VSV bad or what else?

Hi guys. I had time to mess with my 0446 code in the last 2 days on my 02 2.7 and need some help. I made a smoke tester to rule out things. My smoke leaks out of the top of the filler pipe, under the plastic neck. The filler is new, and the oem cap is also. I disconnected the 3 lines off the filler pipe base where rubber connects one by one. The smoke is coming out of the larger pipe that goes up to the plastic ring around the top of filler pipe. This larger of the 3 lines comes out of the charcoal canister, like the one in the pic. So what would be making this leak? Does the VSV control this leaking line? I don't know what to replace on the canister, or to just buy a whole new charcoal canister. Any info would be great.

 

@mechanicjon

 

There are quite a few pages in the FSM on the evap system, including diagnostics for checking the charcoal canister. Is your MIL lit? There should be a code if there is malfunction.

When I changed my canister, it was pretty clear that the VSV on the canister was not working. I did not smoke test it though, just changed it. Last I checked, Toyota does not sell the VSV on the canister. You have to buy the whole thing, even though it's probably only the VSV thats bad. The large hose is the air drain, and I'm not sure if the VSV controls that. Don't forget that there is also a VSV for evap under the hood which you have to check since they all work together. I had that one go bad also.

 

Yes, the MIL light is on. I was afraid I would need the complete canister. Thanks for the help.

 

Have you checked aftermarket? I'll have to freshin up a liitle on the evap system. Sometimes it is supposed to vent out that line.

 

The MIL code may help with diagnosing the problem. The FSM has proceedures to follow based upon the trouble codes. If you don't have a scanner, your local auto parts store can read the code for you. There will likely be more than one. If the MIL has been lit for a while, I would have it reset, than read the codes again when it comes back on.

I went with OEM parts based on advice found here, but aftermarket may also work. I had been chasing evap codes for over a year, and after changing the canister, gas cap, the VSV for evap under the hood, both the a/f and O2 sensors, everything is good.

 

Thanks for the help. The code is in my first post, p0446, its the only code. I turned it off 3 times over the last few months but keeps coming back on. P0446 is in the rear tank area. I was not sure if parts could be fixed on the canister, or if I need a new one. It seems I need a complete charcoal canister unit. All lines are good with no leaks. seems to be a sensor or valve on the canister.

 

Sorry, I missed the code

 

The FSM has a 24 step diagnostic for DTCs P0441 and P0446. That covers the canister and the VSV for EVAP under the hood.

 

Thanks, I will work through the guide.

 

It can be a bit daunting. Good luck.