97 4Runner charcoal canister issue?
 

I have a 97 4Runner that has been in our family since purchased new off the lot. About 5 years ago my wife and I slid off the road and wrecked the front drivers side. Just recently we patched it all back together and got it running. I had to drop the tank and change the fuel pump a few months ago. Since I got it going I took it up to get some fuel. When I took the cap off I noticed a lot of pressure escaping from the tank. Drove it home and noticed a fuel smell, popped the hood and found the charcoal canister had been cracked in the accident. There was a considerable amount of fuel puddles up underneath the canister. When I took it off, some fuel poured out... My question is should there be fuel inside this thing? I assumed only vapors passed through.. Is it possible that I mixed up some lines when I reinstalled the tank at one point? I had to drop the tank several times, one time the leads where reversed at the pump and it was sucking instead of pumping.. Just trying to give enough info so I can determine if a new canister is all I need or if I have accidentally stumbled upon another issue. There is no check engine light on, however it idles extremely high at times. I also know I have a loose vacuum line, just haven't figured out where it goes yet

I do not know that much about these canisters but I pulled a couple of spares to have on hand as they are PRICEY. One thing I noticed looking at mine is that there is a green plastic tag on one of the hoses that mentions something about "pressurization". Maybe there is something that has to be done to pressurize the system for the canister to receive fuel vapor rather than liquid gasoline......just a thought.

If you overfill your tank then gas will get into your Charcoal Canister and ruin it, thats why you dont "top off" your gas tank.

Yes, overfilling will get gas in the charcoal can. Also if its not missing chunks of plastic whip out the JB weld.

Where exactly is this charcoal canister located ? Just wondering as I have a 97' 4rnr.
The loose vacuum hose you still have might it be from the canister under the front drvers side fender ? It's for the 4WD vacuum, you might want to check that.

The charcoal canister is the black box between the battery and the fuse box, with all the hoses coming in and out of it.

I'm sure you are right, my loose vacuum hose must go to the vacuum canister in the fender. Which is missing, naturally. What does the vacuum canister look like, does anyone know how I can rig one because I can't turn up anything doing a search online. The vehicle goes into 4wd currently.

Ok on the location Thanks. How the hell does your 4rnr go into 4wd if there is no canister under the fender ??? Mine wont ! Are you engaging 4wd using the button on the gear shift ? or putting it into Low range ? I never tried the latter. The under fender canister has that plastic tube going into it to create a vacuum inside which somehow engages the 4wd.
Mine was all rusted to hell so I cut some metal sheeting to patch it and wrapped it all up nice and tight with tape. If you make one it will have to be plastic or metal can at least 3mm thick or the vacuum will crush it ! It is possible to make one quite easily. The approx size is about 6inch deep and 5 inch wide if that helps. Mine is zip tied in place ! I can send pics if you want.

Thanks for that info! My 4wd is engaged manually

Bump
 

Bump, I'd love to learn how these things turned out for people. I've got that clicking noise from the VSV connected to the cannister, and I can feel the vibration on the hose connecting the two. Rough idle, stuttering, gas smell periodically. I've gone through a rollercoaster thinking the poor driving was from my engine, and am so grateful to find this problem instead of a head gasket. Unless maybe I still have a hose leak somewhere else.