Gransport Charcoal filter replacement?

Oxytorch

Junior Member
Messages
122
My Gransport is 2006 and hasn't ever had the charcoal filter replaced and I know that most opinions is that it is an item that doesn't really wear out but I'm just wondering whether some symptoms I'm experiencing could indicate that it should be done. The clues are strong fuel vapour smell on cold start (outside, not inside the cabin) and rhythmic brief hesitations every 5 to 10 seconds that occur after refuelling but settle after driving a minute or two. I also experience a few brief hesitations after the car has been sitting out in the hot Aussie sun but not every time. I think this also is a clue to a fuel vapour issue being the culprit. Using a scan tool, I also have modest negative long term fuel trims of about -15% to -17% both banks that indicates that the fuel injection pulse is being reduced because of a rich condition.

Have most other GS owners had their charcoal filters changed? How pricey is it to get it done? I mentioned it to my indie who didn't think it was necessary, saying they practically never need changing.

John
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
Yes my manual smells of petrol when I drop the window a little bit, pretty sure to is the charcoal evap filter needing replacing.
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,398
As far as I understand the activated carbon filters are only there to neutralise odours.

Even if it needs replacing you might get a smell of fuel but it shouldn't affect how the car runs.

Mine probably needs doing on age/mileage but looking at the history it has not been invoiced and no problems
 

Oxytorch

Junior Member
Messages
122
Carbon filters don't neutralise odours. They are the heart of the EVAP system. It adsorbs fuel vapour within the fuel tank. When conditions are appropriate, there is a purge valve that allows this vapour to be drawn into the intake plenum to be burned. From what I understand, if the canister is saturated due to over-fuelling or due to irreversible binding that occurs over time, it can allow excess vapour or even liquid fuel to be drawn through this pathway.

J
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,398
Cheers! A bit more to it than I thought!

I'll see about changing mine at the next service.