Re: carbon canister solenoid

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

> The carbon canister shut-off solenoid in my '88 90q keeps clicking all the time.
> I presume this means it is going on/off continuously ? Is this a sure sign
> that the solenoid has gone bad or could something else be causing it to go
> on/off ? What are the side effects of having a bad solenoid ?

If you mean the little can with three "vacuum" lines, I understood
exactly what that thing for about 8 seconds last month... I believe it
is a check valve until you suck on the small line (well, the engine
usually does it) then it is an open flow either way.

I think it allows the engine to draw some air back in through the
canister under certain conditions, to burn the fumes that have been
absorbed (adsorbed?) in the charcoal.  My aquarium filters never had one
of these though.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com

82 Audi Coupe; 84 4kq; 85 Coupe GT
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human