On the Syncro the carbon canister is located in the left rear wheel well,
mounted on the side of the upper spring perch. There are two gravity vent
valves on top of the fuel tank but these rarely give trouble. Things to look
for are of course the evap hoses and the valve that is connected to the vent
system. It is located near the air filter. A shop that deals with this will
have the means to pressure test including a smoke machine to locate the
leaks before tearing things apart.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
KKALnSF
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 11:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Failed Ca Smog due to Evaporative leak

We failed our first smog check ever. We were told the evaporative systems
containment is leaking on our 87 Syncro.

We discussed the results with a local VW mechanic.
He said the leak could be anywhere in the evap system and that if it is the
charcoal canister or any of the hoses that connect to it that we will need
to remove the fuel tank because the canister is on top of the fuel tank.

If the fuel tank needs to be removed, he said the engine and transmission
will need to be removed to gain access.

Really? I know the fuel tank is in the rear on the Syncro, but remove the
engine and transmission to gain access doesn't seem correct.

Anyone have any experience with this type of issue?