Air solenoid ?

[CruisinGA]

This solenoid will be used to run an ARB air locker. I do not want to buy an ARB solenoid, as this setup is going to be run with all NPT threads, no BSPT. I also want to keep parts easily available.

I found a solenoid at Mcmaster-Carr that I believe will work- I'm asking here to check before I order, as it is not cheap.

It is a three-way, single solenoid. Closed by spring pressure when not activated. Good for the pressure necessary for the ARB. 12VDC. 1/8" NPT

It is available in both 2 and 3 port configurations.

^ This is what I am not sure about. The ARB solenoid exhausts to atmosphere when closed, thus causing the locker to disengage.

The cataloge reads

"3-way valves are most often used for single-acting air cylinders. 3-way valves with 2 ports exhaust directly to the atmosphere."

It would seem to me that the two port configuration is what I want, that the 3 port is made to exhaust back into the system, whereas the 2 port exhaust directly to atmosphere like the ARB solenoid.

Thanks for any clarification. I am not well versed in industrial parts and engineering.

 

[dallen341]

you need a 3-way valve. The, N.C. port will flow air to the locker when energized. When de-energized, the air ir the locker will need to exhaust, allowing the locker to return to the unlocked state. The air will exhaust from the locker thru the 3rd port which is an exhaust port.

 

[CruisinGA]

Both solenoids are three way.

One is two port, one is 3 port. I think they both actually have three openings (threaded or not).

It seems to me that they basically have the same function, except the two port can only exhaust to atmosphere, whereas the other exhausts through a third, threaded port.

 

[Dave E]

It doesnt matter. The 3rd port will just exhaust to the extra port. There is typicaly a muffler screwed into the port. Imagine the noise if you were energising and deenergising the valve every 30 seconds. What brand are you looking at? Some are more respected than others.


Dave

 

[cheap 40]

I believe Dave is right. In an industrial setting, OSHA likes to keep the noise down as much as possible, so a muffler would be used. I think either valve would work fine.

Tony

 

[cheap 40]

If you want, give me a page # in McMaster Carr's catalogue and I will take a look myself.

 

[CruisinGA]

pg 873, Type E Solenoid.

Thanks.

 

[Dave E]

Got a part number? I can look it up on the web.

Dave


:EDIT: Nevermind, I found it. I dont know about that specific one, but it does not look like it has a manual override. Some solenoids have a little knob or screw you can turn to active it. This could come in handy in trouble situations. Style A seems to have the override in the picture. Just a thought.


Dave

 

[Dave E]

OH! forgot. I dont see a problem that would cause either to not work for you.

Dave

 

[sherwood]

Those look pricey.

Try the Mac valves:
http://george4wd.taskled.com/airlocker.html

They are available from several sources.
I think quite a number of folks are using them in lieu of ARB solenoids.

Don't loose the McMaster-Carr address.... the "muffler" for the Mac valve is available there.

You can see a pair installed in my '79 FJ-40:
http://www.homestead.com/sparkgap/OnBoardAir.html

john

 

[cheap 40]

It looks like any of them will work fine. I would probably go with the $17 valves simply because of the price. Or, have you looked at page 871 in McMaster Carr? They have some mini valves that you could mount in or under the dash and have one less thing to go wrong. You just have to use small nylon air line and instant (Legris) fittings. I have had a lot of experience using the instant fittings in a factory setting and they work very well. With this you could eliminate the electrical portion of the system and simplify everything.