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Solenoid Melt Down

Today we had quite a shock , we where having our morning coffee  and noticed smoke coming from the dash, So I removed the dash cover and found out were the smoke was coming from. For no apparent reason  the air horn solenoid was having a meltdown
Both hoses were melted right of . I did not know this at the time what that solenoid did
I have replaced it , A product by Hadley air horn solenoid # H00550A . It was ease to do however when I had finished the instal
I started the coach up air up and tried  the horn , everything was good to go . then when i turn of the ignition there seem to be air
being released from this solenoid . My question is this . Is this normal . There is a small port on the bottom of this valve

Any way we where very lucky to be home and spotted this problem as it could have been a disaster .
Hope someone has answer.
Thank you
Rob
Rob Barb & Pyper
2002  U320  40'
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #1 –
Yes, very unusual and fortuitous that you caught it.

Sorry, no answer to your question, but were it me,  I would be on the phone to Hadley tomorrow to ask them about the bleed hole/small port.  I can't think of a reason for it, but hopefully they can.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #2 –
maybe try disconnecting 12 volt power source or neg. as its leaking,  tap  with the end of a screwdriver. some reason why the other one over heated?
Or what Brett said....
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #3 –
It might be directional with small vent on the horn side ?

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #4 –
It should only have power to it when the horn button is pushed, check to make sure something is not stuck
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #5 –
When replacing a horn solenoid, be sure to check that the system is ok.  In my case, I ended up replacing the "new solenoid"
with another one due to it being faulty..  VOM to the rescue.  pc

S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #6 –
This thread scares me! We all have that brand of horn and can't wait to hear what the problem was.  :(
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #7 –
Yes, scary, but the very first failure I have heard of of that solenoid in all the years on 3 RV forums.  So, incident of failure has to be extremely low.

If of concern, determine the actual amp draw of a properly functioning solenoid and install a fuse that is only 15% more than that rating.  If on a separate fuse, just replace the fuse.  If multiple fuses on their circuit, just cut the hot wire just before the solenoid and install an inline fuse holder/fuse.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #8 –
The same thing happened to us 3-4 winters ago. I thought the cat pushed on the horn (zero air pressure at the time) and burned the  solenoid up. There was no damage to anything nearby. I just replaced the smoked solenoid and have had no problems since.

Bob

2000 U270

Winter: Texas Rio Grande Valley or Foley, AL
Summer: The Gardens RV Community of Crossville, TN
2000 40 FT U270, Xtreme FBP
2017 C-Max Towed

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #9 –
Help the new guy: anyone got a pic of the solenoid and/or where under the dash is it?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #10 –
Mike,

Open the dash top.  It will have two wires and two air lines going to it.  Should be able to feel the solenoid click when ignition on and you push the horn button.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #11 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Mike,

Open the dash top.  It will have two wires and two air lines going to it.  Should be able to feel the solenoid click when ignition on and you push the horn button.
Thanx, Brett. Looks like the dash top has been re-done, but I'll cross that bridge if needed. (Hopefully NOT)!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #12 –
Mike, 

Yes, it has been redone, but no effect on access.  Lift from the back (part toward you)  lip of the dash.  It will pop up. 

You really need to know how to access this area, as that is where a LOT of your fuses are located.

If question, call.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #13 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Yes, it has been redone, but no effect on access.  Lift from the back (part toward you)  lip of the dash.  It will pop up.  You really need to know how to access this area, as that is where a LOT of your fuses are located
It sure beats floor-crawling under the dash on ones back to get at the fuses of the Airstream!  :headwall:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'
 

Re: Solenoid Melt Down

Reply #14 –
Thank you al for your concern and your  help . Yes it was very scary at the time , however we must move on. One thing i did do is isolate the solenoid from any other wires so in case it ever happens again heaven forbid it will not do any damage .
Again thank you all
Rob.
Rob Barb & Pyper
2002  U320  40'
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara