Hi guys,

​​​​​I have a 97 Camaro with 3.8. I keep getting a purge solenoid code error and I have to take off the purge solenoid and tap out all the charcoal that'* made its way from the cannister to the valve.

What I want to know is - Will the charcoal be able to make its way through the solenoid valve and back into the motor along with the purged fumes and cause misfires because I also get cyl 3 random misfire codes over and over, even after changing plugs and wires.

I recently replaced the head gaskets but I was getting the error codes prior to me doing so.

I would also like to know how to get the cannister out of its clamp so I can either try to repair or replace it. The Haynes book doesn't tell you **** about exactly how to get the cannister out.

Thanks in advance

Purge, it'* on top of the motor on the passenger side. The cannisters is behind the driver side rear tire, so the charcoal travels a long way. Isn't there some kind of filter material between the charcoal and the purge line?

I've never heard of a car having this kind of problem before

It'* not charcoal, it'* crap that is in the line.....

Its charcoal for sure. Looks like gun powder and keeps getting into the purge solenoid and doesnt allow it to close completely and I get codes stating that the system purges when the computer doesnt tell it to.

Youre telling me, Mr Tech, that it cant happen? I beg to differ sir, with respect.

Can someone please give me some advice on how to remove the canister? Ive taken the cover off to expose the canister but I cant see how the clamp works. Does it slide out towards the top? Do you have to release the clamp?

Id be willing to bet the filter inside the cannister has developed a hole allowing charcoal to escape and travel to the purge solenoid. I also assume that the canister is something you simply replace over repairing.

I must apologize....I thought for sure that there was a filter that would prevent charcoal from ever traveling through the line to the purge valve....apparently I was wrong and you were right.....like you say, there is no fix outside of replacing the canister....

From experience I believe you are getting that code because the canister needs to be replaced. I saw YouTube videos of blowing air and water through it but that'* just putting a bandaid on a problem that can become a bigger issue. I replaced everything on my system with that code, twice on some parts. Though, when I finally replaced actual recap canister, issue went away