf

 

[meegosh]

Great! I was thinking about that link but I couldn't seem to find it anywhere on the net. I remembered reading it - I think it had pretty detailed pics too. That pdf gives good enough directions though. Glad you are back up and running!