EVAP system

Tiny
PTY
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 230,000 MILES
Just recently bought this truck and attempted to smog twice. First time due to high hydrocarbons during idle, so I replaced the O2 sensor and weather-checked fuel lines. Second time due to needing fuel cap replaced and high hydrocarbons with engine running.
I appreciate the vacuum schematic, but am unsure how to check them. They look okay, and are connected. How do I test the solenoids? I had replaced the PCV valve when I changed the oil, spark plugs, distributor, rotor,
and wires previous to the first smog test.
Other websites showed a large canister under the truck in front of the fuel tank, but it was a much newer truck. My vehicle-knowledge is limited so I need simple instructions. The smog tech suggested that I replace the gasket underneath the carburetor, but to blow smoke into the vacuum system to locate the leak. Does that make sense?
Also worth noting is that the previous owner did some repair/replacement of the fuel pump in the fuel tank. To accomplish this he cut open the truck bed. There is an open port. Shouldn't some tube go to it? I am including pictures, I hope they help.
I attempted to send pictures as an email but need an email address. I am not tech-savvy.
Sunday, December 15th, 2019 AT 8:59 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

If you have high hydrocarbons, most commonly it is caused by unburned fuel entering the exhaust system. Have you checked fuel pressure to confirm it is within spec? The fuel pressure regulator is on the front of the throttle body. Pull the vacuum hose off it and confirm there is a vacuum to it when the engine is running. Additionally, confirm there is no raw fuel in the vacuum hose. See pic 1 for location.

Next, I need you to follow the attached link and let me know what trouble codes are stored in the vehicle computer.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, December 16th, 2019 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
PTY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe, thanks for the info. I followed the instructions to access the vehicle's monitoring system and was given # 12(indicating memory had been cleared), and # 3q(purge solenoid is either open or has a short). So, I guess the purge solenoid needs replaced, there is no obvio6shorts?
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Friday, December 20th, 2019 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

Are you sure the code is 3q? I'm showing nothing like that. Here are the codes related to the purge solenoid. Take a look at the attached pic. Let me know if you want any of the testing procedures.

Joe
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Friday, December 20th, 2019 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
PTY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The code was 31. Not 3q.
Yesterday I drove the truck to a neighbor, about a mile away, and half way back home as I went up a hill the engine would die out. Like it was running out of fuel. It would idle okay but when engaged to drive it would quit.I had to get towed. All I had done prior to this unusual event was to blow smoke into the tube from the canister to check for leaks. I did notice that I had not reconnected the tubing to the canister. I do have fuel in the fuel tank yet the engine will not fire. What can I do?
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Saturday, December 21st, 2019 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

Since it won't start now, either you don't have enough fuel pressure or there is no spark

Do me a favor. Check to see if there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If you do have spark, see if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know it is a fuel related issue.

Also, try checking for codes again.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, December 21st, 2019 AT 11:14 PM

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