Purge Solenoid Code

[benfrogg]

A FE book I read recently said you can lose 30 gallons of fuel per year through a bad gasket on your gas cap. Evaporation, it seems, is the culprit. I doubt their figure, but don't doubt it's possible to lose a lot over time that way.
B

[GasSavers_TomO]

Originally Posted by theholycow

The usual code for loose gas cap is P0440 (which also indicates vent solenoid).

His code is showing vacuum in the gas tank which he certainly wouldn't have with a loose gas cap.

Ok, good to know, thanks!

Me being a VX owner (OBD1) and being somewhat new to OBD2 cars, this helps.

[Jay2TheRescue]

That only work out to 0.082 gal/day. While I believe this is somewhat high, it is within the realm of possibility on a yearly basis. You could probably exceed that amount on hot 100+ degree days where the car sits in the sun all day.

[bowtieguy]

Originally Posted by theholycow

The purge solenoid can probably be tested. Remove it from the vehicle and apply 12v, see if it moves. I was able to do that with my vent solenoid...it clicked but didn't move.

Also check if it's sealed well.

HC, what do you mean by "move?"
mine "clicks" as well, but it has no seal, except if you're referring to a fully secured vacuum line.

[theholycow]

You have to disassemble it as much as possible. Somewhere inside it is the solenoid itself, which should plunge at least a centimeter (not sure exactly how much but it'll be obvious by looking). If it just clicks and moves a half millimeter then it's dead.

Can you post a photo of yours, or which one from http://www.google.com/images?q=chevrolet+purge+solenoid it looks like? Some of those appear impossible to disassemble. You could probably feel the inertia of it as it engages if you hold it in your hand while you test it, instead of merely the audible click if it's messed up.

[bowtieguy]

it's the first one in your link...not able to be disassembled. i did go ahead and buy a new one.

funny thing, it doesn't look the same and it wont fit in engine compartment space where the old one goes. checked the auto part site(advance), it says i have the correct part. checked napa, same thing. checked autozone, its different, looks like our's.

so, i tested both to compare. both have a very strong audible "click." gonna return it, and maybe check the valve and vacuum lines at the charcoal canister next.

[theholycow]

It might have been redesigned. My vent solenoid was, although I had to specifically seek the redesigned one else I would have gotten the old design.

I guess if the clicks feel the same then the solenoid was electrically and mechanically operating well. Could be a leak inside it. Not sure how to test that...maybe try blowing through each nipple (lol) with it engaged and disengaged (if you don't mind putting your mouth where fuel vapors go)?