Mine became clogged after 17 yrs. of use and at first i removed it,
squeezed it and shook it up to allow the fumes to circulate and vent into the
frame of the vehicle. This worked for a while and then I had the same symptom
again (a vacuum in the tank that would release after shutting off the engine
and  one time blew out the plug at the top of the engine that caused a leak
when the  tank was filled up). I decided that I had nothing to lose and cut
open the  canister along the circumference at the top and removed the
hardened chunk of  charcoal. Then I crushed up BBQ charcoal and put it in the
canister and  sealed/glued it the top back in place and re-installed. About
5,000  miles later all is well and no tank expansion. YM (and emissions)MV. The
 disclaimer: My state doesn't have emissions inspections and who measures
the emissions coming out of a Vanagon's frame anyway? Good luck.

David Clarkson
90 Westy (268k)

In a message dated 10/26/2009 6:13:16 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM writes:

Sooo,  just make sure it is connected and no replacment required?  I do  not
have to pass emissions in Texas.  Just wanna do the right  thing.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73  Beetle

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 5:07 PM, Chris S  <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> It's a part of Al Gore's  top secret carbon equistration program.
> Either that or it absorbs the  hydrocarbon fumes from our gas tanks
> when the engine runs.   Maintain it by making sure all the vacuum lines
> are connected and not  leaking, and remember that for every car with a
> missing canister there  are 3 lawn mower gas cans leaking fumes into
> our  atmosphere.
>
> 2009/10/26, Michael Sullivan  <sandwichhead@gmail.com>:
>  > What is the purpose of  this?  Any maintenance required?  Thanks.
> > Michael in  San Antonio
> > 91GL AT 'Gringo'
> > 73 Beetle
>  >
>
>
> --
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death  and serious injury may  occur"
>