Fuel in the Charcoal Canister

[MXG286]

Background
I have a 03 Silverado 5.3L Z71 183k on the clock. Vehicle prone to Evap codes... aren't they all? Anyways, I previously replaced the Vent on the tank, and the Purge Solenoid recently on the front. I have the P 0446 code that keeps coming back on after being cleared at about 30-40 miles of travel. Took it to the 3 best friends my car ever had. They ran a Smoke test and found no leak but found fuel in the Charcoal Canister.

Question
Can the issue of the P0446 be fixed by drying out the canister? i.e. running shop air through the box / just leaving it open to the air? Has anyone had experience with this?

 

[Draenor]

Missed this. The related TSB is below.

As for the charcoal canister, the will probably need replacement. You could try to see if you could dry it out, but think that will not be likely.

Subject: DTC P0446 (Restricted/Blocked EVAP Vent Path) Set, Service Engine Soon (SES) Lamp Illuminated (Replace Hose/Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Vent Asm) #02-06-04-037A - (02/02/2005)
Models: 1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado Models
1999-2003 GMC Sierra Models
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This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-037 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
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Condition
Some customers whose vehicles are operated in dusty type environments, such as farming or mining off-road type applications, may comment about the illumination of the instrument panel SES light, with a DTC of P0446 (Restricted/Blocked EVAP Vent Path) being set.

Cause
Dirt and dust intrusion into the EVAP canister vent hose assembly, resulting in restricted air flow, may cause this condition.

Correction
After following the Service Manual diagnostic P0446 and determining that the EVAP canister vent valve is the cause of the SES light, replace the existing EVAP canister vent hose assembly with a new assembly, P/N 15086429. This new assembly has an enhanced filtering capability and a filter element that can be easily removed and cleaned. To ensure correct installation, follow the procedure below.

Raise the vehicle. Suitably support the vehicle.
Disconnect the EVAP canister vent valve electrical connector.
Disconnect the vent valve pipe at the EVAP canister.
Remove and retain the EVAP canister vent valve bracket mounting bolt.
Disengage, from the underbody, the two vent valve pipe clips securing the pipe to the underbody.
Remove and discard the complete EVAP canister vent hose assembly.
Position and secure the new assembly to the underbody using the existing hole and mounting bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bracket mounting bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

Install the two vent valve pipe clips into the existing underbody holes.
Connect the vent valve pipe to the EVAP canister.
Connect the EVAP canister vent valve electrical connector.
Lower the vehicle.
When properly installed, the new EVAP canister vent hose assembly will be positioned outboard of the original installation location. This new location provides clearance for accessing the filter element for cleaning purposes. To access the filter element, disengage the filter cover to valve locking finger by gently lifting the finger upward while simultaneously rotating the filter body clockwise. After approximately 45 degrees of rotation, the filter can be disengaged from the valve by gently pulling outward. The filter cover can then be removed and the filter element and body can be washed with soap and water. Prior to reinstalling, ensure that the body and filter element are dry.

Parts Information
Part Number 15086429 Hose Asm-Evap Emission Canister Vent

 

[txab]

Quit trying to cram that last few dribbles of gas into the tank, that's how you flood the system with fuel. When the pump clicks off you're done.

Replace the canister.

 

[Draenor]

Quit trying to cram that last few dribbles of gas into the tank, that's how you flood the system with fuel. When the pump clicks off you're done.

Replace the canister.

What?

I fill to top of the neck, then put some in the cap and quickly close it. You need all the fuel you can get.

 

[1BADSS396]

 

[txab]

Quit trying to cram that last few dribbles of gas into the tank, that's how you flood the system with fuel. When the pump clicks off you're done.

Replace the canister.

What?

I fill to top of the neck, then put some in the cap and quickly close it. You need all the fuel you can get.

You could try carrying some in your pockets too, you might need it sometime.

 

[Texas Jim]

Quit trying to cram that last few dribbles of gas into the tank, that's how you flood the system with fuel. When the pump clicks off you're done.

Replace the canister.

What?

I fill to top of the neck, then put some in the cap and quickly close it. You need all the fuel you can get.

You could try carrying some in your pockets too, you might need it sometime.

Your Zippo lighter will also work fine with gasoline...
but if you overfill it, it will blister your leg...

 

[MXG286]

Solution

Normally I do not "cram" gas in. In fact I try not to. Turns out it wasn't the canister at all. It was the fuel pressure sensor on top of the tank. The "Boys" didn't figure that out. I had to do the leg work on that one. The canister only ever had a few drips come out of it and I figure that was condensation.

 

[Black02Silverado]

Glad you found the issue.