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Old 12-03-2013, 13:39   #1
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Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Just thought I would see what people are using for there shut off propane solenoids.

These little things are often forgotten about until they fail. No hot coffee this morning dear !!!

Been looking at replacing my propane system, always looking to do better.

Anyone using one of these?

AFC, Inc. - Advanced Fuel Components Incorporated Offering Quality Filters and Solenoid Valves


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Old 12-03-2013, 14:11   #2
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

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Originally Posted by typhoon View Post
Just thought I would see what people are using for there shut off propane solenoids.

These little things are often forgotten about until they fail. No hot coffee this morning dear !!!

Been looking at replacing my propane system, always looking to do better.

Anyone using one of these?

AFC, Inc. - Advanced Fuel Components Incorporated Offering Quality Filters and Solenoid Valves


Regards
I only use & install solenoids made by Advanced Fuel Components (AFC), specifically the model 151, and have never had or seen one fail.

In my experience they are far more reliable than the Trident & other low pressure LPG lock off/solenoid valves.

I also prefer that these are high pressure capable and can be inserted before the regulator. I have seen a regulator fail & leak so my prefernce is for the solenoid to be on the tank/high pressure side.
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Old 12-03-2013, 14:48   #3
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Thanks Maine Sail . I did a little research and found that the AFC solenoids were specific for propane applications, non of the others stated that . Do you find they get warm at all ?

What do you think of the Fischer regulators?

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Old 14-03-2013, 08:24   #4
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Just ordered a couple of 151, always good to have a spare.

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Old 14-03-2013, 09:24   #5
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Just to add, the specs are , .110 orifice , looks like that works out to be drill size #35 and that works out to something around 85000 Btu when used on the high pressure side of the regulator.

That should be plenty for all my propane needs and then some.

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Old 14-03-2013, 09:39   #6
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Sounds like a mix of marine incompatible alloys.....(steel, alum, brass) although I dont know if the real "marine" valves are a better mix or not.
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Old 14-03-2013, 09:50   #7
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

How much do they cost?
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Old 14-03-2013, 10:01   #8
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

This is were i got them

AFC 151 Solenoid Shut Off Valve - AFC Valves

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Old 14-03-2013, 10:04   #9
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

I've had gas solenoids fail twice. I don't know the make, but they were both fairly expensive and both professionally installed here. Very irritating. I also had my gas system updated at considerable expense, only to have the hoses become sclerotic within weeks of installation. Not imaging that such a thing is even possible, I cooked for a couple of years on a stove I was thinking all the time just didn't put out any heat . All that hassle plus the inherent danger of gas is enough to make you want to go all-electric in the galley
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Old 14-03-2013, 10:17   #10
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Here's the best price I've seen: AFC valve
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Old 14-03-2013, 10:24   #11
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

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I've had gas solenoids fail twice. I don't know the make, but they were both fairly expensive and both professionally installed here. Very irritating. I also had my gas system updated at considerable expense, only to have the hoses become sclerotic within weeks of installation. Not imaging that such a thing is even possible, I cooked for a couple of years on a stove I was thinking all the time just didn't put out any heat . All that hassle plus the inherent danger of gas is enough to make you want to go all-electric in the galley
Your luck is bad! I've had inherited systems with very little problem... although I've had two regulators on my land based BBQ go bad... generally had trouble free use on the boats. Alot less trouble than my old Kerosene unit years ago!
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Old 14-03-2013, 10:53   #12
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

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Originally Posted by Dockhead View Post
I've had gas solenoids fail twice. I don't know the make, but they were both fairly expensive and both professionally installed here. Very irritating. I also had my gas system updated at considerable expense, only to have the hoses become sclerotic within weeks of installation. Not imaging that such a thing is even possible, I cooked for a couple of years on a stove I was thinking all the time just didn't put out any heat . All that hassle plus the inherent danger of gas is enough to make you want to go all-electric in the galley
Electric would be so nice. no !!boom!! , no humidity, no looking for places to fill your tanks,.

Time to start a new thread.

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Old 14-03-2013, 10:54   #13
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

I've had 15 years with no failures. Maybe it is time to carry a spare.
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Old 14-03-2013, 11:42   #14
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

Why have a solenoid at all?

Is it a legal requirement in some countries? Why?

I don't have one nor would I ever install one.

Just think, there you are at sea when the electricity goes off and Zappo... You starve!

I can navigate with my computers on AA size battery power... But not the stove.

It just seems crazy to combine two elements that could increase the chance of failure.


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Old 14-03-2013, 12:27   #15
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Re: Propane Solenoid experiences , good/bad/best

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Why have a solenoid at all?

Is it a legal requirement in some countries? Why?

I don't have one nor would I ever install one.

Just think, there you are at sea when the electricity goes off and Zappo... You starve!

I can navigate with my computers on AA size battery power... But not the stove.

It just seems crazy to combine two elements that could increase the chance of failure.


Mark
Mark,

In my case it is part of a required system. There are leakage sensors and a control device that emits an aural alarm if there is a leak. It also closes the solenoid valve. They may not be required if the propane is burnt outside the cabin.

Here is the system: http://www.fireboy-xintex.com/propane_detectors.html
I just noticed that there is a British and US flag on their web site. Maybe the are not required in OZ.
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