The Work Begins, Odor Removal, Code P0440, and Power Steering!

About a week ago I purchased this 1999 TRD Taco:


So far it's been a pretty good ownership. However, some problems have started to surface. Read on if you're curious!
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Odor Removal
First off my truck had the smell of weed. I don't mind people smoking, but it's not for me (plus the G.F. says it "makes me sick") so the smell had to go. To do this I purchased some Ozium Sanitizing Spray.

The directions say to spray the room (or cab, in my case) for 1 second a couple times a day until the smell vanishes. So that is exactly what I did. Over the course of 3 days (and ~5 spray sessions) the smell has almost completely vanished. Success! On top of this I purchased some vent filters to give my car that yummy lemon smell.

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Code P0440 Generic Evaporative Emission System
I was driving home from class the other day with a very low tank of gas. As I was pulling up to turn into the gas station the CEL popped on. Crap ! I was certain it was going to be something huge being an old used car. When I got home I pulled out the trusty code reader and found code P0440 (both codes read the same):


I didn't have time to mess with it so I just cleared the code. I thought maybe it popped up from being low on gas. My research told me that no, no CEL error will come on with only low fuel. The next day on the way home again, the light popped back up. I researched a little more and found this picture which helped me diagnose the system:


Here is a good link on testing procedure

First things first, lets check the gas cap:

Well that looks like a problem... one trip to the local auto parts store and ~$7 later and I had a new gascap. I cleared the code and so far nothing has come back, I'm crossing my fingers
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Power Steering Pump
Last weekend I took my truck out in the dirt for the first time in who knows how long (last owner never took it in the dirt). About 1/2 way through the trail the P.S. went out. Normally this is not a problem but while slowly moving in the dirt it can get annoying. When I got home I popped the hood and noticed fluid everywhere:


To me it looked like a hose broke however I couldn't be too sure. I also noticed that the pulley was wobbling while it was running ~. I picked

$40 Power Steering Pump With Reservoir Replacement for 1995-2004 Tacoma 1996-2002 4Runner 1995-1998 T100 3.4L V6 Power Assist Pump

this pump from Amazon. There are plenty of threads on installing the pump so i won't go into detail. However I did have a problem, the bozo who installed the pump before me tightened the line with the might of Thor! Usually this isn't a problem but I could not find a wrench that fit on the nut. I tried a 15mm, too small; I tried a 17mm, too big; I bought a 16mm, too small, what fits this thing!? I unfortunately ended up rounding it off with the 17. Looking at this chart:


it seems like I needed a 21/32 wrench? What an odd size (so is a 16mm). I ended up using a small pipe wrench and a pipe to break it loose. I purchased a new bolt and torqued it TO SPEC so hopefully I can actually get it off if need be. Please PLEASE torque your bolts to spec! You will thank yourself later and so will the next guy.

Now on the wobbly pulley... I thought it was the pump with the problem, but nope, it was the pulley itself. How in earth does a pulley bend?? I called 4 parts stores and 2 shops and not a single one carried the pulley (probably because they don't usually break). Normally I would buy a new one, but I was out of time and needed the car tomorrow (today) to drive. I got the BFG (Big F*&#ing Hammer) and hammered it out straight again. Personally I don't think you can even tell it was bent, and the G.F. agreed (she likes to watch me work) After that the pump was installed with little to no issue and P.S. works great now!
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Whats Next?
Again, while off roading I found a few issues with the truck. First, the front diff axle seals started leaking. Then, the transmission grinding/stickyness is only getting worse, and finally when I put it in reverse and go it makes a loud clang and if I go back to 1st and go forward it makes the same noise. If I keep going a direction, no noise. Only when switching directions. That has me stumped. I ordered 2 new front diff seals, a new carrier bearing, and some Redline MT90 for the transmission. While I am changing fluids I will also do both diffs, the transfer case, and the engine oil. Hopefully doing all of this will fix some of my issues. Wish me luck and keep on the lookout for my next writeup!