Codes P0440, P0441 and P0446

Excellent question. No the new purge would not be damaged immediately however, if there is fuel in the canister then it will eventually clog and cause the new purge to stick.

What happens when you get fuel in the canister is it breaks down the charcoal and it actually turns to a fine dust/residue that travels through the system and clogs valves and solenoids.

So a new purge solenoid or CCV will operate until this residue causes them to fail.

What I would do is remove the canister and shake it. If you hear any liquid then I would replace it. Clearly there should only be vapor in there so any fuel is not good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work

Let us know if you have questions on this. I attached the info below on these parts as well.

Thanks

To: KaseKenny1:

Thank you for such a quick elegant response which explains the issue in simple words.

The reason I wanted to replace the CCV and not even touch the charcoal canister is because I'm not a mechanic or a handyman and I don't have a hydraulic lift or car-jacks and so I thought I'd first replace the CCV to see if that takes care of the problem (low MPG and I think a slight smell of fuel in the exhaust). I had looked at a video and I thought I should be able to replace the CCV on my own, and also it is not prohibitively expensive. But now with your explanation I can seek the help of a mechanic to test the canister and be able to understand the issue and be able to know what to get done.

Thank you so much.

Samir

I think that would be wise for the long run but if you want to change it now and look in the CCV for any residue that will tell you if the charcoal is breaking down.

Thanks for the update and your kind words. Let us know how you make out. Thanks