The purge solenoid valve is a component of the vehicle's evaporative emission control system. It is used to prevent fuel vapor which will escape from the fuel tank. In modern cars/ vehicles, this solenoid valve opens gradually when the engine warms up. Thus, it allows some vapors to move from the charcoal canister to the engine where it's burnt. Sometimes, the purge solenoid valve in your vehicle could become bad. Then, you have to clean it to get back to work properly. This guide outlines how to clean a purge solenoid valve in your own way.
How to Clean a Purge Solenoid Valve?
If you have a faulty or broken solenoid, you won't be able to do much and will have to replace it. However, you have to test the valve's coil before replacing it. While testing, you didn't find any damages in the housing, you can try purge solenoid valve cleaning as it will start working again in many cases. It also saves some money.
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You can clean a purge valve in two ways. One of the ways is to clean the valve deeply and the other is to clean it without opening. With basic technical knowledge, you can open the purge valve and perform a deep clean.
Basically, the purge solenoid valve consists of three parts including:
- A casing - Existing with two connectors for the fumes outlet and inlet.
- An electrical plug - Used for solenoid control.
- An internal solenoid and a plunger - Allow the fumes to pass to the outlet pipe or not based on the solenoid's state.
The most common problems with your purge solenoid valve may with debris or carbon build-up. if the inner electro-mechanical part sticks, it prevents the valve from fully opening and closing. Sometimes, it will get stuck in a fixed position without moving.
Locate the purge solenoid valve and unplug the vacuum lines & the electrical connector before cleaning it.
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Purge Solenoid Valve Cleaning without Opening it
Here is the step-by-step process of cleaning a purge solenoid valve without opening it.
Step 1: Spray carb or MAF Cleaner
Spray MAF or carb cleaner in a good amount into both purge solenoid valve tubes.
Step 2: Shake and Wait
You have to cover the two ends of the purge solenoid valve using fingers and shake it thoroughly. Keep them covered until all dirt is loosened.
Step 3: Drain liquid
Uncover the valve tube ends and let the liquid to flow out. It should remove the dirt, debris and charcoal. Then, repeat the 1 and 2 steps until the liquid comes out clean and the valve should be cleaned.
If the liquid drain out cleanly for the first time, it's probably your valve is not clogged by dirt or debris.
Step 4: Spray contact cleaner
Now, spray the contact cleaner in the connector of solenoid valve along with the car switch.
Step 5: Let it dry
After spraying the contact cleaner, allow everything to dry.
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Open and Deep Clean Purge Solenoid Valve
You will be able to open the purge solenoid valve with a small flat blade screwdriver or a small knife.
Most, purge solenoid valves have two halves that are glued together. So, try to remove glue as much as you can with a small flat blade screwdriver. Once, you have to notice that a good amount of glue is removed, try to firmly but carefully tear both ends of the casing apart.
Now, you can find the two halves split and you are going to have a small rounded piece like a cap. The other half part contains all working parts like a solenoid, the electrical connectors of a valve, etc. Now, you will be able to remove the valve body from the case.
Check the status of the o-rings and the rubber parts. Sometimes, a few parts may not be working. That's why it's important to check everything before assembling the valve and prevent possible leakages.
Spray the solenoid with a carb or MAF cleaner and rub the orifices with a dry cloth for deep cleaning.
After cleaning the purge solenoid valve, you must keep everything back carefully. If not careful, there may be a chance of getting damage to your valve. Reseal the case with a strong glue like Epoxy glue just like when it was new. But, remember that if you use to glue it would be difficult to reopen the valve.
Wrap-Up
We hope you will learn how to clean a purge solenoid valve at less cost. However, everyone may not have the right tools, time and skills to repair. In such cases, get help from a professional mechanic.
