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1997 Toyota Corolla

 

Question: When fueling my 97 Corolla cap is TIGHT,then extreme vapor vents out. Normal ?

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tfaulk13, 1.8L 4 Cylinder, Bakersfield, CA, December 26, 2011, 15:19
 Enthusiast

Every time we fuel our 97 Corolla the cap is very difficult to remove and then as the seal breaks, it vents vapor for a long time (approx. 13 to 16 seconds). We do not quickly reove the cap due to the pressure, we are worried it may cause the cap to pop away from the vehicle. I understand that the fuel cap is supposed to have a good seal and vapor should vent through a line going from the tank to the purge canister, but is it normal for this vehicle to vent a large anount of vapor each time. When we refuel, we are not on empty. We usually refill at 1/2 to as low as 1/4 tank. My thinking is that there may be a problem with the evap canister purge solenoid. Does this vehicle have such a device and could it be the problem? We do not have any fault codes. This vehicle has done this since we bought it used two years ago. It just recently passed smog inspection in California even though it has this problem.

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  • Answer #1

    mastertech6371 December 26, 2011, 18:14
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     Master

    vent solenoid is closed and should be open. get a shop to check it, verify and give you a bid.

    Roy

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    tfaulk13, December 27, 2011, 04:38
     Enthusiast

    Thank you for your reply. It verifies my suspicion. In my Chilton repair manual I found a test method for this solenoid. I'll be checking it tomorrow and I'm sure that it will be replaced upon verification that the wiring to the solenoid is not an issue as well.Since posting this request, my wife has informed me that she has been smelling raw fuel periodically when going to the car after short trips around town. I inspected for a possible source and discovered that there was a very small hairline crack in the fuel tank. The small crack I believe to be a result of the excessive pressure distorting the fuel tank due to the issue with the vent solenoid. I have already removed the tank and welded it with the tank filled with water. All the water has ben removed and the tank dried and reinstalled with fresh fuel put in the tank afterward. I'll filter the fuel that I reoved and use it in my gas powered yard equipment. Again, thank you very much for your input, unfortunately my repair manual had no information regarding my problem in troubleshooting section of any of the chapters. Considering the damage and potential risks for injury, you would think they would have this issue covered in all repair manuals.

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