Proportional solenoid for purging fuel vapors

An improved regulator valve 10 for controlling the purging of fuel vapors collected in a canister 12 and an evaporative emission control system into an intake system 18 of an internal combustion engine employs a solenoid valve assembly 40 with an armature 86 disposed outside of the coil 58 to operate with low friction. A spring 90 separating the armature 86 from the valve member 98 allows the spring 98 to absorb most of the magnetic and gravitational side loading.