A solenoid operated valve includes a valve block defining a valve lumen, a poppet slidably disposed within the valve lumen, a solenoid including a core defining a core lumen aligned with the valve lumen, and an armature assembly. The armature assembly includes an armature disc, an armature guide having a hollow cylindrical body defining an armature guide passage, and an armature stud disposed within the armature guide passage. The armature stud is in communication with the poppet so that axial movement of one is translated into axial movement of the other. The valve further includes a coil cover enclosing the solenoid, and a guard disposed to prevent contact between the armature assembly and an adjacent component of the valve. A method of assembling a solenoid operated valve includes placing a shim between the armature disc and the core, and pressurizing and energizing the valve.