If valve won't flow until I unscrew the solenoid, which part has failed?

Discussion in 'Irrigation / Sprinkler Forum' started by pman6, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. pman6

    pman6 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2012
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    I have some Toro valves installed in 1992. They are one-piece and can't be taken apart. The only thing user replaceable is the solenoid.

    It does not use the universal solenoid you can find at big box.

    one valve will not open unless I unscrew the solenoid. It will just dribble water otherwise.

    I swapped the solenoid with one on another working valve, and the valve still won't open.
    I even swapped the wires to another working station and the valve won't open.


    But as soon as I loosen the solenoid, the valve flows full blast.

    I even removed the solenoid and let the water spray out everywhere to clean it out.

    I'm out of ideas.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2020
    pman6, Aug 3, 2020
    #1
  2. WorthFlorida

    WorthFlorida The wife is still training me.

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Orlando, Florida
    Without pictures or model number of valve, it seems that it is time to replace the valves. Either debris is jamb in the valve or the diaphragm is dried out. I'm suspecting the diaphragm is the problem. You can try to clean out the bleed valve port if there is one and the solenoid dump port. Use a very small drill bit and push it in the hole for the solenoid. It might clean something out.

     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
    WorthFlorida, Aug 4, 2020
    #2
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  4. Terry H

    Terry H In the Trades

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2020
    Location:
    Alabama
    Check voltage to make sure you are getting voltage to solenoid. If you are then your solenoid has failed and isn’t opening. If it’s not you have a control problem.
     
    Terry H, Aug 4, 2020
    #3
  5. pman6

    pman6 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2012
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    I swapped the working solenoid+wire from the other valve over to the bad valve, and it still didn't open.

    so i think that eliminates the solenoid and control.

    tested voltage at 26V


    IMG_20200804_170702.jpg
    IMG_20200804_172800.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
    pman6, Aug 4, 2020
    #4
  6. Terry H

    Terry H In the Trades

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2020
    Location:
    Alabama
    Ohhh I’m sorry I’m not sure how I missed that.

    This is strange. The only thing I can think of is that there is trash inside of the body.
     
    Terry H, Aug 4, 2020
    #5
  7. pman6

    pman6 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2012
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    yeah well, the diaphragm isn't accessible.

    so looks like I'm gonna have to swap in a rainbird.
     
    pman6, Aug 4, 2020
    #6
  8. WorthFlorida

    WorthFlorida The wife is still training me.

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Orlando, Florida
    WorthFlorida, Aug 4, 2020
    #7
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