Does Water in the Charcoal Canister Affect the Car?
2 Answers
Water in the charcoal canister can easily cause damage to the car's engine and affect the vehicle's service life. Below is a detailed introduction about the car's charcoal canister: 1. Overview: The charcoal canister is generally installed between the fuel tank and the engine. Since gasoline is a volatile liquid, the fuel tank is often filled with vapor at room temperature. The function of the fuel evaporation emission control system is to introduce the vapor into combustion and prevent it from volatilizing into the atmosphere. The activated charcoal canister storage device plays a crucial role in this process. 2. Others: After the engine is turned off, gasoline vapor mixes with fresh air in the canister and is stored in the activated charcoal canister. When the engine is started, the solenoid valve installed between the activated charcoal canister and the intake manifold opens, and the gasoline vapor in the activated charcoal canister is drawn into the cylinder by clean air under the vacuum of the intake pipe to participate in combustion.
Last time my car had a problem with water getting into the charcoal canister, which was quite annoying. After driving through water following rain, the engine had difficulty starting and there was a strong smell of gasoline, so I took it straight to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic explained that the charcoal canister collects fuel vapors, and water ingress can clog the activated carbon, with water taking up space and causing fuel flow issues, which in turn affects ignition and combustion, leading to unstable idling or even stalling. If left unaddressed for years, it could corrode internal wiring, shorten the canister's lifespan, and increase emissions pollution. So, after encountering floods or washing the car, pay attention to the vehicle's condition—early repairs save hassle and money. Never push through driving to avoid sudden accidents.
