EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-39
Possible symptoms associated with a purge valve or associated pipework failure is listed below:
lEngine may stall on return to idle if purge valve is stuck open.
lPoor idling quality if the purge valve is stuck open
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively lean if the EVAP canister is clear and the purge valve is stuck open.
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively rich if the EVAP canister is saturated and the purge valve is stuck open.
lSaturation of the EVAP canister if the purge valve is stuck closed.
To maintain driveability and effective emission control, EVAP canister purging must be closely controlled by the
engine management ECM, as a 1% concentration of fuel vapour from the EVAP canister in the air intake may shift
the air:fuel ratio by as much as 20%. The ECM must purge the fuel vapour from the EVAP canister at regular intervals
as its storage capacity is limited and an excessive build up of evaporated fuel pressure in the system could increase
the likelihood of vapour leaks. Canister purging is cycled with the fuelling adaptation as both cannot be active at the
same time. The ECM alters the PWM signal to the purge valve to control the rate of purging of the canister to maintain
the correct stoichiometric air:fuel mixture for the engine.
Fuel leak detection system (vacuum type) – NAS only
The advanced evaporative loss control system used on NAS vehicles is similar to the standard system, but also
includes a CVS valve and fuel tank pressure sensor and is capable of detecting holes in the fuel evaporative system
down to 1 mm (0.04 in.). The test is carried out in three parts. First the purge valve and the canister vent solenoid
valve closes off the storage system and the vent pressure increases due to the fuel vapour pressure level in the tank.
If the pressure level is greater than the acceptable limit, the test will abort because a false leak test response will
result. In part two of the test, the purge valve is opened and the fuel tank pressure will decrease due to the depression
from the intake manifold, evident at the purge port of the EVAP canister during purge operation. In part three of the
test, the leak measurement test is performed. The pressure response of the tests determines the level of leak, and if
this is greater than the acceptable limit on two consecutive tests, the ECM stores the fault in diagnostic memory and
the MIL light on the instrument pack is illuminated. The test is only carried out at engine idle with the vehicle stationary,
and a delay of 15 minutes after engine start is imposed before diagnosis is allowed to commence.
