Advice needed on Propane system (Force 10 stove) on B331

[James Simmonds]

On a recent cruise our Force 10 propane system failed. Even thought the propane tank was full, gas failed to go through the system to the burners on the stove. After some troubleshooting - I have come to the conclusion that the solenoid on the system may be malfunctioning. Although I have never had reason to touch it before, it seemed to be excessively warm when the system failed. Once the solenoid cooled down, I was able to re-light the stove. Has anyone ever encountered this problem. Does my explanation seem reasonable. If so, how do I fix the problem?

 

[Weasel]

Solenoid should not be hot . Solenoid is spring loaded to the closed position, so it takes power to open it. Solenoids do go "bad". Intermittant operation is one sign that they are dying. Now to save some money order the new solenoid from your local ASCO dealer instead of Beneteau. You will save a few bucks.
Bring your old one in and be sure to tell them that it is a 12 volt DC unit. (When ours failed I got an explosion proof unit and wired it into the system.) Remember the SOV is located outside of the tank compartment. Seal the connections with silicone after soldering them. Hope this helps. Check ASCO dealers on the web www/ascovalve.com

 

[larryw]

Solenoids are very simple devices; turn it off, remove it, take it apart, clean it, all the connections, put it back together. In normal operation it will be somewhat warm, that's normal. If you have more money than time, simply do as Weasel suggests and replace it.

 

[Mike B]

Some of the solenoids had a failure mode that is much like you described. Had it happen on a 2002 361 and the manufacturer shipped me a new solenoid free of charge. Sorry can't remember who it was but think maybe Trident.