Virtual Mechanic

PURPOSE
The carbon canister is designed to soak the fuel vapours from the fuel tank when the engine is turned off or parked in a hot or cold location.   Over time the fuel may expand and the vapours are soaked up by the carbon canister.  When the engine starts the vacuum will draw the vapours, recycle them, and  prevent the vapours from entering the atmosphere. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The carbon canister may be full of petrol if the fuel tank is full and may start to overflow with petrol.  The carbon canister should be checked at least every 20,000-50,000kms to operate correctly.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
The carbon canister is rarely replaced.  If it needs to be replaced, go to your local spare parts outlet or the wreckers.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009