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Engine Room Air Flap Solenoids

Discussion in 'Engines' started by DOCKMASTER, Apr 13, 2020.

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  1. DOCKMASTER, Apr 13, 2020
    #1
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Hey all, hoping someone here can help with a source for some 24v solenoids. These are the solenoids that pull a pin and allow the engine room air intake flaps to close if the Fireboy system is activated. For whatever reason, mine are not working properly and not strong enough to actually pull the pin when tested. They work on the bench under light load but once the flaps are in place the solenoid simply isn't strong enough to pull the pin. We tested voltage going to them and it checks out fine. We verified alignment, made sure there is no other issue preventing operation. I don't know if the windings have weakened over time or frankly if they ever worked. I'm just trying to find new ones. The only one's we can find have a lead time of many, many months. Does anyone know where we can get replacements? We need a total of 4 of them. Thanks in advance for any help!

    IMG_3194.JPG
  2. Capt J, Apr 13, 2020
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Post a picture of the entire solenoid with some measurements and it would be easier to cross match with something else.
  3. Capt Ralph, Apr 13, 2020
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If your really sure your solenoids are getting full current, Maybe they never were up to the task.
    Try Detroit 2 stroke shut down 24v solenoids. Damm things can pull a house over with enough current.

    In the old days we used a small nylon string holding the flaps open. When the string melted, the flaps closed.
  4. Donzi 54, Apr 14, 2020
    #4
    Donzi 54

    Donzi 54 Member

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    I would voltage drop both sides of the circuit while operating first before replacing.
  5. rtrafford, Apr 14, 2020
    #5
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Yeah, that's where my mind went, too. Even if it meant retrofitting the flap setups. I use one of these to launch my tender. It also makes dinner and does dishes.
  6. Capt Fred, Apr 14, 2020
    #6
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    While you are troubleshooting, make sure the latch is not corroded and works smoothly.
  7. DOCKMASTER, Apr 14, 2020
    #7
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    We did full troubleshoot, voltage checks/drops, aligned the pins, cleaned and ensured smooth operation. These solenoids just don't have enough strength to pull the pins. The flaps are a bit heavy. I'll get a few more pictures and info and post soon. Thanks!
  8. Pascal, Apr 14, 2020
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Not familiar with these but the dampers on the Lazzara I run are Belimos. I ve replaces two which I got from Blackhawk Supplies. They ve got a lot of other types.
  9. Donzi 54, Apr 14, 2020
    #9
    Donzi 54

    Donzi 54 Member

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    Adam yours is different, ours is a mechanical operated solenoid setup piped into the halon system and controlled when they receive pressure signal from suppression system discharge
  10. DOCKMASTER, Apr 14, 2020
    #10
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Here's a few more photos to give size info.

    IMG_3712.JPG




    part0.jpg
  11. Capt J, Apr 14, 2020
    #11
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Trombetta is still in business, perhaps call them (or email) and speak to a tech and see what they have that's stronger and will meet your needs. They show many different solenoids in both 12 and 24 volts. I would say those are well sacrificed, and I would imagine that they did what they were supposed to when new as that's part of the test every year to recertify the fire system.
  12. bliss, Apr 14, 2020
    #12
    bliss

    bliss Senior Member

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    Trombetta.com or 414.410.0300. Good luck.
  13. DOCKMASTER, Apr 14, 2020
    #13
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Thanks Capt J. We did contact Trombetta, lead time is many months and they have a minimum order qty of 10 to buy direct from them. I was hoping maybe someone knew of somewhere else that might have something we can make work with minimal retrofit or might have some sitting on a shelf. And you are correct, I'm fairly certain these worked before and seem to recall we tested to that affect.
  14. jhall767, Apr 14, 2020
    #14
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    That looks pretty corroded. Have you taken the plunger out and cleaned it up? Any rust on the plunger will have a significant effect on the strength of the unit.
  15. Capt Ralph, Apr 14, 2020
    #15
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Darn gizmo looks just like a Detroit kill solenoid.
  16. cleanslate, Apr 14, 2020
    #16
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Perhaps you can reach out to Fireboy directly and find out more information about them ; maybe they know of someone who has them in stock.
    Or can get them for you.

    or ask the solenoid manufacturer who buys from them and who is a stocking dealer.
  17. cleanslate, Apr 14, 2020
    #17
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Then again you could spray the hell out of them with PB blaster, Let them soak a day or two and see if that doesn’t get them loosened up and in proper working order.let them soak a day or two and see if that doesn’t get them loosened up and in proper working order
  18. boatpoor, Apr 14, 2020
    #18
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    I agree with Ralph and I'm pretty sure Trombetta makes the shutdown solenoid for Detroits. I probably have one laying around I could ship you if you want to try it.
  19. wdrzal, Apr 14, 2020
    #19
    wdrzal

    wdrzal Senior Member

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    I would remove the boot and plunger to clean. There is a close tolerance between the pin and internal coil housing. Then check to see if either wire is shorted to the case/ground. Finally check the ohms of all 4 coils, should be within 5%.
  20. Fiammetta42, Apr 14, 2020
    #20
    Fiammetta42

    Fiammetta42 Member

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    Fit manual pull levers and be done relying on electronics in hard to reach areas in a salty environment.
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