If you are a car owner, then you know how important it is for your vehicle to be in its best condition. When your vehicle is up to shape, not only will your driving and riding experience be smoother, but also the chances of you occurring in an accident due to vehicle malfunction will be lower. Having said that, it is a must that you maintain your vehicle, and among the questions, you ask yourself is “how to clean a canister purge valve?” As your guide to washing, this article aims to tell you everything you need to know about cleaning a canister purge valve.
First Things First: What is a Canister Purge Valve and What Does It Do?
Prior to cleaning a canister purge valve, it is a need for you to know what it is and how it helps your vehicle function so that you will be able to tell if what you are doing is right.
A canister purge valve also referred to as a solenoid purge valve is part of the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) of a vehicle. The EVP system is responsible for preventing the fuel vapor from escaping out of the fuel tank. The fuel vapor is toxic, so if it is released, it will be harmful to the environment. With regards to the particular function of a canister purge valve, it is a component of emissions control that grants the engine to take the fuel vapor into the engine intake manifold. When the engine runs, the canister purge valves gradually open to allow the fuel vapors to move from the charcoal canister to the engine where it is burnt. You will most likely find the canister purge valve located in the engine bay and near the fuel tank. It has a hose that connects the intake and canister.
How To Clean A Canister Purge Valve?
Since we have established the function and importance of a canister purge valve, we can see that it often gets dirty. As a result, periodically cleaning it is essential, and we now answer the question of “how to clean a canister purge valve?”. Well, as your washing guide, we are here to tell you all the proper techniques and methods to clean your canister purge valve without damaging it.
Here are two ways you can clean your canister purge valve:
Method 1: Light Cleaning
Materials:
- Carb Cleaner
Procedure:
This method is the easiest one and is usually done in a short amount of time. You have to remember that the goal of cleaning it is just to remove the debris that may block its pathway. With that said, you can clean it without even opening it. You just have to rinse the internal components of the canister purge valve simply.
- The first step is done by spraying a carb cleaner on the tubes of the canister purge valve.
- After spraying, cover both ends using your fingers and shake it well. You should leave it with the ends covered for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to soften up the built-up dirt.
- After leaving it for a few minutes, drain the liquid from the tubes. You may repeat the mentioned steps above until the liquid coming from the tubes is clean.
- Apply the spray cleaner to the valve’s connectors and vehicle switch.
- Let everything dry before using.
Method 2: Deep Cleaning
Materials:
- Carb Cleaner
- Flat Blade Screwdriver or Knife
- Dry Cloth
- Strong Glue
Procedure:
If you find that the first method is not working for your vehicle and you want a deeper clean, then this is the method for you. If the previous method did not require the opening of the canister purge valves, then this method does. You may open it using a screwdriver with a flat blade or with a knife.
- Using a knife or flat blade screwdriver, separate the canister purge valves into two and remove as much glue as you can.
- After you have separated it, one side would have the components, whereas the other is empty. With that, you should take off the valve body case.
- Using silicon grease, lubricate the interior rubber parts and o-rings. Please take note that you have to seal the o-rings when you put them back together to avoid leakage.
- With a carb cleaner, spray the canister purge valve and leave it for a few minutes to allow the dirt to loosen. After which, lightly scrub it using a dry cloth.
- Once you are done deep cleaning, make sure to put everything back in its proper places. You may use a strong glue like epoxy to put back the parts you cut in step one, but be mindful not to use too much that it will be a hassle deep cleaning it in the future.
Washing Guide: Aftercare
As stated earlier, a canister purge valve is an essential part of an engine. With that said, it is crucial that you check if it is working correctly.
Signs of A Faulty Canister Purge Valve
- If your engine light is on
- High fuel consumption
- Your vehicle has difficulties in starting up
- Engine is malfunctioning
If your vehicle is showing signs of any of these symptoms, then it is best to have your vehicle checked by a professional right away to alleviate the situation.
Key Takeaway
Your vehicle has to be in its best condition to have a smooth riding experience and to avoid accidents. One of the ways you can maintain your vehicle is by cleaning the canister purge valve, which is responsible for preventing toxic fuel vapor from entering the environment. You may clean this in two ways: either not opening or opening. The former is for a light clean, and the latter for a deep cleaning approach. Both of which uses a carb cleaner and is generally an easy task, but remember to check if it is working properly after cleaning.
