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I need some advice/guidance. While the '01 is in the shop with the rear suspension/trans/torque tube out, I figured it would be a good time to address the fuel vapor issue that seems to be common to these cars. I'm referring to the issue where, after filling the tank to where the pump shuts off and not overfilling, you drive the car home and within an hour there is a strong smell of gas in the garage.
Earlier this year the car was tested with the smoke method, where they pump smoke into the tank through the fill pipe and look for leaks. None were found, but the vapor canister vent was found to be faulty and the entire unit was replaced. That made the vapor issue less noticeable, but still present.
They did another smoke test today and again found no leaks, from either tank or the crossover tube. The fuel filter was replaced earlier this year, and I have read here on the forum that that can sometimes be the cause of the vapors. I do not recall if the vapors were an issue before the new fuel filter. The fuel pump on the drivers' side has gotten noisy in the past 6 months, and that does seem to correspond to the vapor issue if my memory serves me correctly.
So, if a smoke test reveals no leakage and no loss of pressure.......what could be other possible causes? My mechanic is a little stumped but he is going to do some more research. I'm trying to give him some direction. TIA!
It would be pretty hard to see it with the smoke test, but there is a float valve on top of the passenger side tank that has a tendency to come apart or stick open...thats where I would look.
I need some advice/guidance. While the '01 is in the shop with the rear suspension/trans/torque tube out, I figured it would be a good time to address the fuel vapor issue that seems to be common to these cars. I'm referring to the issue where, after filling the tank to where the pump shuts off and not overfilling, you drive the car home and within an hour there is a strong smell of gas in the garage.
Earlier this year the car was tested with the smoke method, where they pump smoke into the tank through the fill pipe and look for leaks. None were found, but the vapor canister vent was found to be faulty and the entire unit was replaced. That made the vapor issue less noticeable, but still present.
They did another smoke test today and again found no leaks, from either tank or the crossover tube. The fuel filter was replaced earlier this year, and I have read here on the forum that that can sometimes be the cause of the vapors. I do not recall if the vapors were an issue before the new fuel filter. The fuel pump on the drivers' side has gotten noisy in the past 6 months, and that does seem to correspond to the vapor issue if my memory serves me correctly.
So, if a smoke test reveals no leakage and no loss of pressure.......what could be other possible causes? My mechanic is a little stumped but he is going to do some more research. I'm trying to give him some direction. TIA!
You "may" have the purge valve stuck open (normally closed) but usually when it is stuck open after fill up the engine vacuum will draw those fuel vapors from the canister into the engine and the car will run badly (rich) for a period of time until the vapors are used up. Do you have any EVAP DTC's set ??...you could disconnect the purge valve line at the manifold
and plug it up and see if there are still any fumes !!
You "may" have the purge valve stuck open (normally closed) but usually when it is stuck open after fill up the engine vacuum will draw those fuel vapors from the canister into the engine and the car will run badly (rich) for a period of time until the vapors are used up. Do you have any EVAP DTC's set ??...you could disconnect the purge valve line at the manifold
and plug it up and see if there are still any fumes !!
I was getting a DTC before the vapor canister was replaced but have not gotten one since.
It would be pretty hard to see it with the smoke test, but there is a float valve on top of the passenger side tank that has a tendency to come apart or stick open...thats where I would look.
Wouldn't a float valve be inside the tank?
Last edited by Gunnmetalblue; Dec 6, 2018 at 10:34 AM.
Fuel Vapor gremlin
