Lifespan of CO2 solenoid?

**bennyc** · 18th Dec 2012, 14:47

Dear Veterans,

How long is the lifespan of co2 solenoid? Cos I am trying to weight the pro and cons of getting a new CO2 solenoid vs a 2nd hand one.

Another thing being is there a big difference between JBJ vs Taiwan brand solenoid? (CO2- the brand name if i am not wrong)

Better to get a 2nd/3rd-hand jbj brand solenoid or a new taiwan brand solenoid?

I really appreciate your valuable opinions.

**bennyc** · 19th Dec 2012, 08:15

Anyone have any idea?

**felix_fx2** · 19th Dec 2012, 08:26

Just share with you.

My 1st used one used for 2 plus years. Got free as faulty, clear up the stuck and put new set power cords and can use. Abit stuck every now and then.

My 2nd one bought around 6 months ago. Also used unit, no faults. Believe last owner used 3-4 years already.
Got it as the 1st one every now will stay on. Too lazy to open and check.

Very important thing, never... Never let water go in the solenoid. It will cause some problems.

If you can afford, new is always good. If cannot get a good condition from marketplace.

Btw, the heat caused by the electric magnet when powered up varies between brand. My 2nd one actually a jbj unit and quite warm as compared to the Taiwan unit I managed to repair.

Regards

**bennyc** · 19th Dec 2012, 08:48

Originally Posted by felix_fx2

Just share with you.

My 1st used one used for 2 plus years. Got free as faulty, clear up the stuck and put new set power cords and can use. Abit stuck every now and then.

My 2nd one bought around 6 months ago. Also used unit, no faults. Believe last owner used 3-4 years already.
Got it as the 1st one every now will stay on. Too lazy to open and check.

Very important thing, never... Never let water go in the solenoid. It will cause some problems.

If you can afford, new is always good. If cannot get a good condition from marketplace.

Btw, the heat caused by the electric magnet when powered up varies between brand. My 2nd one actually a jbj unit and quite warm as compared to the Taiwan unit I managed to repair.

Regards

Thanks for sharing. In your experience, is the cheap $1.50 check value good enough for the stopping the water from getting into solenoid or a better one is needed?

It seems locally, hobbists seldom use the brass bubble counter which i believe is a check valve right? Price the issue? or there is inherent problems.

Sidetrack abit, haha. seen your blog. you are like super diy man, engine background?

**milk_vanilla** · 19th Dec 2012, 13:53

I'm using brass bubble counter for almost half year so far, i don't see any issue on it. But i recently found, it's easy to get leak the gas out. If it's not screwed properly,

sometime i sealed them with additional pvc white tape.

**bennyc** · 19th Dec 2012, 14:28

So is it true it is also a check valve?

The water inside, dont have to change it often Right? add water, seal it for a gd long long time.

**milk_vanilla** · 19th Dec 2012, 14:57

yes it's check valve built in.

I used to top up about once a month. It didn't dry out easily whenever you sealed them properly.

**diazman** · 19th Dec 2012, 15:16

I think should be able to last long. i got a solenoid from a bro not long ago. Its dated early 2004 (marked on the solenoid) brand play a part i suppose but more on taking good care of the solenoid from harms way

**5stars** · 22nd Dec 2012, 15:00

Originally Posted by bennyc

Thanks for sharing. In your experience, is the cheap $1.50 check value good enough for the stopping the water from getting into solenoid or a better one is needed?

It seems locally, hobbists seldom use the brass bubble counter which i believe is a check valve right? Price the issue? or there is inherent problems.

Sidetrack abit, haha. seen your blog. you are like super diy man, engine background?

I've used quite a variety of check valves, and in my opinion, this kind of cheap check valve is the best:

Attachment 33735

You can buy them online for a few cents each and rig a few in series together just to be safe.

I have experienced other more expensive check valves such as "double stop check valve" and "spring stop check valve" leaking water, and even a brass check valve (the silver one without bubble counter) cracked.

**felix_fx2** · 22nd Dec 2012, 16:00

5star, which one you crack? The aluminum one!! Had use the brass one with bubble counter before, got lucky and it leaked

Bennyc, DIY is for fun and enjoyment sake. I work in the IT industry. (OT, SMS lingo very easily come out when replying from mobile.)

**bennyc** · 22nd Dec 2012, 16:19

Originally Posted by 5stars

I've used quite a variety of check valves, and in my opinion, this kind of cheap check valve is the best:

Attachment 33735

You can buy them online for a few cents each and rig a few in series together just to be safe.

I have experienced other more expensive check valves such as "double stop check valve" and "spring stop check valve" leaking water, and even a brass check valve (the silver one without bubble counter) cracked.

Thanks for sharing, i have already bought the check valve You mentioned, going to be kiasu and maybe add a brass counter to protect the solenoid. Haha.

By the way, do you need to change the plastic check valve say 1 year once or only when it leaks? cause it looks and feels rather "cheap/ weak"

**bennyc** · 22nd Dec 2012, 16:24

Felix bro,

Sorry, did not realise until you mention it.

**felix_fx2** · 22nd Dec 2012, 21:30

No problem, just for forum sake i reply in full also. (some sms lingos are so profound that when i use it at work, my UK colleagues go "HUH what you mean?")

Back on topic, i change when it breaks or suspect faulty.
I've got a dozen spare ones from window shopping in LFS (don't laugh at me

i know folks who have no clue why they buy stuff when in LFS LOL )

**bennyc** · 22nd Dec 2012, 22:17

Originally Posted by felix_fx2

No problem, just for forum sake i reply in full also. (some sms lingos are so profound that when i use it at work, my UK colleagues go "HUH what you mean?")

Back on topic, i change when it breaks or suspect faulty.
I've got a dozen spare ones from window shopping in LFS (don't laugh at me

i know folks who have no clue why they buy stuff when in LFS LOL )

Haha.. true, today walk into c328 and walk out with 2 oto. Walk into a hardware shop and end up with a T5 bulb.
Anyway, went to c328 and saw the below fishes in the same tanks with the otos. Ask the uncle and he say is fuka. Can't find it online though.

Anyone know?

Attachment 33742

**5stars** · 24th Dec 2012, 20:55

Originally Posted by felix_fx2

5star, which one you crack? The aluminum one!! Had use the brass one with bubble counter before, got lucky and it leaked

Bennyc, DIY is for fun and enjoyment sake. I work in the IT industry. (OT, SMS lingo very easily come out when replying from mobile.)

Yah, I think the one that cracked was made of aluminum since it is silver in colour, but it was sold as "brass check valve." Waste of my money.

**Zeonic** · 24th Dec 2012, 22:02

I got a stainless steel check valve from green chapter.

**sammajor** · 25th Dec 2012, 00:05

Have been using the electric solenoid bought from NA about 9 year ago. Stopped using for a period of say 4 years. Recently took it out and use again. Still functioning well.

**qngwn** · 27th Dec 2012, 23:33

JBJ or not, nowadays JBJ stuff are made in china already, so i guess it all does not make a difference. what matters is the solenoid. i'm currently using a german solenoid that does not heat up when in operation. compared to taiwan solenoids, operation wise it does not make it difference, except for the solenoid becoming warm or hot.

**benxu1976** · 10th May 2013, 16:02

recently I also get a solenoid, but after one week plus, then now it don't function. It always open. This weekend, will try to repair. Anyone can share reparing skill?

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