93 Century purge valve ALWAYS clicking?

[rrlucas]

Alright... from searching these forums it seems like it is normal for the Charocal Canister's purge valve to be clicking SOME of the time, but it seems like mine is ALWAYS clicking, regardless if the engine is hot or cold, if it's a long trip (9 hours) or just a short trip in-town (2-5 miles).

It's really loud and quite annoying. There's no CEL, but I haven't checked to see if its throwing other codes yet (I'll have to find a paperclip...)

1993 Buick Century, 3300 V6, ~140k miles.

Here's a video I took of it: http://youtu.be/nUGHM7wqrFw

Why is it ALWAYS clicking? (when the engine is running, of course)
Do I have a leak somewhere?

... I know my gas cap is original to the car, could that be part of the problem?

And, if someone could explain again to me what it does, that'd be great. From what I gather, it sucks air in so that less gas fumes escape or something like that.

Thanks for any input.

 

[dcraig1000]

The Canister Purge Solenoid is controlled by the ECM and allows manifold and/or ported vacuum to purge the fuel evaporative cannister when energized.

OPERATION:
The ECM operates a normally closed Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) solenoid to control vacuum to purge the canister. Under cold engine or idle conditions, the solenoid is turned "OFF" by the ECM, which blocks vacuum and prevents purge of the canister. The ECM turns "ON" the solenoid valve and allows purge when the following conditions are met.
Engine coolant temperature above 133°F (56°C)
Engine run time after start more than 65 seconds.
In some cases the ECM may also look for these conditions in addition to those listed above in order to purge the canister.
Above a specified road speed.
Above a specified throttle opening.
Ignition "ON," engine stopped, diagnostic terminal B grounded
The ECM also uses input from the 02 sensor to regulate purging of the canister. The ECM also has diagnostic capabilities to set a Code 26 in the event of a disconnected or shorted wire.

you might just have a worn out/loud solenoid.

 

[rrlucas]

So, if those are the conditions in which it should turn on... then why would mine be on when none of those conditions are met?

With engine cold, the purge valve seems to start clicking immediately after starting.

My 02 sensors are original as well as most of the sensors/valves, etc on the car.

I get that it may be loud because the valve is 19 years old... but it seems to be clicking when none of the "on" conditions are met that you've listed.

Are there any possible negatives for the purge valve to always be on/clicking? Reduced gas mileage? stuff like that?

 

[dcraig1000]

I would think if the o2 sensor was the reason for it clicking then it may be affecting the fuel mileage.