I have had a junior steam cleaner for a number of years. I like it
very much but the replacement parts are expensive. I am now on my
fourth solenoid value. The first one that came on the machine lasted
15 years, the second one lasted one and one half years, and the third
one lasted two years. The solenoids are now costing me $211.65. My
question is this: what is the life expectancy of a solenoid? Is two
years going to be about it? The jewelry equipment business where I
purchased my steamer did not seem to know.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Dale Pavatte, Diamonds For You
I have had a junior steam cleaner for a number of years. I like it
very much but the replacement parts are expensive. I am now on my
fourth solenoid value. The first one that came on the machine
lasted 15 years, the second one lasted one and one half years, and
the third one lasted two years. The solenoids are now costing me
$211.65. My question is this: what is the life expectancy of a
solenoid? Is two years going to be about it? The jewelry equipment
business where I purchased my steamer did not seem to know.
Dale - Tell me more about your machine(s). I have repaired my own
for 42 years and I may be able to shed some light on your
replacement time-frame. E-Me back or call me on the Cell -
210-260-0662. Perhaps I can guide or help you in a good way.
Stephen Wyrick, CMBJ
I have had a junior steam cleaner for a number of years. I like it
very much but the replacement parts are expensive. I am now on my
fourth solenoid value. The first one that came on the machine
lasted 15 years, the second one lasted one and one half years, and
the third one lasted two years. The solenoids are now costing me
$211.65. My question is this: what is the life expectancy of a
solenoid? Is two years going to be about it? The jewelry equipment
business where I purchased my steamer did not seem to know.
The junior model you have is probably an older Reimers built machine
(also sold under the Vigor and Gesswein names). The JR model was the
model designed for the jewelry business. According to the
manufacturer, The JR designation stands for jewelry, not junior.
Most steam solenoid valves on these steam cleaners fail due to rust
and other dirt which becomes more of a problem in older units. There
is a small filter device attached to the inlet side of the steam
solenoid valve which should be cleaned out when replacing the valve.
The “blow down” process and regular cleaning out the tank will help
the valve last longer.
You have a good machine. With good service and maintenance, it can
last many more years.
John
The Jewelry Equipment Dr.
I power up, and then do a “Blow down”, then rinse and refill once a
week on the shop steamer. A couple of years ago I spoke with the
tech guys at Stuller’s in house shop, when I finally got fed up with
rebuilding and resurrecting (Glass level glasses and gaskets,
solenoids, fill valves, etc) the old steamer that was here when I
joined the firm, and we replaced it with a new machine, I wished to
do what I could to increase the new steamer’s lifespan, and the guys
in their shop suggested a product called “Magic Clean Steam”, which
they add at every full water change.
When I began one cap full of Clean Steam as I refill after the blow
down and rinse cycle, I noticed an immediate decrease in rust and
corrosion in my steamer. I am very pleased with the results, and
whatever this stuff is it leaves no residue on jewelry.
did anyone mention distilled water only ? ive had my steamer since
1993 in daily use most of those years without rust problems replaced
the solenoid valve once got the part from steam master i only use
distilledwater its a pain at times to go buy the gallons or make it
yourself with a distilation unit but its a bigger pain to have
steamer problems or residue when you cant to get things clean enough
for rhodium plating
did anyone mention distilled water only ?...
Distilled water is good for steam cleaners. Just remember the Reimers
built steam cleaners with the low water cut off circuit and the
Grobet steam cleaners with the electronic low water cut off circuit
(models 24.850P, 24.900P) will not “see” the water because distilled
water does not conduct electricity.
John
The Jewelry Equipment Dr.