LP gas solenoid installation

[rschultz]

12V LP gas solenoid on my Beneteau 323 is frozen closed...and in need of replacement. It is the factory installed low pressure solenoid. In searching the forum, I've noticed that the AFC model 151 is highly recommended...however this model is intended for installation on high pressure side. Question is...can this 151 high pressure solenoid function if installed on the low pressure side. I've checked specifications, and do not see a minimum pressure required for proper operation, therefore seems like it would work. I'm sure some will say to simply install on high pressure side. Therefore...yes, I am aware this is an option... If there is some reason to not install an HP solenoid in the LP position, please advise.

Thanks for any help...

 

[whatfiero]

Safety you want it as close to bottle as possible. Regulators do blow there guts out or fail

 

[rschultz]

Yes, understand and agree. However, factory installation is a LP solenoid on the LP side. I'm not debating if this was the most well thought out installation by the manufacturer.

Question is, can this particular HP solenoid (AFC model 151) be installed on LP side...and function correctly, even though exposed to only .5 psi.

Thanks

 

[whatfiero]

A valve is a valve so as long as it says it doesn't require a certain pressure to operate I would think it would work just fine. BTW strange info a ice maker solenoid requires 5 psi water pressure to close strange but figured out when after several weekends of cutting water off for safety only to find freezer full of frozen water

 

[Charles Erwin]

The rule is:

A low pressure solenoid cannot be used on the high pressure side of the regulator. Whereas either type solenoid operated valve can be placed on the low pressure side.

I will find the ABYC citation for shut offs if you want but you can immediately understand that a low pressure valve should never be used where high pressure is present.

Charles

 

[Benny17441]

The LP solenoid is just a remote On/Off electrical switch so that the operator can cut the flow of gas off from near the galley instead of having to go to the tank. It could be very useful in a stove flare up where the stove switches might not be accesible. Do not see any reason why a high pressure solenoid could not be used at a lower pressure than rated. It will likely be a stronger part that should last longer and perhaps cost more. The solenoids are designed to default to OFF upon failure and that is the reason why it is likely "frozen closed".

 

[rschultz]

Thanks all. Replacement LP solenoid is $100+ at local store. The AFC 151 is ~$30, however is HP. Don't understand the price difference, as seems HP should be higher. I am aware that some solenoids require a minimum pressure to operate, however as stated above did not see this specified for the 151.

Since I must replace my 'dead' solenoid, the easiest installation would be to simple pull the bad solenoid (in the LP placement) and reinstall new solenoid in same position. With that said, 'whatfiero' makes excellent point that 'regulators do blow' and a solenoid in HP placement would be the smart installation.

Again - thanks all for comments, appreciated greatly...

 

[Ron20324]

RS, did you price a new one on the B parts site? I bought one, but can't find the paperwork. It is the B part #459888. 065 psi, 9.5 w.

 

[rschultz]

Hey Ron... Yes, I did. The 'B' part number shows to be 458191 (updated possibly), and at a cost of $183.35. WM price for the Trident is $129.99.

 

[rschultz]

Ahhh.....Ron you are correct, the part number I reference above is for the entire assembly (hoses, reg, solenoid). The solenoid itself is part number 459888 and priced at $103.37. A bit better than $183. Still not beating the AFC 151 for ~$30.

 

[Gunni]

FYI, when I was having a problem with my gas solenoid a few years ago I walked into a WM and bought the trident kit as a backup. Turned out the fittings and thread sizes were all different. It would not have been an easy swap-out.

 

[Bosman]

Any chance you could post the photo of the oem selenoid, once the replacement arrives? Thank you.

 

[rschultz]

Gunni, I purchased the AFC 151 (HP 1/4"), and will need to add fittings to swap out with factory LP solenoid (LP 3/8"). So, am expecting that much.
Bosman, I'll take pic's of OEM solenoid and AFC solenoid...and follow up as to if the AFC truly works on the LP side. I expect it will.

 

[Ron20324]

Here is the replacement from B.