Does Your Gas Control Valve Solenoid Need Troubleshooting? Here’s How to Do It Right!

When a gas control valve solenoid malfunctions, it can be a dangerous, even deadly, situation for anyone near the area. The cause of this malfunction could be either coil burnout, failure to open, failure to close, or solenoid valve noise. Understanding how to troubleshoot gas control valve solenoids will empower you to spot and fix potentially hazardous issues quickly.

The first step in troubleshooting a solenoid valve is to rule out coil burnout. Coil burnout is usually caused by continuously operating the solenoid valve at high-temperature settings, so look for abnormal electrical characteristics that could indicate this. If the voltage is lower than recommended, it could lead to the stalling of system parts like the plunger, drawing in too much current. It’s also important to inspect the coil housing and plate, the enclosing tube, the sleeves, and the plunger to make sure they are present and in working order.

If the valve is full of sludge or dirt, it could fail to open. Disassemble the valve and use a brush or rag to remove any obstruction; if this doesn’t work, you should check that the nameplate MOPD rating matches the pressure rating shown on the valve. If the voltage applied is not at least 85 percent of the rated nameplate voltage, it could also cause the valve to fail to open. Check the connections supplying voltage to the valve to ensure they are tight.

When the valve won’t close, it could be caused by faulty switches or relays. If it has been a while since the valve has been used, oil may have congealed inside of it. Clean the interior of the valve and replace the oil with a type that remains fluid in your system’s temperature. Don’t forget to check the pilot port to see if it’s been damaged, as this could prevent the valve from closing.

Partially opened solenoid valves can produce loud noise that can travel through the system. This noise is usually caused by excessive pressure, gunk blocking the valve open, or low voltage. Look to see if the coil or housing is loose, as this could also be the source of the noise. If a tightened coil and housing doesn’t solve the issue, check for a build-up of pressure, oil, or grime, and clean out these areas if necessary.

Troubleshooting gas control valve solenoids can be tricky and should be done with utmost care, but with a little know-how, you can quickly identify issues and take proper action. Remember to watch for signs of coil burnout, make sure the MOPD is consistent with the pressure rating, check for loose components, and clean the inside of the solenoid valve and pilot port. If the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional to investigate.