Replacing hoses to the vapor canister

I attached a link to a popular parts website that shows your various hoses. I also attached a diagram of the system. If it were me, I would pull the lines off that you want to replace and then just go to the parts store and get bulk hose in that size and then you can get the correct length as well.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/gmc,2002,sonoma,4.3l+v6,1386042,exhaust+&+emission,vapor+canister+vent+hose,22172

I looked it up and the manual doesn't list these hoses individually so I can't send you each part number but again, you just need to use a vacuum hose to connect the lines so I would just use the bulk hose at the parts stores.

I had planned on the bulk hose/parts store purchase, but I still need to know at least the diam and what length to buy. If the hoses are removed then I cannot drive to the parts store which Is why I need this info in advance. But thanks anyway. (Appreciate the diagram and your trouble!)

I understand. What I would do in this case is get under there and take a look at the lines that are currently there. More then likely they are already the bulk lines. In that case, remove one end and cut off about a half inch of each line because there should be enough slack that you can stretch them just a bit and install them back on and that way you have a sample of each line. Then just buy a roll or a couple feet of each, whatever you need and you should have enough.

If it is a preformed line then they should be able to look that up but again, I didn't find them so I am sure they are bulk hoses.

Exactly my plan! It's an ESP thing, but again thank you for taking the time it's appreciated. I did have a second plan (b): I was going to go to the parts store and have them pull a vac can from the shelf and use that to measure the diam this way not getting dirty twice. We'll see.

Mimi Vee

I like B better. I wish I would have thought of that one because that is a good one. The only flaw in it is you would need to find the parts store that has one in stock. If so, go with that one! Thanks. Let us know how it turns out.

Got that covered: AutoZone. I will let you know but I won't be able to get there for a few days; of course I still have to deal with the length but a neighbor has offered to get under and eyeball it to try giving me an idea. Here's hoping !

Sounds great. I would just get at least a few feet of whatever you need. You will have a little extra but it is not that expensive. Let us know how you make out. Thanks for the update.

Well this is a twist. I'll briefly give you the full story: on 5/5 the engine lite came on, on 5/6 I replaced the 3 vac hoses on the driver's side up near the firewall (improved performance but light still on)5/12 had diagnostic checked at AutoZone indicating 'small leak' in vacuum can so, instead of jumping into a high cost purchase/repair I decided to go the conservative route and replace the hoses to it however (here's the twist) yesterday I went to Walmart (light on) but on the way out of Walmart no engine light. I made several stops and still no light so go figure. Maybe the vacuum pressure built up after the hoses were replaced (they were in really bad shape and one had two holes in it) also on Tuesday I removed the gas cap, cleaned it and put Vaseline on and around the o-ring and on the neck of the fuel fill. It would seem I have a mystery car on my hands! For now I guess it's fixed. Fingers crossed.

Haha. That is great. If your issue was a small evap leak then yes, the gas cap is the most likely cause. Either way, it doesn't matter at this point. Good work. Glad it is working out for you.

If it comes back on, pull the code again and let me know what it is and we can work through it. Thanks

Let's hope it stays fixed; explain: what do you mean 'pull the code? You lost me there. And again many thanks for hanging in and for your input and patience. This was a strange journey, but.

No problem. That is why we are here.

Sorry, that is tech talk for check what codes are in the system with a scan tool. Here is a guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If the engine light turns back on, have it scanned and let me know what the code is and we can figure out the possible issues. If it is related to this post then we can figure it out on here. If it is a different issue then we can just get a new post started for that issue.

I suspect that issue will not return if it has not by now. Thanks for the update.

The code that initially came up on the scanner was PO-442. I plan on using the truck today so here's hoping your feeling is spot-on and that the issue is automotive history! I'll let you know when I'm done driving for the day.

Got it. Thanks for that. Keep us posted because I am feeling positive on this one.

And the good news is, with all the off/on driving the lite never stayed on. Problem solved, but mystery remains. Was it the hose replacement or the gas cap trick? But bottom line is it only cost $5.00. And change for one length of hose which I tri-sected (they were all connected by a 3-way t-connector). Your positive feeling was not wasted. But now I do have to ask if you're a mechanic or someone who knows his way around cars? Regardless, you hung in and it's appreciated.

You are very welcome and that is great news.

I was a mechanic and now I am an automotive service engineer with a US auto company. Basically that just means when mechanics at dealership can't fix a vehicle I talk them through it via either email, phone, or visit the dealer on the really hard ones. So doing this just fits right in with my career.

My money is on the gas cap. So if it ever does come back on with this code, I would go to the gas cap first.

Thanks for all the updates. That is one of the best thing for this site, getting the follow up because the next person that reads this post. Thanks and talk to you next time.

Very impressive. I tend to agree with the gas cap choice, but those hoses looked like an army of squirrels had a go at them! Really really bad.
So again I thank you for all your help. Mimi

Haha. I understand. Thanks again for using 2CarPros. We are here if you need anything else. Thanks

Really really sorry for the delay in replying but just as an update: the engine light hasn't come on anymore so problem found and solved! Now if you were in Colorado Springs that would be even better. All your help is appreciated

Mimi V.

That is a great update. Thanks for the information. Glad to help. I would be even better if I were in Colorado Springs as well. Sounds lovely :)

Oh well, you can't win them all! But at least not only was the problem solved it actually stayed solved.

Many thanks