DirtectoValve Sticking Cancel The title field is required!

1. Norma O'Leary

   

   1 posts
   
   5/14/2012 8:05 PM

   So what's the secret to stop the Electronic DirectoValves used in the TeeJet sprayer sytems from getting corroded and sticking. I was having trouble with keeping them clean. I finally broke down and replaced all three of them. After just 3 - 4 uses one of them has started acting up again. It allows water to pass, but clearly has less pressure than the other two booms. I give it a friendly tap with a hammer just so I can finish my application, but this is getting old! Is it just me, or what do I have to do to keep the stupid things from getting slightly built up with corrosion?
   
   Norma O'Leary
   Silver Bay, MN

   
   
   
   
2. Patrick Knelly

   

   0 posts
   
   5/14/2012 8:05 PM

   Norma,
   
   Remove the valve bank and take the solenoid off of the top of the valve body so you can access the steel plunger inside. It can be removed pretty easily and lightly sanded with emory cloth if there is any pitting or irregularities. Before you re-assemble the plunger lubricate the entire thing with a judicious ammount of Mineral Oil (found at a pharmacy) and the valves should be much much more reliable. I do mine once per year right after our snow mold spray during winterization and have not had a valve stick in years.

   
   
   
   
3. Timothy Walker

   

   0 posts
   
   5/15/2012 1:05 PM

   i had a spraystar with that valve and when i had trouble with a valve not working i had to replace the solenoid and the gasket on the plunger.

   
   
   
   
4. Hardy Andrew

   
   5/15/2012 5:05 PM

   Temporary fix; tap it with a screwdriver. Permanent fix; replace the solenoid or get a solenoid reapir kit.

   
   
   
   
5. Norma O'Leary

   

   1 posts
   
   5/15/2012 7:05 PM

   I'm seriously only getting 3 - 4 uses on a brand new solenoid before it starts sticking again. I was hoping for a more permanent fix, since they're not cheap. I'll try the mineral oil for sure. Thanks Patrick.

   
   
   
   
6. Rocky Tharp

   

   0 posts
   
   5/21/2012 9:05 AM

   We had the same issue and were getting only about 6-12 months out of the valves. If you look in the TeeJet catalog there are two types: the AA144A and the AA144P. We switched to the AA144P valve and haven't had a problem since. On the catalog page, part of the valve description says, "corrosion-resistant. 430SS solenoid grade armature and armature stop". The way they attach to the boom is a little different but it's not too difficult to figure out a way to mount them. Hope that helps.
   
   Rocky Tharp
   Interbay GC
   Seattle, WA

   
   
   
   
7. Norma O'Leary

   

   1 posts
   
   5/29/2012 8:05 PM

   Patrick:
   
   The Mineral Oil seems to be working like a Champ! Thanks!
   
   Norma