Question
Hello Robert

Thanks in advance for answering my question. I have a Irritrol/Rain Dial System with 8 zones in use. It is a 10 year old system and was working all this time without any issues. Lately, it is acting up and more specifically, the automatic setting doesn't work and if I try to run the system in manual mode, it works only some time. When it works I hear a loud cracking noise at each of the valves. Does this mean the solenoids are bad? Could it be that all solenoids are bad? I don't think so. Could it be that one bad solenoid is bad? Any help is appreciated. Let me know if you need any further information.

Thanks
Venkatesh

Answer
Hello Venkatesh,

That 10yr mark does put you in the zone where timers/controllers start to fail.  If the auto setting does not work along with the manual mode I would replace the controller. But before you do I would like to see if you could do the following.  If you have a Volt/Ohm Meter and are confortable using one then hook it up to one of your zones that a solenoid is making a cracking noise on. Safe reading would be:

OHM's: 20-60ohms for 1 zone, 15-30ohms if you have 2 zone valves piggy backed or working at the same time

VOLTS: On the average the irrigation timer terminal should be putting out 26-28 volts (some manufactures are higher and some are lower) your typical irrigation solenoid is rated at 24v so the reason for 26-28 is to handle any drop in voltage between the controller and valve.

I would think about replacing your 8 zone controller with a Hunter or Rain Bird product they will be at a lower price point typically then a Rain Dial and they will have more features. The one feature that I highly recommend if you are "hands on" with your controller is a SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT feature. A Seasonal Adjustment feature allows you to adjust your stations run times without having to reprogram the entire controller. And if you go with a Hunter PRO-C they make a great device by the name of Solar Sync that is a EPA WaterSense approved device that basically acts like a thermostat for your irrigation controller and it will adjust the watering durations based on a few factors.

Bob D