IS THIS A "GRAVITY FEED" OR "GRAVITY FILL" VALVE ?

Yes, our valves are zero differential, unlike other manufacturers, Rancho Valves do not require pressure to operate (open or close). This is ideal for gravity fill applications such as Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST).

DOES THE VALVE HAVE A PRESSURE RELIEF ?

Yes, 878X Rancho Valve includes an internal pressure relief to help absorb thermal expansion in the fuel supply or transfer line.

WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE TOLERANCE/RANGE ?

All of the valves operate at their best performance with nominal voltage (the voltage stated in the nameplate/coil).

However, they all have a tolerance of approximately -/+ 10% of the nominal voltage.

WILL THE VALVE WORK UNDER PRESSURE FILL APPLICATIONS ?

Yes, as long as the maximum pressure is lower or the same as the maximum pressure stated on the nameplate the valve should work properly.

HOW MANY AMPS DOES THE VALVE DRAW?

The current draw of the valve depends on the voltage and whether the power supply is AC or DC. For AC power supplies, it’s important to note that the inrush current is typically about three times higher than the holding current.

• Inrush Current: This is the initial surge of current when the valve is first energized, usually lasting 1 to 3 seconds.

• Holding Current: Once the valve is fully open, the current draw drops to the holding stage, which is significantly lower than the inrush current.

This is a table showing the current draw for 3/4″ to 2″ valves. For 3″ valves, the current draw is approximately 60% higher.

DOES THE VALVE HAVE A FLOW DIRECTION ?

Yes, to be able to operate correctly, all solenoid valves must be installed with the arrow cast on the body pointing in the direction of flow. If the valve is installed backwards the fluid will pass through the valve even if it is in the close position.

WHAT ARE THE PIPING INSTRUCTIONS ?

Valve must be mounted on horizontal pipe with coil vertical and upright.

The PIPES on both sides of the valve must be HORIZONTAL and securely fastened install the valve with the COIL UPWARDS.

Tightening up always use counter-force when tightening up pipe connections, i.e. use a spanner on both the valve body as well as on the pipe connector.

HOW LONG AND WHAT GAUGE ARE THE LEAD WIRES ?

The lead wires are 18″ long and are stranded. The wire gauge is 18 AWG.

HOW DO I CONNECT THE VALVE TO THE POWER SUPPLY ?

The valve has two wires, either wire can be connected to the live or neutral supply in case of an AC coil or positive and negative in case of DC.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF I INSTALL THE VALVE BACKWARDS, MEANING THE ARROW ON THE VALVE POINTING WHERE THE FLUID IS COMING FROM ?

If the arrow on the valve is not pointing towards where the fluid should flow, then it is installed incorrectly, and the valve will let fluid flow backwards from the outlet to the inlet. The valve will not be damaged and you can correct the installation.

WHAT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DO I NEED TO PERFORM ?

Rancho Valves require very little maintenance if a strainer is installed upstream of the valve and the fluid that it handles is clean of debris.

The only recommended maintenance is to thoroughly clean all parts (internal and external). If parts are worn or damaged, install a complete rebuild kit.

HOW CAN I TELL IF THE COIL IS WORKING PROPERLY ?

You can check the resistance of the coil with a tester. If there is no resistance or the resistance is almost zero, you need to replace the coil.

Coils last a long time (more than 140 thousand cycles), so if the coil is burnt out (no resistance) before reaching 140 thousand cycles, then there could be something wrong, such as not the right voltage applied, the piston inside the valve is stuck and does not move freely, fluid or ambient temperature too hot.

WHAT CAN I DO IF THE VALVE STARTED LEAKING DOWNSTREAM THROUGH THE SEAT ?

You can disassemble the bonnet of the valve by removing the coil and housing assembly, the 6 hex screws and the bonnet. The only part inside the valve is the piston assembly. Remove it and thoroughly clean it. Check for worn or damaged parts. If worn or damages, install a new piston assembly. Also clean the valve seat before replacing the piston.

WHAT CAN I DO IF THE VALVE HAS AN EXTERNAL LEAKAGE ?

The only joint of the valve is between the bonnet and the valve body. It seals with an o’ring.

You can disassemble the bonnet of the valve by removing the coil and housing assembly, and then the 6 hex screws. Lift the bonnet and inspect and replace the o’ring included in our rebuild kit.