Question
Hi, I have a  stout rainbird valve model EFA/G. It is in the ground.  Very high quality brass and stainless. When I open the bleed port plus have the station on it will come on.  When I turn off the clock and turn on the circuit back on it will not reopen. So far I have taken it apart, and have made sure the ports are clear. I have tried another solanoid, so far I havn't changed the rubber parts nor have I taken a look at the coil piston, which is in a sealed housing that requires a spanner wrench unlike the new ones where the solanoid simply screws onto the top of the valve body, and contains the piston within the coil. This valve is from the eighties, and is different from the plastic ones that are now in use.

thanks
Neil

Answer
Thanks for your question.
Have you tested for electricity at the solenoid? You should get 24 volts. This would atleast tell you the wiring and controller are good. Then the only thing left is the solenoid plunger. If it's the type I'm thinking of the solenoid coil is green and slides over the pin. I have removed them by wrapping a piece of cloth or better yet  rubber over the pin and use a pair of pliers to unscrew it. You just have to be careful not to crush the pin housing.
Good luck.

Matt