Help with Razor Rinse Tank

[slash007]

Need help with my Razor 4 rinse tank solenoid. I started getting "low water main tank" errors and I found out that if I wash cars back to back, the rinse tank is not filling up as fast as it should, so the water level gets very low and I get the error. I started by checking and replacing the diaphragm and nothing changed. It looked fine anyway. Then I replaced the coil, then the piston, then finally the whole solenoid valve, but no luck. When it starts filling, it works perfectly for about 3-4 seconds, then it starts to fill up slow and continues until it finally stops. I checked voltage on the coil and it's a steady 24v the whole time it's active. Thought maybe it was a booster pump problem, but checked water pressure coming in and it's strong and steady. I'm at a total loss as to what to try next. Any help is appreciated.

 

[OurTown]

Have you checked flow right before the solenoid valve with it disconnected from the plumbing? I'm suspecting a restriction in the line somewhere. Maybe a broken softener part. Is it a 1" line?

 

[slash007]

I did check the flow before the solenoid and it was string. If a restriction, why would it work for a few seconds at high flow before slowing down? I never considered the softener. I'll switch the other tank to active and see if the issue remains.

 

[OurTown]

Did you check for flow longer than 4 seconds?

 

[OurTown]

Is the solenoid valve installed in the correct flow direction?

 

[slash007]

Did you check for flow longer than 4 seconds?

Yes. I filled a 5 gallon bucket and it was strong the whole time. Not scientific as a test, but the water was uncontrollably strong with no change during the duration it was won. Washworls insists it has to be the solenoid, but it can't be. Has to be something else causing the restriction. I did have it work for a week with no issues, so I am thinking maybe one of the softener tanks could be the culprit somehow. What could I look for there?

 

[OurTown]

I doubt it's the softener if there's good flow at the solenoid valve. Does it do it consistently now?

 

[slash007]

I doubt it's the softener if there's good flow at the solenoid valve. Does it do it consistently now?

Yes. I've tried several times draining the tank to just above low water float then turning water back on. Starts filling at a high rate, then slows down after a few seconds. Somehow getting restricted after a few seconds. I can't see the solenoid suddenly partially closing if 24v is applied consistently.

 

[OurTown]

Is it installed in the correct direction?

 

[slash007]

Is it installed in the correct direction?

Yes.. I have 5 other Razors that are the same, so very familiar with them.

 

[chaz]

Is there a check valve. I had a similar issue (different brand machine) inner parts of solenoid had “broken” and sometimes water flowed nicely other times the parts caused obstruction

 

[slash007]

Is there a check valve. I had a similar issue (different brand machine) inner parts of solenoid had “broken” and sometimes water flowed nicely other times the parts caused obstruction

No check valve in between. I checked flow after the filter as well and it was fine.

 

[OurTown]

Have you tried checking the flow directly out of the solenoid valve with any downstream plumbing removed?

 

[slash007]

Have you tried checking the flow directly out of the solenoid valve with any downstream plumbing removed?

Yes. I honestly don't think there is anything I have not tried. Spent over 10 hours trying to pin it down.

 

[OurTown]

If the flow is good up to it and not good after it then it seems logical that it's the valve. Have you tried it on another setup since you have multiple Razors?

 

[slash007]

If the flow is good up to it and not good after it then it seems logical that it's the valve. Have you tried it on another setup since you have multiple Razors?

Yep. Tried a valve from another Razor.