Newbie Question re: Purge Valve

[Webhead]

I've been seeing threads about the purge valve being the potential cause of the gas smell and even the fires (I know this isn't confirmed). I've also come to understand that the valve is essentially a selenoid that opens and closes at some RPM level to vent something - guessing gas fumes but don't know (can you tell I'm not too technical). My question is: How can you tell this thing is operating? Do you hear it click or a hiss of some kind as it vents? Or do you just assume it works when it's supposed to?

BTW, I have not had any concerning issues - this is purely to help my understanding of how these machines work.

Thanks.

Steve

 

[3wheeldemon]

...My question is: How can you tell this thing is operating? Do you hear it click or a hiss of some kind as it vents? Or do you just assume it works when it's supposed to?...
Steve

Some other guys may know better but you will not hear it over the noise of the engine. You also never assume:lecturef_smilie: you know that joke, don't you

3WD

PS: How is beautiful Blue Bell? I worked in Walton Road for a while.

 

[Latemarch]

I've been seeing threads about the purge valve being the potential cause of the gas smell and even the fires (I know this isn't confirmed). I've also come to understand that the valve is essentially a selenoid that opens and closes at some RPM level to vent something - guessing gas fumes but don't know (can you tell I'm not too technical). My question is: How can you tell this thing is operating? Do you hear it click or a hiss of some kind as it vents? Or do you just assume it works when it's supposed to?

BTW, I have not had any concerning issues - this is purely to help my understanding of how these machines work.

Thanks.

Steve

A purge valve that doesn't open will allow gas fumes to accumulate in the evap canister which will eventually vent to air resulting in the smell.
The latest software update revised the rpms and temps that the purge valve operates which resulted in poor running in some Spyders.
If you're not having either of those problems then your valve is probably working just fine

I've not heard anyone blame the valve on the fires though if the solinoid valve failed such that it burned it's sitting right above the gas fume filled evap canister.......not a good combo:yikes:
It was a few years ago that Ford had vehicle fires caused by a solinoid though as I recall it was unfused and powered even when the vechicle was off......idiots!