Solenoid substitute

[Jgolden]

I don't have a manual shut off.

Just for discussion,(and to settle a small bet) if I were to remove the plunger from the solenoid and plumb a ball valve into the fuel line would that function as start stop, or does the lift pump require a bypass or return flow to function/survive?

Thanks any facts to substitute for beer induced theory.

 

[R C Cola]

Shut off ?

As I understand a " ball check valve " fuel will flow one way only ( I have one on my fuel tank fill line to prevent fuel siphoning without the pump being on) . Hooked into the fuel line after the lift pump it will allow fuel to flow to the filter but not drain back the other way. Won't work. You could install a simple 3/8ths ball valve that you turn manually or w/solenoid electrically .

 

[Jgolden]

Ok, sorry, your right, I meant ball valve(open /close) not ballcheck valve. I changed it on edit.

Thanks for the correction.

 

[Greenleaf]

A ball valve where? The only way to shut off the fuel flowto the hyd head is to close the passage that feeds the plunger OR position the sleeve (our pump is sleeve metering theory) so that the fuel port (shut-off) inside the plunger is open thus no pressure is produced.



Another couple less desirable options are to lock the transmission in two gears at once, or shut-off the air flow to the turbo/engine.

 

[glhs]

You can remove the plunger, yes.

It will run just fine.

The ball valve trick would require the pump to run "dry" for a few seconds before the engine would die. Maybe it would only take a second if placed close enough to the fuel inlet of the injection pump.

Would it work? I'm sure it would.

Would it be bad for the pump? Don't know.

 

[Jgolden]

Ok, message recieved.

Good to get tech details. My question came from a discussion about a simple mechanical way to shut down fuel to a VE with no lever shut off, without harm to the pump.

Glad to have a place to ask what was a dumb question and get sensible replies.

Thanks

 

[JLEONARD]

I guess I have to wonder why you would want to do that anyway.

Why not just put in a new solenoid if you are paranoid about the current one dying on you. From what I can gather these things last a really long time.



But to comment on your ball valve question, I don't think you'd hurt the injection pump by shutting off the fuel supply ahead of it. The pump will only make a revolution or two and it will still have some fuel in it to keep it lubed.



The real question is will you then have to bleed it out to get it running again?

To me that's a more important point.

 

[Jgolden]

I guess I have to wonder why you would want to do that anyway.

Why not just put in a new solenoid if you are paranoid about the current one dying on you. From what I can gather these things last a really long time.

I agree and I do have a new one. Even with the bracket chopped, the placement of the engine in my rig would make it a major problem on the road, but with the price of diesel it could be a moot question anyway(10mpg).



The simplicity of an on off lever led to a discussion about "worse case " deals and the ball valve was a "what if "suggestion.

Hey, I'm retired and have a lot of ponder and chat time It gets me in all kinds of trouble, but you folks help save me from experimental disasters and most here are also kicking in on my Social Security.

What could be better.

Thanks