On Sun, 07 Aug 2005 15:15:05 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


"Frank Boettcher" wrote in message
That's true it could be, but they usually fail closed where they will
not let any water in. Way to check is to attach a voltmeter to the
solenoid terminals and check the voltage as the unit goes through a
fill cycle. It the voltage comes up and then does not drop off after
the appropriate time, the solenoid valve is doing what it is told to
do, that is, stay open.

If electricity opens it, what closes it? If a spring, the spring can be
broken.


You're right. In my experience, however, and it is quite limited, the
coil fails first. I've replaced several that would not open, none
that would not close. doesn't mean that it can't happen. Kind of
like thermostats on cars, they can and will fail both ways.

By checking the voltage you can be sure that the timer/motor is
telling it to open and close properly, and eliminate all but the
solenoid as the problem.