Propane solenoid question [RE-wrenches]

Tue Jan 29 17:51:28 PST 2002

"We've seen one client rig a 110v gas solenoid to the AC output of the genny
itself.  If the genny shuts off it cuts off fuel flow."

How does he get the valve to open to start with? I doubt the genny would
produce enough at crank speeds to open the valve and let it run.

This interests me as I have a customer whose valve will flatten the starting
battery and he wants me to remote switch it into the camp so it can be
disabled.

thanks,
Bob

RE. Ellison
Supplier of;
Diesel Generators &
Alternative Energy Systems & Supplies
34642 Countryman Road
Theresa, NY. USA
                               13691-2076

-----Original Message-----
From: Allan Sindelar [mailto:allan at positiveenergysolar.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2002 7:58 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Winco LP Generator [RE-wrenches]

A couple of other things to add to Phil's post:
1. Winco offers a 12V DC electric solenoid for their units. I know nothing
about it; it was listed for about $150 on a card of available accessories
for the unit. I have 800 733-2112 and 612 357-6831 for Winco, but they are
old numbers.
2. My unit lacks the 120/240 VAC switch that allows both legs to combine at
120V AC, so to use it effectively with a SW you will need to add a T240 or
equivalent balancing transformer. Otherwise you'll get 1/2 the output,
overloading one of the gennie's legs and unloading the other. It's kinda
hard on gennies.
3. The SW can start a Honda engine; it's on/off/momentary start like a car.
But Phil is right; without a prime on the LP or nat gas I don't think it can
start remotely or automatically. Years ago Windy taught me to discourage
automatic gennie operation whenever possible. In short: more automation>less
user involvement>more problems not caught while they're small. Still makes
sense to this bozo.
4. I got this gennie because one of the case bolts on the can had broken,
causing the rotor to rub the stator, eventually shorting out a winding. The
bolt screwed into a spot-welded nut on the plate attaching can to engine;
the weld had broken, a weak design point.
Allan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Undercuffler" <phil at positiveenergysolar.com>
> Allan uses a Honda-powered Winco on his house.  Got it in trade from a
> client after it self-destructed.  It sat in the shop for about a year
until
> he could get a local machine shop to recreate some internal widget, now it
> runs fine.  It replaced a very very tired Honda-powered Coleman.
>
> They are sold as tri-fuel units--gasoline, natural gas or propane.  There
is
> a one time adjustment for either nat gas or propane, with the ability to
run
> on gasoline at any time.  Some units use a Honda engine, others I've seen
> used either a B&S or Tecumsah engine, I can't remember which.  The Honda
> units are the only ones worth getting, stay away from the other.
>
> Also, one critical note.  Winco's conversion voids the Honda engine
> warrantee, so if you have ANY trouble with the unit you can't turn for
help
> to the local Honda repair facility--it requires shipping back to the
> manufacturer or seller, a point those lowball catalog sellers just happen
to
> forget to mention.
>
> Electric start, but can't be started remotely/automatically (manual
propane
> valve and choke ).
>
> Don't forget to derate for fuel source.
>
> Also, if unit stalls propane continues to flow.  We've seen one client rig
a
> 110v gas solenoid to the AC output of the genny itself.  If the genny
shuts
> off it cuts off fuel flow.
>
> Enjoy the Sun!
>
> Phil Undercuffler
> Positive Energy

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