Charcoal Canister

[bcrdukes]

Have any of you had to replace your charcoal canister? If so, why and what were the symptoms experienced?

[5KWattson]

the only reason that i can think of replacing it would be from a failed emissions test other wise just leave it alone they dont do much except hold excessive vapors from your gas tank for quicker warm up's but they really dont do anything for drive ability

[bcrdukes]

If it were clogged, would it cause hard starts?

[reelizmpro]

Did you try another purge valve first?

[bcrdukes]

^
They're pretty hard to come by. And they're $200+ from the stealership. :(

[reelizmpro]

Really? I'm sure you guys have some local junkyards or someone here on the board has a used one they could sell you cheap. I had a few of them at one point.

[bcrdukes]

I'm going to swap one out of a known working 90 325i this weekend and see how it goes.

[RobE30]

Check your manual for a quick diagnostic test to check the function of your existing check valve. I'm pretty sure the test is just disconnecting the valve from the canister and while still connected to the electrical plug, turn the key to the "on" position (but don't start it) and listen for a click. When I did the test on my 87 is, the valve didn't click @ first so I sprayed brake clean into the valve and shook it a little. Tried the test again and it worked fine. The only things I replaced were the rubber hoses going from the canister to the valve and the valve to TB (I think). Good luck and all that crap. The car did run a little smoother after changing the hoses so it's worth doing.

[bcrdukes]

^
I checked the valve. It clicks as per Bentley/Haynes manual. Took the CC out - no leaks/nothing. I think my injector(s) is/are leaking. :(

[g323]

Mine had a vacuum leak in it