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Old 06-30-2016, 12:46 PM   #1
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starcool problem: where is the solenoid valve?

hi all,

i have a 1998 ford sportsmobile. the starcool is blowing warm air when connected to 110V. when the van engine is on and i am not plugged in to 110V the starcool works fine.

According to the manual the culprit is likely the solenoid (i do not hear the clicking when changing the starcool speed while plugged in). is this an easy diy fix or should i take to a shop? where the heck is the solenoid valve located, and more or less what does it look like?

thanks!

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Old 08-02-2016, 04:14 PM   #2
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Hey did you find it?
On my my '95 its right behind the grill. I know this because its spewed out all the freon yesterday
I'm actually trying to figure out where to get a replacement ann hoping you might know? or at least have a part number?
Good luck!
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Old 08-02-2016, 04:45 PM   #3
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i did find it. right under the hood next to the battery on mine. took me a while to realize that was it. it is a jackes evans brand valve with various numbers on it but i have not been able to find anything matching it with the google. i do see valves online that look similar, so maybe an exact replacement is not necessary. i really don't know. so i am taking it to an rv specialist on thursday to see if the guy there can find a replacement and put it in. i can report back when it gets done (though that won't be for almost 2 weeks since i'll be out of town).

i can tell you that 2 regular automotive a/c repair places balked at fixing it because they were unfamiliar with the sportsmobile a/c system. this in spite of the sportsmobile manual claiming that "you can fix it at any automotive a/c shop".

you might want to contact sportmobile service directly and ask. i did so yesterday but haven't heard back yet.
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Old 08-02-2016, 08:54 PM   #4
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I understand why a regular A/C auto shop will not look at these. I found a guy who services ag and big diesel rigs. I did give him the starcool schematic but it was a no brainer for him. He's done several repairs (including replacing that valve) and now I let him maintenance it as well. As far as the 110vAC compressor, that might be a different story.
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Old 08-19-2018, 10:36 AM   #5
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hey following back up because now I'm in the same pickle, but I can't figure out where the solenoid is to check it out.

I've got a 2001 E350 -- I've checked under the hood next to the battery and near the electrical distribution box, but either it's not there or I have no idea what I'm looking for (more likely). Anyone have a photo or even a detailed drawing of where this thing, and its wiring, might be mounted?
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Old 08-19-2018, 11:20 AM   #6
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Isn't the refrigerant valve on this page the one your talking about?
Danhard Inc. Valves-Electric and Vacuum


I agree, a normal auto air conditioning shop should be able to work on these. But very few will even give it a try.

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Old 08-19-2018, 02:21 PM   #7
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On my 1995 it was behind the front grill and in front of the evaporator coil. I had to take off the front grill to see it. I did actually order finally find and order a solinoid from Danhart which I ended up not needing because my solenoid was fine, but it had rubbed a hole in the evaporator coil. So if you need a solenoid if I have one to sell. And I can send you pictures to make sure it’s the same one that you might need
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Old 08-20-2018, 09:50 AM   #8
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scalf77 -- thanks for the image. That was exactly what I needed to find it. It was not where I had been looking -- it was tucked right next to the starter battery on the passenger side.

And turns out the solenoid is still good, it just wasn't connected to anything. The wires had shaken loose at some point.

For future solenoid hunters:



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Old 01-22-2022, 05:28 PM   #9
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Anyone know where I can find a new starcool III solenoid valve? Mines not cooling on shore power and manual states to replace the solenoid…
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Old 01-22-2022, 05:51 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by MrHenrietta View Post
Anyone know where I can find a new starcool III solenoid valve? Mines not cooling on shore power and manual states to replace the solenoid…
Before installing any parts, i'd recommend you determine if the compressor is running when on shore power. The solenoid is fairly inexpensive, but the system has to be emptied of refrigerant (legally it has to be recycled) , the valve installed, and then the entire system has to be evacuated and then recharged. That's likely to be expensive. Here's some additional information

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...nfo-26005.html
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