LP GAS Gas solenoid
PURPOSE
The gas solenoid is designed to allow liquid gas to pass through when it is energised. The gas solenoid is energised by 12 volts supplied from the safety switch. The gas solenoid switch is most reliable when the earth connection is secure and the positive connection to it is soldered. The gas solenoid may also carry a filter. This filter ishould be checked every 10,000Kms to prevent it from clogging up.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A very common problem is the gas solenoid bracket, which is mounted to the body, becomes slightly loose and the mounting screws holding the earth lead may also be loose, making it a bad earth connection. Another common problem is the positive terminal connection is not soldered to the positive lead making it a bad connection. It is only time before these problems prevent the liquid gas from flowing through. When travelling at a moderate to high speed you notice that the vehicle slows down, it might be a sign that you are low on gas or it may be a gas filter clogging up.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Servicing the gas solenoid filter or resecuring the connections is not expensive. If you get a qualified gas installer to do this, make sure they do it properly, so you are not going back 2 or 3 times with the same problem. It is very important to have all connections soldered.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If the power has trouble coming through from the safety switch don’t bypass it as it is the safety switch, which in case of an accident, will turn off the gas if the engine stops.