Nitro Dave's Nitrous Outlet
10-07-2010, 12:09 PM
Solenoid Maintenance How to
(CLICK PICTURES FOR LARGER VIEW)
The nitrous system’s solenoids are the heart of the operating system. It is just as important to keep them in good working condition as it is for your body to maintain a good healthy heart. Over a period of time the use of the system can start to cause wear and tear on the solenoids. Knowing how to disassemble the solenoids and what parts to check for wear and tear can keep your system working reliably and safely.
Most mechanical nitrous and fuel solenoids share many similarities in build construction and design. There are many differences that can vary in a solenoids construction, such as port orifice size, port configuration, coil amperage, coil construction, piston material, piston design, tower size, and main body construction. While I am not one to agree that a solenoid is a solenoid, I do feel that this technical “how to” will cover 99 percent of the solenoids on the market.
Understanding how to maintain maintenance on the system solenoids requires knowing more than how to take them apart. Proper installation is important to a reliable operating solenoid.
1. If your nitrous solenoid does not have a screen filter in the inlet port of the solenoid, use an inlet fitting with built in screen. This will keep contaminants from entering the piston chamber and wedging between the piston and the solenoid seat, preventing the piston from sealing off flow when closed.
2. Inline nitrous filters are another method of keeping trash out of the solenoid. Most filters mount in the main feed line close to the bottle. Most inline filters offer a better filtration than the screen fittings however they do have some drawbacks. Since inline filters mount in the main feed line, they provide an expansion chamber for the nitrous. This can create a phase change and at some level restrict flow. (Knowing the limitation of flow VS your power level is key)
3. Thread sealant is important as well. We suggest using Teflon paste or a medium grade Loc-tite. On fittings that you will be taking apart we suggest Teflon paste for easy removal. In the event the pressure pushes the paste out and nitrous is leaking past the treads, clean the fittings and use Loc-tite. Keep in mind that when using the Loc-tite if you need to remove the fittings it may require heat to release.
4. Improper wire size, improper grounding contact surface and improper wire connections are the main cause of solenoid coil burn out. It is important that you know the amperage draw of your solenoids so that you can select the proper wire length and gauge for your system. Proper connection splices and ground contacts are also very critical. Without the proper connection and clean ground contact, the solenoid can operate inconsistently and cause coil burn out.
5. Using the correct fuel solenoid for the type of fuel you are using is also important. Today’s pump gases contain methanol and most all “old style” fuel solenoids contain a piston material not designed for today’s fuels. Most “new style” solenoids contain a piston material designed to work with today’s pump gas fuel. These solenoids will work with pump gas as well as unleaded and leaded race fuels. Alcohol solenoids will need a different piston and, depending on power level, possibly a larger flowing orifice. If your fuel solenoid does not have the correct piston material for the fuel you are using, the piston material can swell and prevent the solenoid from opening or closing all the way.
Solenoid tear down is very simple and you should not be intimidated by taking the solenoid apart for routine maintenance or cleaning. A clean work area is critical so that you can lay out the solenoid components without losing anything. In this section we will cover solenoid components, disassembling the solenoid and how to determine what may or may not need to be replaced.
You will need the following tools.
1. Nitrous Outlet Solenoid Maintenance Wrench.
2. Bench Vice
3. Brake Cleaner
4. Pressurized air and blow nozzle.
Section 1
Solenoid Components
Most solenoids are made up of 8 main components. (FIGURE 1)
1. Coil canister
2. Electromagnetic coil
3. Tower nut
4. Tower
5. Tower “O-ring” seal
6. Piston
7. Piston Spring
8. Solenoid base
9. Inlet screen
http://www.nitrousoutlet.com/gallery/albums/19/6331da0b26e08c26dc81dc73ecb6305d_s.jpg (http://www.nitrousoutlet.com/gallery/photo.asp?id=140)
(CLICK PICTURES FOR LARGER VIEW)
The nitrous system’s solenoids are the heart of the operating system. It is just as important to keep them in good working condition as it is for your body to maintain a good healthy heart. Over a period of time the use of the system can start to cause wear and tear on the solenoids. Knowing how to disassemble the solenoids and what parts to check for wear and tear can keep your system working reliably and safely.
Most mechanical nitrous and fuel solenoids share many similarities in build construction and design. There are many differences that can vary in a solenoids construction, such as port orifice size, port configuration, coil amperage, coil construction, piston material, piston design, tower size, and main body construction. While I am not one to agree that a solenoid is a solenoid, I do feel that this technical “how to” will cover 99 percent of the solenoids on the market.
Understanding how to maintain maintenance on the system solenoids requires knowing more than how to take them apart. Proper installation is important to a reliable operating solenoid.
1. If your nitrous solenoid does not have a screen filter in the inlet port of the solenoid, use an inlet fitting with built in screen. This will keep contaminants from entering the piston chamber and wedging between the piston and the solenoid seat, preventing the piston from sealing off flow when closed.
2. Inline nitrous filters are another method of keeping trash out of the solenoid. Most filters mount in the main feed line close to the bottle. Most inline filters offer a better filtration than the screen fittings however they do have some drawbacks. Since inline filters mount in the main feed line, they provide an expansion chamber for the nitrous. This can create a phase change and at some level restrict flow. (Knowing the limitation of flow VS your power level is key)
3. Thread sealant is important as well. We suggest using Teflon paste or a medium grade Loc-tite. On fittings that you will be taking apart we suggest Teflon paste for easy removal. In the event the pressure pushes the paste out and nitrous is leaking past the treads, clean the fittings and use Loc-tite. Keep in mind that when using the Loc-tite if you need to remove the fittings it may require heat to release.
4. Improper wire size, improper grounding contact surface and improper wire connections are the main cause of solenoid coil burn out. It is important that you know the amperage draw of your solenoids so that you can select the proper wire length and gauge for your system. Proper connection splices and ground contacts are also very critical. Without the proper connection and clean ground contact, the solenoid can operate inconsistently and cause coil burn out.
5. Using the correct fuel solenoid for the type of fuel you are using is also important. Today’s pump gases contain methanol and most all “old style” fuel solenoids contain a piston material not designed for today’s fuels. Most “new style” solenoids contain a piston material designed to work with today’s pump gas fuel. These solenoids will work with pump gas as well as unleaded and leaded race fuels. Alcohol solenoids will need a different piston and, depending on power level, possibly a larger flowing orifice. If your fuel solenoid does not have the correct piston material for the fuel you are using, the piston material can swell and prevent the solenoid from opening or closing all the way.
Solenoid tear down is very simple and you should not be intimidated by taking the solenoid apart for routine maintenance or cleaning. A clean work area is critical so that you can lay out the solenoid components without losing anything. In this section we will cover solenoid components, disassembling the solenoid and how to determine what may or may not need to be replaced.
You will need the following tools.
1. Nitrous Outlet Solenoid Maintenance Wrench.
2. Bench Vice
3. Brake Cleaner
4. Pressurized air and blow nozzle.
Section 1
Solenoid Components
Most solenoids are made up of 8 main components. (FIGURE 1)
1. Coil canister
2. Electromagnetic coil
3. Tower nut
4. Tower
5. Tower “O-ring” seal
6. Piston
7. Piston Spring
8. Solenoid base
9. Inlet screen
http://www.nitrousoutlet.com/gallery/albums/19/6331da0b26e08c26dc81dc73ecb6305d_s.jpg (http://www.nitrousoutlet.com/gallery/photo.asp?id=140)