Propane shut-off valve

Hi all;
We live off grid and having a backup generator is a requirement.
For the last 5 years, I have modified my gas generators to run on propane.
I use a simple kit from US Carburation to do so.
They recommend manually turning off the propane after each use...  A recommendation that I have not followed.
To avoid needing to go outside to start/stop the genset, I have figured out how to hard-wire a remote start/stop switch using the generator wiring.
I have been relying on the propane regulator to not allow any loss of propane while the genset is not running.
It always sort of smelled of propane out near the genny. Then Liz complained...
So, I talked to my propane guy about 12 vt shut-offs.
He thought that any genset that came equipped with propane originally should also have a 12 vt solenoid to shut off the gas.
I looked online and quickly found them!  They cost around $30, so not even very expensive.
One comment I read in the reviews said it got pretty hot if left energized...
The factory specifications indeed said its energized temp was around 120F...
Should not be a problem outdoors or with cold propane running thru it... I thought!

I installed a new lighted toggle switch in the house.
The new valve was 1/4", my feed line is 1/2" and my line up to the motor is 3/8".
A few fittings to reduce and enlarge my supply and I was good to start up!
It worked great!  Or at least it did until I put a heavy load on the genny...
It seems that a short section of 1/4" line is enough to restrict supply...
Hmmm back to Amazon... gosh it seems if I had looked closer the first time I would have seen the 1/2" solenoids a few pages past the 1/4" ones...
I order a new 1/2" valve, a few bucks more but not bad.
I hook it up, and yup this is the one!   Works great, or at least it did for the first hour...
Suddenly the genset shuts down??? WTF  Hmm, The entire plastic lid on the solenoid melted!
Seems it can only be energized for less than one hour!
I have to wonder why this little tidbit of information was not specifically mentioned.

Back to the drawing board, I go.
More research and I find the answer.
I do not want a 12-volt solenoid, it turns out what I want is called a 12-volt motorized ball valve!
This valve like the solenoid type is also always closed unless energized, but unlike the solenoid type it does not heat up at all!
No issue if you want your genny running for several hours with this style valve.

Now my propane is for sure 100% closed until I throw the toggle switch indoors.
The led lighted switch is super bright so no worries about forgetting to turn off the generator.
About a 10-second delay from turning off the switch, to the genny using up any propane left in the system and shutting down.
Liz is happy and so, therefore, I am happy!

What a wonderful way to create peace and harmony!

Thomas, Thanks for taking the time to document your learning curve to getting easy access starting and stopping your generator from the comfort of your home.
Not only is Liz happy, but now you also don't have to interrupt the online poker game when the inverter starts squeeling due to low batteries on a cloudy day.