Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting EVAP solenoid vaccuum line ??

I'm trying to test for vaccuum leaks.

On a 98 2.0L Zetec, does anyone know if the vaccuum line, that goes from the intake manifold to the EVAP solenoid on the firewall, should be open ? I hook a hand vaccuum pump up to this line and it does not hold a vaccuum.

Since the EVAP system is part of the vacuum distribution system, I would say that it should be able to hold a vacuum (or at least come close).

How did you test the EVAP line? Was the engine on or off? Did you disconnect the EVAP "hose" from the PCV valve and hook up the vacuum pump there? If you can get your hands back there, I would try and unhook the EVAP "tube" from the solenoid on the firewall, plug up that end, and test the EVAP "tube" for vacuum. This will let you know if the "tube" itself has a leak.

On my 1996 Contour SE the solenoid (on the firewall) is connected a long (~2') plastic ribbed EVAP "tube". This in turn is connected to a short (~ 4") rubber elbow-shaped EVAP "hose". This in turn is connected to the PCV valve.

I don't think so, it goes straight to the intake manifold which isn't going to hold a vacuum with the engine off due to the idle air control valve and the fact that the throttle butterfly doesn't make an airtight seal.

Brian

I disconnected the small vaccum line going from solenoid to the intake manifold. I connected my hand pump into this line.

I'm testing the small hose going into the solenoid, with it being connected to the solenoid. Engine it off.

I think it's the evap solenoid. It has two large lines going to it and the small line.

The evap solenoid is about 1.5" long by 3/4" in diameter or something close...it has two wires coming out of it and has two hoses connected to it, one of which goes to the PVC valve & the other heads towards the rear of the car. That's the way it is in the '95 V6, dunno if the Zetec is different.

It should hold vacuum, I would think, because it's not supposed to be open unless the PCM tells it be (during normal engine operation to vent fumes from the gas tank).

Brian