Charcoal Canister - culprit for fuel smell? Options

[914Next]

In the past year I've noticed a significant increase in the fuel vapor smell in the cabin of my 73 2.0. I think it's time to track it down.

Is the most likely culprit the charcoal canister? Are there other potential causes?

If it's the canister can these be "re-loaded? I recall hearing that they may be able to be opened up and charcoal replaced. Anyone done that? How big a task is it?

Os do I just look for a used replacement canister?

TIA

Steve

[914Next]

Thanks, All. Looks like I've got several things to check. This is an allL original survivor so everything is suspect from the gas cap gasket to the lines into and out off the canister.

It's a '73 so sounds like the charcoal cannot be changed. And I don't want to use a plastic one since it is not original to the car.

And as for going and driving the hell out of it....guilty as charged for not doing that. I live in Mexico much of the the year and the car is in Wisconsin. I just calculated this weekend and I've average under 400 mi per year for the 10 years I've owned it. I know....NOT good. But it's winter in WI right now and I'm afraid the car won't se the road until spring.

Meanwhile, I'll check the other things. Thx

[wonkipop]

Thanks, All. Looks like I've got several things to check. This is an allL original survivor so everything is suspect from the gas cap gasket to the lines into and out off the canister.

It's a '73 so sounds like the charcoal cannot be changed. And I don't want to use a plastic one since it is not original to the car.

And as for going and driving the hell out of it....guilty as charged for not doing that. I live in Mexico much of the the year and the car is in Wisconsin. I just calculated this weekend and I've average under 400 mi per year for the 10 years I've owned it. I know....NOT good. But it's winter in WI right now and I'm afraid the car won't se the road until spring.

Meanwhile, I'll check the other things. Thx

don't worry. am as guilty as you. but if you can get it out on a freeway or highway for a good hour or hour and a half or even a good days drive all around the place at steady old cruise you would be surprised at it clearing itself out. but its only temporary. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) mine is in the engine bay. so i only tend to smell it when i stick my head in the engine with a torch checking for leaking fuel injectors before i drive it. i'm not paranoid or nothing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[914Next]

Thanks, All. Looks like I've got several things to check. This is an allL original survivor so everything is suspect from the gas cap gasket to the lines into and out off the canister.

It's a '73 so sounds like the charcoal cannot be changed. And I don't want to use a plastic one since it is not original to the car.

And as for going and driving the hell out of it....guilty as charged for not doing that. I live in Mexico much of the the year and the car is in Wisconsin. I just calculated this weekend and I've average under 400 mi per year for the 10 years I've owned it. I know....NOT good. But it's winter in WI right now and I'm afraid the car won't se the road until spring.

Meanwhile, I'll check the other things. Thx

don't worry. am as guilty as you. but if you can get it out on a freeway or highway for a good hour or hour and a half or even a good days drive all around the place at steady old cruise you would be surprised at it clearing itself out. but its only temporary. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) mine is in the engine bay. so i only tend to smell it when i stick my head in the engine with a torch checking for leaking fuel injectors before i drive it. i'm not paranoid or nothing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Thanks. Yeah we got an early snow so my chances of getting it out before I head back to Mexico are slim to none. Checked the obvious things and everything looks in order. No leaks, hoses all seem fine. I don't get a gas smell in the engine compartment or frunk area.

[mxkinn01]

Thanks, All. Looks like I've got several things to check. This is an allL original survivor so everything is suspect from the gas cap gasket to the lines into and out off the canister.

It's a '73 so sounds like the charcoal cannot be changed. And I don't want to use a plastic one since it is not original to the car.

And as for going and driving the hell out of it....guilty as charged for not doing that. I live in Mexico much of the the year and the car is in Wisconsin. I just calculated this weekend and I've average under 400 mi per year for the 10 years I've owned it. I know....NOT good. But it's winter in WI right now and I'm afraid the car won't se the road until spring.

Meanwhile, I'll check the other things. Thx

don't worry. am as guilty as you. but if you can get it out on a freeway or highway for a good hour or hour and a half or even a good days drive all around the place at steady old cruise you would be surprised at it clearing itself out. but its only temporary. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) mine is in the engine bay. so i only tend to smell it when i stick my head in the engine with a torch checking for leaking fuel injectors before i drive it. i'm not paranoid or nothing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Thanks. Yeah we got an early snow so my chances of getting it out before I head back to Mexico are slim to none. Checked the obvious things and everything looks in order. No leaks, hoses all seem fine. I don't get a gas smell in the engine compartment or frunk area.

Hmmm. It's a mid year change. My 73 has a plastic canister (mid year 5 of 73). Steve and others are correct about fish tank charcoal. I replace the charcoal in mine and all the smells went away, FYI I threw the old stuff in the trash and it stunk the trash can for weeks before dissipating.