2001 Ford Taurus Vapor Canister Fuel Leak Fix

FORD TAURUS
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LLAMA
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Six months ago my 2001 Ford Taurus, 3.0L DOHC, 130K mile, fuel tank was cleaned to remove charcoal pellets inside tank, replaced fuel pump and filter, and flushed fuel lines. This solved a fuel starvation problem. I didn't know until now that the carbon pellets came from the EVAP canister. I noticed after topping off the tank that fuel was leaking from the air purge vent valve side of the vapor canister. I took it out of the car and found gas inside the canister. Do you know why gas would find it's way back into this system and what my next step should be? Could this be my original cause for carbon pellets inside my gas tank? I'm not getting a warning light condition.
Jan 28, 2007 at 6:20 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Any work done that may have a couple lines on wrong? Any codes or check engine light?
Jan 28, 2007 at 12:03 PM
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LLAMA
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I found hose lenghts at the canister to limit reversal but not sure at other end. There are no engine lights. Would it be possible to have a check valve at the tank that would be defective?
Jan 28, 2007 at 11:02 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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I don't see how that could be. Even it could, you would have a long crank problem. Not to mention it would plug the pump and not make into the tank anyways. When you fill up, do you stop filling after it clicks or continue filling?


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_evap_1.jpg

I am inclined to think the fuel vapor control valve is failing. It is supposed to prevent fuel from entering the vapor lines.
Jan 29, 2007 at 10:19 AM
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LLAMA
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Paul, You were right about the fuel vapor control valve. It was indeed what was bad. I replaced the fuel vapor canister also. Thanks for your excellent advice.
Feb 6, 2007 at 1:09 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Sometimes I'm the bug, sometimes I'm the windsheild.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_bigsmilereptile_1.jpg

Glad we had success!!!!
Feb 6, 2007 at 9:26 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the failed fuel vapor control valve, which is meant to keep liquid fuel out of the vapor lines, and replace the vapor canister if it is contaminated with fuel. Stop filling when the pump clicks rather than topping off the tank.

Conversation Summary

A 2001 Ford Taurus had fuel leaking from the vapor canister after the tank was cleaned of charcoal pellets and the pump, filter, and lines were serviced. There was no check-engine light. The expert suspected a failing fuel vapor control valve rather than a tank check valve and asked whether the tank was being overfilled. The owner confirmed the valve was bad, replaced it and the vapor canister, and the problem was resolved.

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