Maintenance frequency: Solenoid maintenance is suggested every few thousand cycles of the bolt (pressurized cycles, not just clicking the solenoid). The solenoid needs to remain clear of all debris and lubricant in order to function correctly. During firing, small amounts of grease are blown onto the solenoid after the bolt opens; over time this will build up to the point where it will hinder the valve's performance. Because of this, the solenoid needs to be cleaned.
If you have a QEV valve installed, you don't have to clean your solenoid quite as often. However, you will still have to clean it every once in a while. Even with a QEV the solenoid is subject to getting greased during regular use, although it won't happen as fast.
Disassembly:
When disassembling the solenoid, it isn't necessary to remove any of the microline hoses attached to it. In fact, it is strongly suggested that you NOT remove the hose from the solenoid barb fitting, even if you want to (remove it only when absolutely necessary). The solenoid barb fitting is fragile and very easy to break. For information on hose removal, see the Solenoid and internal hoses page in the Related Links section below.
Also, don't attempt to remove the solenoid from the circuit board.
Here is a diagram to show the various parts of the entire solenoid assembly:
The first step is to remove the solenoid bracket from the rear of the housing. For this you will need to use a pair of pliers to pry the top of the bracket off the housing. DO NOT interact with the red coil wrapped around the solenoid or you will cause permanent damage. The bracket is on there very tight, so it will take some force to remove.
I made a quick video showing the removal of the solenoid bracket from the housing using pliers. Right click and select save as:
Removing the bracket is the most difficult part of the disassembly process, so once you get it off you can relax. The next step is to pull the solenoid head off the housing; it simply lifts off, away from the housing. Inspect the 9/70 o-ring around the solenoid head for damage; replace if necessary.
Once the head is removed, tip the solenoid upside-down and out will fall the solenoid armature. This is the internal moving part of the solenoid. It consists of a steel exterior (silver or yellowish part) surrounding a rubber bumper (black part). Inspect the bottom of the bumper for damage or scratches, as they will cause leaks out the bottom of the solenoid.
Maintenance/Reassembly:
Use a t-tip to clean the inside of the solenoid housing, and also clean off the outside surfaces of the armature. Do not apply any grease or other lubricant to anything on this page.
That's it for solenoid maintenance.
To reassemvble the solenoid, drop the armature back into the housing with the rubber end going in first. Once it's in, reinstall the solenoid head into the top of the housing. Note that you have to put the head back on correctly, or you won't be able to reassemble the Ion later on. Here is a diagram to demonstrate:
Last, reinstall the solenoid bracket onto the back of the assembly. The flat end faces up whereas the curved end faces down (use the pictures earlier in this tutorial for help if necessary). Once the bracket is back on the solenoid is ready for use, and can be reinstalled into the marker.
Related Links:
· Solenoid and internal hoses
· Troubleshooting Leaking/Shooting
· Pressure & dwell setting