1997 Acura Integra CHARCOAL CANISTER

There is a smell coming through the vents and I took my car to a mechanic who said that it was the charcoal canister, that it was working somewhat but needed to be replaced. At that time I had oil deposite around the engine and had just had the top valve cover replaced. The smell is terrible, not like gas, but burnt fumes. Hard to explain. Took it to another mechanic and was told to have the engine cleaned. I did and the smell was gone for about one month. Then it came back I took it to the second mechanic and he verrified that it was a fuel oder. Said that it was coming from the canister and on my model of car he never heard of it going out so he wanted to check to see the problem and that there could be something that can make the canister go out. I don't know I'm not a mechanic. But the smell is terrible and I am worried if I am causing damage to my lungs while driving this car. I don't have the money to replace the canister right now. I drive with the windows down; the smell gets on the fabric seats and on my clothes and lingers on me until I wash my face hands, hair, etc. The part costs 160.00 from the dealership. I was told to go get one out of a junk yard. What is the best way to do this? Please.