The engine is the most important part of a car. It’s what makes the car move forward, and it’s what uses up fuel. Over time, your car’s engine can become dirty and full of grime. As a result, the car’s performance and fuel efficiency can be decreased. In extreme cases, it can even cause engine failure. One of the most important engine parts to keep clean is the purge solenoid valve. This valve controls the flow of fuel vapor from the engine to the exhaust system.
If the purge solenoid valve becomes clogged, it can cause a build-up of pressure in the engine, leading to decreased performance and fuel efficiency. In some cases, it can even cause the engine to stall. To avoid these problems, be sure to have your purge solenoid valve cleaned regularly by a qualified mechanic.
If you want to know how to clean a purge solenoid valve, this article will help you. But before getting into the step-by-step guide to cleaning a purge valve, let’s first know what a purge valve is on a car.
What is a Purge Valve?
A car purge valve is a device that helps remove air from the fuel system. Fuel systems tend to develop air pockets, which can lead to poor engine performance. A purge valve helps eliminate these air pockets, allowing the engine to run more smoothly. A purge valve is usually located near the fuel injectors or carburetors. It is usually made of metal or plastic and can be opened and closed by an electric solenoid.
The Important Parts of a Purge Valve
A Car Purge Valve consists of 3 main parts:
- Casing: The casing is made of plastic and it protects the internal solenoid and plunger.
- Electrical Plug: The electrical plug is used to provide power to the solenoid and it is also used to activate or deactivate the purge valve.
- Internal Solenoid and Plunger: The internal solenoid and plunger are used to open and close the purge valve.
Three Most Common Purge Valve Problems Revealed
The three main problems that a purge solenoid valve may have are:
- The casing and its inlet and outlet pipes could be cracked. If the casing is cracked, then the liquid or gas being purged will escape from the valve.
- The coil could be damaged. If this happens, then it will not be able to create a current that opens or closes the valve.
- Debris or carbon build-up inside the valve interferes with its ability to open and close properly.
All three of these problems can cause the valve to not function as it should.
Step-by-step Guide to Clean the Purge Valve Without Opening
Cleaning the purge solenoid valve on your car is a quick and easy way to help improve its performance. You don’t have to open the valve to clean it – in fact, you may not even need to remove it from the car! This guide will show you how to clean your purge solenoid valve quickly and easily.
Step 1: Use the Sprayer
Locate the tubes of the purge solenoid valve and clean them with a carb cleaning or Mass Air Flow Sensor cleaning spray.
Step 2: Use the Hand Movement
Cover the tubes’ ends with your fingers and shake for a few seconds. Then leave it like that and wait for the clearer to do its work.
Step 3: Remove the Liquid
After several minutes, remove your fingers and let the cleaner drain out. You will notice the color of the cleaning liquid has become darker as it is now mixed with the dirt and debris of the valve’s tubes. Repeat the second step a few more times until you notice the drained-out liquid is not dark anymore.
Step 4: Spray Contact Cleaner
Spray a good contact cleaner on the purge solenoid valve’s connector and the car switch to prevent any sort of contamination.
Step 5: Let it Dry
Start the car engine only after everything gets completely dry.
READ ALSO: How to Test Purge Valve With a Multimeter
Step-by-step Guide to Open the Purge Valve in a Car & Deep Clean It
You don’t often need to open the purge solenoid valve on your car, but when you do, it’s important to know how to do it properly. This guide will show you how to deep clean the purge solenoid valve and get your car engine running like new again.
Step 1: Remove Glue:
If you find the parts of your car’s purge solenoid valve are glued together, to deep clean the valve, remove the glue as much as you can with a small flat-blade screwdriver. Once you are done removing the glue, try to split both ends of the casing of the valve apart.
Step 2: Remove the Valve:
Once the casing’s both ends are not joined together anymore, remove the valve body from the casing.
Step 3: Check Parts and Replace:
Check the condition of the various parts inside the valve, such as the o-ring, rubber parts, etc. If you find them fine, just lubricate them with silicone grease. And if you find any defect in any of these parts, it’s time to replace it.
Step 4: Put it Back Together:
Once you are done checking the status of the valve and replacing any part as required, reassemble the whole thing again.
Step 5: Put the Purge Solenoid Valves Back:
Clean the inner side of the reassembled valve with a carb or MAF cleaning spray. Once it is completely clean, reseal both ends of the casing again with glue.
Final thoughts,
Although it is not a difficult task, cleaning the engine parts, especially the purge solenoid valve in a car, should be done on a regular basis to ensure that the car runs smoothly. By following the simple steps discussed above, you can clean the purge solenoid valve quickly and easily. What are you waiting for? Follow the steps and get your car back on the road in no time.
FAQs
1. What causes problems with purge valves?
One of the most common reasons for a faulty purge valve is dirt and debris buildup. Over time, dust and other small particles can accumulate in the valve, causing it to stick or even jam completely.
2. How do you clean a vapor canister purge valve?
To clean the vapor canister purge valve, remove it from the vehicle and soak it in rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with water and blow it out with compressed air. Reinstall it and start the engine.
3. Can you drive with a bad canister purge valve?
Yes, you can drive with a bad canister purge valve. In fact, a bad canister purge valve won’t cause your car to malfunction or stop running. However, it may cause your car to run a bit less efficiently and could increase emissions.
4. Can you bypass the charcoal canister?
Yes, but when you will try to bypass the charcoal canister then you should do it carefully otherwise it may chance to leak the fuel tank.
5. Can you fix a purge valve yourself?
Yes, you can certainly fix a purge valve yourself – though it may take some time and patience.
