Evap canister refill?

[Clifford]

I threw P0446 recently and in researching have seen so many folks getting used canisters (due to high cost of new part) so I wondered why not just replace the charcoal if possible? I found some references to this online but am wondering if anyone has tried it? I would imagine cutting holes in the sides of the 2 chambers with the charcoal, emptying them then refilling. Maybe even use small deck mod ports. You would want to leave the internal filter elements etc. alone for sure.

Charcoal is charcoal you just want to be sure it is pellets like OEM I would imaging and not dusty at all- maybe use something like this:

Amazon.com: Acurel LLC Extreme Activated Carbon Pellets, 100-Ounce: Pet Supplies

I got a new gas cap today and just ordered the valve that goes by the canister. Will see what happens, still waiting for the tests to complete the catalyst and evap sys test are still pending in my Torque app.

C

 

[kernel.panik]

I could be wrong, but I'll bet that it's not the charcoal that goes bad in these. Mine had a crack in it, which I should have tried to fix but spent almost $500 at the dealer. There are also a host of valves and electronics that could fail and cannot be replaced.

just my $0.02

 

[knothead]

Before I got the 2001 from my wife, it was throwing the same code, I would reset it and it would throw it again. No way was I going to pop for the cost of a new canister. Now that I have had it for over 2 years, it has never done it again. My wife would top of the tank just about every time she went by a station. I only fill up when it is 1/4 or lower. Sounds crazy but I think the problem was that the canister never was able to vent properly.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Often times the canister fails internally and the charcoal granules are able to get out through the canister ports. They can find their way into your evap hoses and plug them as well as stick open the vent valves/solenoids.

I'd be weary of trying to refill the canister because you would likely damage the area that contains the granules also changing the consistency and level. Also the charcoal itself may not be the failure but within the canister.

Just wanted to point out a couple things and likely creation of new problems.

 

[Clifford]

Thx.

I still feel more could be done to try and refurbish and repair them before committing to a new or used replacement. For example if the granules are escaping maybe new filter elements and refresh of granules. Blow the solenoid valves out, clean them with solvent maybe. Test them to assure they are operating. I just get frustrated with the disposable and waste heavy parts sometimes. I have been refilling laser and ink jet printers for decades and have saved a lot of money and waste. Not always the best solution but I will certainly try some things and document as I go along if I eventually have to consider my canister is at fault.

C

 

[Clifford]

FYI- replacing the ECValve at the canister solved my P0446 code.
Part I used: Amazon.com: Dorman 911-601 Toyota Vacuum Switching Valve: Automotive
Also one of the bolts was seized- just attached the replacement with zip ties rather than drill out and fix seized bolt.
C

 

[BamaDrewski]

FYI- replacing the ECValve at the canister solved my P0446 code.
Part I used: Amazon.com: Dorman 911-601 Toyota Vacuum Switching Valve: Automotive
Also one of the bolts was seized- just attached the replacement with zip ties rather than drill out and fix seized bolt.
C

I actually have an evap canister I pulled off a 99 T4R with 110K miles on it. I do not know if the vacuum switching valve works but that is easily replaced. Let me know if you need the canister....

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Mine was cracked also. It was a ***** to track down.

It would throw intermittent evap code failures.

 

[Clifford]

If we were neighbors I would take it just to try a refurb on it. Alabamy little hike from Cali. Thx.
C

I actually have an evap canister I pulled off a 99 T4R with 110K miles on it. I do not know if the vacuum switching valve works but that is easily replaced. Let me know if you need the canister....

 

[Clifford]

I did a refurb on my canister and was easy. Cut it open, checked filter, valves, replaced granules, plastic welded shut with a soldering iron. Easy. Pictures suck but never seen anyone else post a refurb so here goes:
2001 4Runner canister refurb - Google Photos