LP GAS PETROL SOLENOID
PURPOSE
The petrol solenoid is designed to allow petrol through it when energised, may be applied when starting up the vehicle on gas. Some vehicles fitted with electronic fuel injection may automatically start up on petrol, then when the rpm reaches 2000 the engine will switch over to gas. Therefore it is important to keep at least a 1/4 tank of petrol for this reason.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Petrol solenoids are only as good as their connections. Petrol solenoids are usually mounted to a heater hose or are just freely connected to the fuel line making it very important for the earth and the positive to have enough slack to move with the solenoids. So when you rev it, the engine moves and so will the solenoid. A common problem is the connections become loose or the terminals are just crimped and not soldered then it is just time before the petrol solenoid will not operate.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
If you know how to solder terminals, this is the cheapest way. Otherwise visit your local mechanic or auto electrician. The cost is around $30.00 to solder a few joints.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If it seems to be impossible to get the power to energise the petrol solenoid and you just want to drive to your local repairer then carefully connect a fuse wire from the battery to the petrol solenoid to drive it on gas.