Lid/solenoid bad after 1 year

onohunter

Just got my lid back from its 1st annual service with the following issues; 1st, it had a hairline crack that was not visible to the naked eye and second the selenoid was corroded. the first problem is common and replaced for free, blamed on a bad batch of plastic. the second problem upset me. I take good care of my unit (insert jokes). when I mentioned this to E Price he said when drying the lid disconnect the O2 cells and open the battery case. Then dry it in a AC enviroment. Peter Denhaan had instructed me to dry it in a well ventilated area which I had been doing but I guess it wasn't enough. Anyways, I was upset that the damage wasn't covered in the warranty since I cared for it as instructed.
The point- Hope someone learns from this, and has anyone found a way to prevent this?
Btw, I live in the tropics, and I guess thats a bad thing

jradomski

a well ventillated enviroment should be fine.. leaving cells exposed to very dry air will degrade them prematurely.. Its ok to have them exposed to AC for a short time, but long time is no good.. You will dry out the electrolyte.. Look at the cell specifications they are rated at 50% RH, drier air shortens the life.. I know a few people who used to live in the tropics that were getting very short cell life because they were storing their rigs in AC.. I told them to watch the AC exposure ad their cell life increased alot..

when you say the solenoid was corroded was it inside or out?? outside is no big deal, inside will happen if your o2 is not dry or if you leave the hoses disconnected and allow atmospheric moisture to get into the o2 lines..

a single drop of water will corrode the soleoid (interior) as it has to be made of a ferrous metal..

medical o2 is not particularly dry, aviator grade is better.. I stopped getting o2 from my supplier in gas form and only get it in liquid so that I can insure the gas in my banks is very dry..

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Joe Radomski
CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer
ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10

All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.

onohunter

I don't know where the rust was, only that they said it needed to be replaced. So take the lid off, let it dry in AC(maybe a day or so), then reassemble the unit?
sounds like allot but willing to do it if its best.
Thanks

Captain Nemo

TOP TIP.... Before connecting your hose to the solenoid inlet, open your oxygen cylinder and flush any moisture out,if any there you will see it...

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matt crane

Looking on the bright side of things at least you will get the new style solenoid which will mean your batteries will last longer