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Bill Seal · 11-07-2018, 12:43

Quote:

A-1.7.3 A readily accessible manual or electrically
operated (e.g., solenoid) shut-off valve shall be installed in
the low or high-pressure line at the fuel supply. See the
requirements in A-1.7.6.1 for valve location requirements.

I would prefer the high pressure side, in case the pressure regulator diaphram fails
BTW, you can spend $150 for a "marine" valve,or $30 for a fork lift one. Since fork lifts are normally kept in enclosed indoor spaces, I would think the OSHA requirements would be as stringent as AYBC.

SV Bacchus · 11-07-2018, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

I don't think anyone wants to see me in my underwear to open the gas before I've had my coffee.

Hey, at least you kept your underwear on. You wouldn't want to see what I saw the other morning. I still have retinal burn!

We leave ours on only when using it and are diligent about turning it off. We've never baked for a long time so we have not experienced a really hot solenoid.

wsmurdoch · 11-07-2018, 12:51

There are pulse and hold circuits for solenoid valves that give an initial full current pulse to the coil to open the valve then cut the current to save electricity and leave the coil cooler.

A simple one is here Pulse and hold circuit for 12vdc solenoidsÂ*-Â*nzmotorhome.co.nz

Fancier ones boost the voltage of the initial pulse and/or use a PWM circuit to limit the current flow rather than a resistor giving a little increase in efficiency.

I've not tried it on my boat myself, but Google away...

Bill

Bill Seal · 11-07-2018, 13:06

Quote:

A simple one is here Pulse and hold circuit for 12vdc solenoidsÂ*-Â*nzmotorhome.co.nz

DUH!!
I think I'll have to burn my USCG ET2 badge I earned many decades ago.

I've built fan control circuits and turn signal delay circuits and such for my hotrod, but this simple idea never occured to me.

**skipmac** · 11-07-2018, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by moseriw

NEVER! I never heard of one that lived longer than 2 years. Skip that scrap and turn off at the bottle itself.

Used one for seven years on my last boat and was still working when I sold it.

Current boat came with one at least 10-12 years old. Totally rusted out externally but still working. I replaced it by the way just in case.

billknny · 11-07-2018, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by moseriw

NEVER! I never heard of one that lived longer than 2 years. Skip that scrap and turn off at the bottle itself.

Moseriw,

Are you really claiming that the expected life of a propane solenoid is only 2 years? That is just plain silly. I don't know what kind of solenoids you are "hearing about" or what kind of fool is installing them, but a 10 year life is not at all unreasonable.

I have had two boats, as full time liveaboards one for 15 years, and one for 3 years, and never replaced a solenoid--ever.

michaelratinter · 11-07-2018, 20:24

The PO of my boat disconnected his after multiple failures. I turn mine off at the bottle.

boatpoker · 11-07-2018, 20:56

25yr. Full time liveaboard with propane stove & bbq. Never had a solenoid failure.

44'cruisingcat · 12-07-2018, 02:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by moseriw

NEVER! I never heard of one that lived longer than 2 years. Skip that scrap and turn off at the bottle itself.

Ours is 8 years old (full time live aboard) and still working perfectly.

RaymondR · 12-07-2018, 02:24

My first solenoid valve was sauced at a shop that refitted cars for autogas and lasted about 20 years until it finally corroded apart. I have not been able to get more than a couple of years out of any of those sold for marine use.

Toys_with_time · 12-07-2018, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by billknny

Moseriw,

Are you really claiming that the expected life of a propane solenoid is only 2 years? That is just plain silly. I don't know what kind of solenoids you are "hearing about" or what kind of fool is installing them, but a 10 year life is not at all unreasonable.

I have had two boats, as full time liveaboards one for 15 years, and one for 3 years, and never replaced a solenoid--ever.

First one (Australian made) lasted 7 seasons - got fed up with having to gently tap it with a hammer to get it to open. Bought a German replacement which hopefully will last longer.

TwT

belizesailor · 12-07-2018, 06:36

Standard solenoids are not marinized, no matter how much you over paid. So, protection from weather helps. Mine is in a weather proof electrical junction box...for about 5 years now.

Ive found well priced solenoids from fork lift supply shops (most are powered by propane). Same product from a "marine" vendor costs many times more.

Some can be torn down and the plunger cleaned to help with sticking/longevity.

RaymondR · 12-07-2018, 20:54

My experience was that the solenoid coils tended to crack on the so called "marine" ones from overheating if the switch was left on for an extended period of time which appeared to not be a problem with those designed for propane powered vehicles.

The bodies of the failed valves were still serviceable.

I noticed that some of the solenoids I have used, which were designed for vehicle use, had both a "pull in" and a "holding" current which was considerably lower and consequently would generate considerably less heat. Perhaps the vehicle valves I used were of this type.