A
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ValvePro 800 Series Troubleshooting
Sequence steps on the following pages were taken from the ValvePro 800
computer program which
has been designed for the
internet/desktop/pocketPC
It is better to use the
computer program if
possible. It will guide the
troubleshooting more
exactly. The valve identification used follows the same ABC code used within
the Nelson Valve Selector computer program, the Nelson Irrigation price list
and that model code imprinted upon the 800 Series valve name plate.
NVS valve selector
A = Valve size
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
B = Connection
C = Operating pressure
D = Control function
E = On/off mode
H = Filter options
Valve nameplate
identification
A4B5C2D2E4H2
800112404
200
Name plate example shows that
the valve was manufactured
11/24/2004
This shaded box is used within the flow chart to show where all preliminary evaluation steps are general for all four troubleshooting problems (OPEN, CLOSE, CONTROLS
and PRESSURE-SWING). If the problem is not solved then proceed below the shaded
box for troubleshooting specific functions.
Nelson Irrigation Corp. 848 Airport Rd. Walla Walla, WA 99362-2271 USA Tel: 509.525.7660 Fax: 509.525.7907 E-mail: info@nelsonirrigation.com Web site: www.nelsonirrigation.com
Caution:This diagnostic
requires water pressure and may
require electric current. Be careful!
9Check the vent nozzle to
make sure it is clear.
OK
Check for enough
upstream pressure
needed to fully open
the valve:
OK
Controls
YES
Check 5a1
NO
9Make sure upstream
water is available.
Energize the solenoid
valve and listen for a click
as plunger shifts. If a click
is heard then the coil and
plunger are working.
Electric solenoid
Then check the solenoid
valve
2
valve ports and clear any
blockage. If no plunger
click is heard when
energized, then do a coil
Pressure control
ohm check or replace the
solenoid valve coil.
3
metric
3.4 bar model = 0.7 bar
5.5 bar model = 1.2 bar
13.8 bar model =1.9 bar
If low then get the needed
pressure and continue.
Pinch off the upstream tube to see if
vent nozzle stops. If vent stops then
leakage thru the pressure pilot is
Rate-of-Flow Control
likely. Replace the pilot.
4
Is the last letter in the
model code an “S” special?
NO
Checking pressure
functions
NO Contact technical
support 1-800 456-3141.
YES The sleeve diaghragm is likely
damaged and must be replaced.
Is the valve
pressure
reducing only?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the upstream pressure must be
more than pilot setting in order
to open the valve.
NO
NO
Is the valve
pressure
sustaining only?
YES
Is the valve a combination of sustaining
and reducing?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the downstream pressure must
be less than the pilot setting in
order to open the valve
Is the valve a combination of
reducing and Rate-of-Flow?
NO
YES
Combinations of reducing and
Rate-of-Flow. Make sure the
open until upstream pressure is up to
the sustaining control setting.
Sustaining control must be set less
than the reducing control
adjustment screw is set to 120%
above the design flow or the
downstream pressure will not be
regulated.
OK
OK
OK
OK Look at
schematic
Return to cb⋅5 (initial
trouble shooting) screen
for other selections or to
end program
No! Ask for help
For HELP contact technical
support 1-800 456-3141.
e-mail nelsonirrigation.com
Valve still will not open.
?
Valve will open now.
YES
*Pressure control and pilot
have the same meaning
NO
Do correct control
tube connections
Controls are
hooked up OK
Verify proper
control hookup?
Combinations of sustaining
and reducing.The vallve will not
OK
YES
This is the volume of water for each
size control chamber. Did the
volume of water exceed the limits?
Valve is a special control.
Go to Section 16 for ‘S’
information and to verify
proper control hookup.
YES
5a3 If parts are not repairable, replace with new part
then retry to open the valve. If each control tests OK
then continue to diagnose control applications.
?Show me
how to
picture!
Access the Rate-ofFlow paddle and
make sure it is free
to move? Repair if
necessary.
NO
Pinch-off upstream control tube
to test diaphragm. Move selector
to “OPEN”. The volume of water
measured from the “OPEN” port
should not exceed these limits:
A8" size = 4 Quarts (3.8 L)
A6" size = 2 Quarts (2.0 L)
A4" size = 1 Pint (460 ml)
A3" size = 1 Cup (230 ml)
A2" size = ½ Cup (140 ml)
Separately
test each
control then
continue to
5a3.
Does the
vent nozzle
continually
spray?
10- 50 PSI model=10 PSI
18-80 PSI model =18 PSI
30-200 PSI model=28 PSI
Identify valve configuration by selectingns.
atio
controls that apply
bin
com
e
l
1
none
b
i
oss
2+3
2
Electric Solenoid p
3
Pressure control
3+4
4
Rate-of-Flow
2+4 2+3+4
OK
Will valve open when
selector pointed to ‘OPEN’? 5a2
cb⋅5a Troubleshooting valve won’t open problems ST
ART
START
VALVE Check
Page 2
Caution:Diagnostic requires
water pressure and may require
electric current. Be careful!
9Check the filter for
OK
adequate flow.
5b1
YES
9Inspect valve cage.
Energize the solenoid
and listen for a click as
plunger shifts. If a click is
heard then the coil and
plunger are working.
Electric solenoid valve Check the solenoid valve
2
ports and clear any
blockage. If no plunger
click is heard when
energized, then do a coil
ohm check or replace
Pressure control
the solenoid valve coil.
3
Identify valve configuration by selectingns.
atio
controls that apply
bin
com
e
l
1
none
b
i
oss
2+3
2
Electric Solenoid p
3
Pressure control
3+4
4
Rate-of-Flow
2+4 2+3+4
Separately
test each
control.
Rate-of-Flow
4
9Pinch off the upstream tube to
see if vent stops. If vent stops
then leakage thru the pressure
pilot is likely. Replace the o-rings
Electric solenoid + Rate-of-Flow
1) Make sure the adjustment
screw is set to 120% above the
design flow.
2) Feel the tube connected to the
Rate-of-Flow port labeled ‘VALVE’.
If the tube is pressurized then the
Rate-of-Flow has control of the
valve.
3) If all OK then goto 5b2 checks.
OK
Remove any debris.
5b2
NO
Access the
Rate-of-Flow
paddle and
make sure it is
free to move?
If parts test ok then
continue to diagnose
control application
Is the last letter in the
model code an “S” special?
Does vent leak
constantly?
Show me!
Valve is a special control. Go to
Section 16 for ‘S’ information.
YES
YES
Will valve close when
selector pointed to close?
cb⋅5b Troubleshooting Valve won’t close problems NO
9Pinchoff the vent tube
to see if valve closes
YES
Pinch off upstream tube
and test diaphragm
Move selector to “OPEN”. The
volume of water measured from
the “OPEN” port should not
exceed:
A8" size 4 Quarts (3.8 L)
A6" size 2 Quarts (2.0 L)
A4" size 1 Pint (460 ml)
A3" size 1 Cup (230 ml)
A2" size ½ Cup (140 ml)
If more volume of water is
collected, the sleeve diaghragm
has been damaged and must be
replaced.
NO
YES
NO
Is the valve
pressure
reducing only?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the upstream pressure must be
less than pilot setting in order
to close the valve.
NO
Is the valve
pressure
sustaining only?
Is the valve a combination of sustaining
and reducing?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the downstream pressure must
be higher than pilot setting in
order to close the valve
NO
Is the valve a combination of reducing
and Rate-of-Flow?
YES
Combinations of reducing and
Rate-of-Flow. Make sure the
open until upstream pressure is up to
the sustaining control setting.
Sustaining control must be set less
than the reducing control
adjustment screw is set to 120%
above the design flow or the
downstream pressure will not be
regulated.
OK
Combinations of sustaining
and reducing.The valve will not
OK
OK
OK
For HELP contact technical
support 1-800 456-3141.
e-mail nelsonirrigation.com
Popup
schematics
Valve will not close.
?
Valve will close
*Pressure control and pilot
have the same meaning
YES
NO
connect control
tubes correctly
Controls are
hooked up OK
OK
Return to cb⋅5 (initial
trouble shooting) screen
for other selections or to
end program
No! Ask for help
Verify proper
control hookup?
Page 3
cb⋅5c Troubleshooting valve control problems Will valve close when
9Inspect valve cage.
5c2 9Check the filter for
adequate flow.
5c1
YES
OK
Remove any debris.
NO
OK
Energize the solenoid
and listen for a click as
plunger shifts. If a click is
heard then the coil and
plunger are working.
Electric solenoid valve Check the solenoid valve
ports and clear any
2
blockage. If no plunger
click is heard when
energized, then do a coil
ohm check or replace
Pressure control
the solenoid valve coil.
Separately
test each
control.
Rate-of-Flow
4
Access the
Rate-of-Flow
paddle and
make sure it is
free to move?
YES
Pinch off upstream tube
and test diaphragm
Move selector to “OPEN”. The
volume of water measured from
the “OPEN” port should not
exceed:
A8" size 4 Quarts (3.8 L)
A6" size 2 Quarts (2.0 L)
A4" size 1 Pint (460 ml)
A3" size 1 Cup (230 ml)
A2" size ½ Cup (140 ml)
If more volume of water is
collected, the sleeve diaghragm
has been damaged and must be
replaced.
Show me!
Valve is a special control. Go to
Section 16 for ‘S’ information.
YES
NO
9Pinchoff the vent tube
to see if valve closes
9Pinch off the upstream tube to
see if vent stops. If vent stops
then leakage thru the pressure
pilot is likely. Replace the o-rings
If parts test ok then
continue to diagnose
control application
Is the last letter in the
model code an “S” special?
YES
3
Electric solenoid + Rate-of-Flow
1) Make sure the adjustment
screw is set to 120% above the
design flow.
2) Feel the tube connected to the
Rate-of-Flow port labeled ‘VALVE’.
If the tube is pressurized then the
Rate-of-Flow has control of the
valve.
3) If all OK then goto 5c2 checks.
Identify valve configuration by selectingns.
atio
controls that apply
bin
om
le c
1
none
b
i
oss
2+3
2
Electric Solenoid p
3
Pressure control
3+4
4
Rate-of-Flow
2+4 2+3+4
Does vent leak
constantly?
selector pointed to close?
Caution:Diagnostic requires
water pressure and may require
electric current. Be careful!
NO
YES
NO
Is the valve
pressure
reducing only?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the upstream pressure must be
less than pilot setting in order
to work the valve.
NO
Is the valve
pressure
sustaining only?
Is the valve a combination of sustaining
and reducing?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the downstream pressure must
be higher than pilot setting in
order to work the valve
NO
Is the valve a combination of reducing
and Rate-of-Flow?
YES
Combinations of reducing and
Rate-of-Flow. Make sure the
open until upstream pressure is up to
the sustaining control setting.
Sustaining control must be set less
than the reducing control
adjustment screw is set to 120%
above the design flow or the
downstream pressure will not be
regulated.
OK
Combinations of sustaining
and reducing.The valve will not
OK
OK
OK
For HELP contact technical
support 1-800 456-3141.
e-mail nelsonirrigation.com
Popup
schematics
Valve will not automaticly control.
?
Valve works automatically
*Pressure control and pilot
have the same meaning
YES
NO
connect control
tubes correctly
Controls are
hooked up OK
OK
Return to cb⋅5 (initial
trouble shooting) screen
for other selections or to
end program
No! Ask for help
Verify proper
control hookup?
Page 4
Caution:Diagnostic requires
water pressure and may require
electric current. Be careful!
9Check for enough
upstream pressure
adequate flow.
5d1
YES
Remove any debris.
NO
OK
Energize the solenoid
and listen for a click as
plunger shifts. If a click is
heard then the coil and
Electric solenoid valve plunger are working.
Check the solenoid valve
2
ports and clear any
blockage. If no plunger
click is heard when
energized, then do a coil
Pressure control
ohm check or replace
3
the solenoid valve coil.
Separately
test each
control.
Rate-of-Flow
4
9Pinch off the upstream tube to
see if vent stops. If vent stops
then leakage thru the pressure
pilot is likely. Replace the o-rings
Access the
Rate-of-Flow
paddle and
make sure it is
free to move?
If parts test ok then
continue to diagnose
control application
Is the last letter in the
model code an “S” special?
Show me!
Valve is a special control. Go to
Section 16 for ‘S’ information.
YES
-Check for enough
upstream pressure
required to fully open
the valve:
NO
10- 50 PSI valve 10 PSI
18-80 PSI valve 18 PSI
30-200 PSI valve 28 PSI
metric
3.4 bar valve 0.7 bar
5.5 bar valve 1.2 bar
13.8 barvalve 1.9 bar
YES
Identify valve configuration by selectingns.
atio
controls that apply
bin
om
le c
1
none
b
i
oss
2+3
2
Electric Solenoid p
3
Pressure control
3+4
4
Rate-of-Flow
2+4 2+3+4
Electric solenoid + Rate-of-Flow
1) Make sure the adjustment
screw is set to 120% above the
design flow.
2) Feel the tube connected to the
Rate-of-Flow port labeled ‘VALVE’.
If the tube is pressurized then the
Rate-of-Flow has control of the
valve.
3) If all OK then goto 5d2 checks.
OK
selector pointed to close?
cb⋅5d Troubleshooting pressure-swing problems Will valve close when
9Inspect valve cage.
5d2 9Check the filter for
Pinch off upstream tube
and test diaphragm
Move selector to “OPEN”. The
volume of water measured from
the “OPEN” port should not
exceed:
A8" size 4 Quarts (3.8 L)
A6" size 2 Quarts (2.0 L)
A4" size 1 Pint (460 ml)
A3" size 1 Cup (230 ml)
A2" size ½ Cup (140 ml)
If more volume of water is
collected, the sleeve diaghragm
has been damaged and must be
replaced.
NO
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the upstream pressure must be
less than pilot setting in order
to work the valve.
Is the valve a combination of sustaining
and reducing?
NO
Is the valve
pressure
reducing only?
YES
9When selector set on ‘AUTO’
the downstream pressure must
be higher than pilot setting in
order to work the valve
NO
YES
open until upstream pressure is up to
the sustaining control setting.
Sustaining control must be set less
than the reducing control
adjustment screw is set to 120%
above the design flow or the
downstream pressure will not be
regulated.
9The standard pressure
control sensitivity can be
changed to a more sensitive
sustaining to stop oscillation.
9The standard pressure
control sensitivity can be
changed to a more sensitive
red ucing to stop oscillation.
9The standard pressure
control sensitivity can be
changed to a more sensitive
red ucing to stop oscillation.
9installing a small needle
valve on the vent line will
restrict the valve opening
response and stop oscillation.
9installing a small needle
valve on the vent line will
restrict the valve opening
response and stop oscillation.
9installing a small needle
valve on the vent line will
restrict the valve opening
response and stop oscillation.
Valve works ok.
For HELP contact technical
support 1-800 456-3141.
e-mail nelsonirrigation.com
Valve still oscillates.
?
*Pressure control and pilot
have the same meaning
Return to cb⋅5 (initial
trouble shooting) screen
for other selections or to
end program
OK
are set up with flow control or
pressure regulators.
OK
9Air trapped in the pipe
system can make the
pressure oscillate. Use an
ACV200 air relief/release valve
to get the air out.
9Air trapped in the pipe
system can make the
downstream pressure oscillate.
Use an ACV200 air relief/
release valve downstream.
9Use a sustaining or a RATE OF
Combinations of reducing and
Rate-of-Flow. Make sure the
OK
FLOW control on systems that
Combinations of sustaining
and reducing.The valve will not
9Air trapped in the upstream
pipe system can make the
upstream pressure oscillate.
Use an ACV200 air relief/
release valve upstream.
9Use a RATE OF FLOW control
on systems that are set up with
flow control or pressure
regulators to stop oscilation.
Is the valve a combination of reducing
and Rate-of-Flow?
YES
NO
Is the valve
pressure
sustaining only?
Page 5