Can an activated charcoal canister be cleaned?
Some owners may be able to use an air compressor to clean out their charcoal canister. This process can help determine if the tank is truly broken or if only part of the line is clogged.
Generally, this process involves removing the canister from the vehicle and using a compressor to blow air into the canister at a specific PSI level, effectively cleaning the canister without damaging the internal components.
For more information on cleaning a charcoal canister, see your vehicle’s emissions manual (if available). Also, do not pour any liquid into the container as this can cause permanent damage to the parts. In most cases, it is recommended to replace the container rather than cleaning it.
How Activated Charcoal Canisters Work
Simply put, a charcoal canister in your car absorbs excess gasoline gas and gases that build up inside your gas tank.
The charcoal in this piece is made of activated carbon and is made to be very porous. These pores help maximize the amount of gas and toxins the container can absorb. Here’s a video showing the inside of a typical charcoal canister.
The charcoal canister is periodically emptied by forcing this excess vapor into the engine through the fuel vapor vent line and vent valve. Without the activated charcoal canister, these fumes would collect in the gas tank or escape the car into the atmosphere. These gases are often toxic and dangerous to the environment.
The EVAP system helps make cars greener and more efficient because the canister captures these gases and uses them to power the engine.
The activated charcoal canister’s design is relatively simple, so it is usually self-supporting. However, they can sometimes become damaged or worn out.
Is it safe to drive with a defective EVAP canister? In most cases, it is safe to drive with a broken charcoal canister.
However, if a faulty charcoal canister causes a strong smell of fuel in your car, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. As mentioned above, exposure to fuel fumes is very dangerous. If you have to drive, roll down some windows to let some fresh air into the car.