Original message
| tylertown
 |  "Gas valve silenoid hum"
, posted Thu 17 Jan 15:00  
I installed a White Rodgers electonic ignition kit on my furnace about 1 1/2 years ago. It uses a 36E86 392 gas valve. This year the main gas control solenoid has developed an unbearable loud hum. Any thoughts as to what might be the problem and solution?
will
will
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Replies:
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| tylertown
| "Re(1):Gas valve silenoid hum" , posted Sun 20 Jan 12:53
Thanks to you all for your answers. They confirmed what I suspected.
I had already checked transformer output. It was 25v.
The hum is obviously coming from the main gas flow solenoid since it starts when the burner ignites and stops when it goes off.
Is this a common problem?
While I know this is farfetched, what are the possibilities that the gas flow could be causing something else to vibrate like maybe the burners?
will
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| smythers1968
| "Re(1):Gas valve silenoid hum" , posted Thu 17 Jan 16:11:
You may have a weak silenoid in the gas valve or a weak transformer.
I would guess a transformer.
Life lesson #12 Know when not to do it yourself.
WOW That Can Hurt!!
[this message was edited by smythers1968 on Thu 17 Jan 16:12] |
| | pwned
| "Re(2):Gas valve silenoid hum" , posted Thu 17 Jan 16:53:
Don't go replacing parts just yet.
I'm not an HVAC contractor by trade, but this is what I'd do:
Measure transformer output under load, that is with the solenoid actuated.
If it reads ~24v AC, the transformer is fine. Replace valve.
If it reads substantially below 24v, remove transformer output connection, then measure the current.
~2A or less--> replace transformer. Transformer fault. Unable to maintain normal current.
substantially greater than 2A or it's burning hot--> shorted solenoid, transformer overload, replace valve. You may want to replace the transformer while you're at it as it's probably damaged from the overload especially if there's visible signs of previous overheating.
Small transformers are extremely reliable. Failure is usually caused by an overload or short. If the valve draws more than the transformer is rated to output, it may work, but may result in a failure.
[this message was edited by pwned on Thu 17 Jan 16:55] |
| | northernfitter
| "Re(3):Gas valve silenoid hum" , posted Thu 17 Jan 21:25
If the gas valve is humming it would only do it when energized if thats the case not much you can do but replace it since your not allowed to mess with the solenoids on them.
12years as a service tech in Ottawa and the valley. Just left Direct Energy to start my own company. Go to www.reliableheating.ca or email me at adrian@reliableheating.ca
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