Inspecting the Air Solenoid Valve

Some locations may choose to do this procedure on a more frequent basis (i.e., quarterly, semi-annually, or other frequency).

Fire Hazard To avoid fire, remove fryer from service and replace vat if any oil accumulation is noticed on a vat weld.

Ensure that the air solenoid valve is operating properly by disassembling the solenoid, cleaning and degreasing the components, then reassembling the valve. If this is plugged, remove the plug.

Why is this important?

The air solenoid ensures that during the stir cycle, when the filter pump motor turns on for just a few seconds on the initial heat up after the polish cycle for the day, the pump only draws air into the vat and not any excess of oil that may still linger in the filter pan. This makes sure that the vat oil level does not increase.

Cleaning the Air Solenoid Valve

1. Disconnect power from fryer.

2. Remove right side panel of fryer (air solenoid is next to the filter pump).

3. Remove red cap (1).

4. Pry edge of plate (2) with a small screwdriver and slide out of the way.

5. Remove the cover (3) and coil (4) and set aside.

6. Remove the coil spring (5).

7. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the bonnet (6).

8. Remove the spring retainer (7), plunger spring (8), and plunger (9). Clean and degrease these parts along with the bonnet.

9. Install in reverse order making sure the plunger slides freely up and down in the valve. If parts are damaged or excessively worn, replace with a new air solenoid valve.

   

10. Remove any plug in the air intake at the base of the valve.