Gasoline vapor recovery system: adsorber, purge valve, separator and gravity valve on Priora and one of the reasons for floating speed

More and more cars are appearing. This is no longer a luxury. Buying and driving a car, following all the rules, is one thing, but understanding how it works, how it works and how to maintain it is another matter. It is not easy for an ordinary driver to understand the numerous nuances of a car, including the Lada Priora.

It is necessary to have a general understanding of how to operate and maintain a car. Thanks to your knowledge, you can independently identify technical problems if necessary, and using the manual, you can fix them yourself.

On the Lada Priora car and a number of other domestic models there is such a part as the solenoid valve for purge the adsorber. Although it is secondary, it requires some attention to itself. It happens when the canister purge valve stops functioning. In this material we will tell you how to identify signs of a malfunction, plus what you need to pay attention to. How to manually replace a device.

Automotive gasoline vapor trap: adsorber and its purpose

You should immediately understand the question of what an adsorber is and why it is needed on a car. Initially, it is worth noting that the correct name of this device is an adsorber, that is, it is written with the letter “d,” although many call it an absorber, which is not entirely correct. The difference between an adsorber and an absorber is that the first one accumulates vapors (in this case, gasoline) and holds them, while the second one completely absorbs the substance (that is, with the impossibility of their subsequent release).

We will find out why cars use an adsorber and not an absorber after understanding the purpose of this device.

A gasoline vapor collector is a kind of filter that prevents direct contact of gasoline with the atmosphere, which reduces the level of pollution. Such devices were invented after the introduction of the Euro-2 environmental standard, which prohibits atmospheric pollution with gasoline vapors.

The main purpose of the device is to temporarily absorb the vapors that form in the gas tank and use them for selfish purposes, that is, not just suppress, but transport them to the engine, where they will be supplied to the cylinders for combustion along with the fuel assembly.

Returning to the name of the device, we can safely say that the Priora and other modern cars use an adsorber that only temporarily accumulates gasoline vapor (which occurs while the engine is not running). The use of absorbers would not allow vapors to be directed into the combustion chambers of the engine due to their complete absorption by the sorbent.

This is interesting! Activated carbon is used as a sorbent in automobile adsorbers.

Design and general diagram of the EVAP gasoline vapor recovery system

The design and operating principle of the device in question is quite simple. Below is a diagram.

To understand this, you need to know that the system consists of a number of the following parts:

  1. The separator is needed to capture gasoline vapors and then return it in liquid form back to the tank. On Priora it is located in the left rear wheel niche. It is important not to confuse it with an adsorber. The separator (top) has a built-in gravity valve.
  2. The gravity valve is needed to eliminate the possibility of fuel leaking from the tank if the vehicle rolls over in the event of an accident. It is also called a safety or safety valve, which is triggered when the vertical deviates by an angle of more than 90 degrees.

  3. The pressure relief valve is a device that eliminates the possibility of deformation of the metal tank when gasoline is used up. To put it simply, as fuel is consumed, a vacuum forms inside the sealed tank, which can cause deformation of its walls. To prevent this, a pressure sensor is used, which is also called a breather. With its help, the pressure inside the tank is equalized with atmospheric pressure. Its role is played by the atmospheric channel on the adsorber. When a vacuum is created in the tank, air is sucked in through the air channel, thereby equalizing the pressure in the tank. If the channel is faulty (contaminated), then the risk of tank deformation increases. That is why the Priora uses a gas tank cap with a valve for air intake as a safety net. This valve does not release air from the tank, but lets it in to stabilize the pressure.
  4. Absorbent - as mentioned above, it is activated carbon that temporarily absorbs and retains gasoline vapors that enter the engine during purging.

  5. The filter prevents the possibility of activated carbon granules entering the purge valve, as well as contaminants entering the adsorber through the air channel.

  6. Electromagnetic valve (canister purge valve)—its role in the system is key, since it is responsible for opening the channel for sucking gasoline vapors from the canister.

  7. Connecting tubes - needed to connect the adsorber to the gas tank, separator and other structural elements.

The operation of the system is controlled by an electronic control unit, so its malfunction is necessarily accompanied by the display of the corresponding error codes on the BC screen.

Adsorber. Purpose, malfunctions. Is it possible to turn it off?

Stas [stas90]

01.02.2019,

Not all drivers understand the adsorber system. Many consider it a completely unnecessary and superfluous part, do not monitor the condition of the filter, and come to turn it off. Indeed, how effective is it, why do you even need an adsorber in a car, an adsorber or an absorber, what's the difference? Let's figure it out.

Adsorber, purpose

The adsorber is the brainchild of the EURO-2 standard. It is this that ensures the absence of emissions of hydrocarbons into the environment, both in solid, liquid and gaseous form. The most difficult thing to prevent is “gaseous release”. When the vehicle moves, as well as when parked, gasoline evaporates. Gasoline vapors accumulate in the tank cavity, creating excess pressure.

First of all, it's dangerous. Theoretically, such a process could lead to an explosion, especially if there is a small amount of fuel left in the tank. True, gasoline vapors in their pure form do not explode - they also need air supply. Secondly, through microcracks and crevices, gasoline vapors penetrate into the interior and surrounding space, creating unpleasant odors and polluting the environment.

An adsorber is a special device (system) designed to absorb fuel vapors that form in the tank. It not only absorbs vapors, but also returns them in liquid form to the tank or intake manifold to participate in the ignition process. That is, the adsorber simultaneously increases environmental friendliness and reduces fuel consumption. The adsorber system operates constantly. When the engine is not running, gasoline vapors accumulate in the separator, condense, and flow into the tank. During engine operation, evaporation flows into the adsorber, condenses there (settles), and is then “sucked out” into the intake manifold due to vacuum.

The name adsorber comes from the Latin sorbeo, “to absorb.” There is a console in front of him. Many car enthusiasts are confused about whether it is an adsorber or an absorber. The main element of the adsorber is the filter element. It is made of large granules of activated carbon.

Why large granules? The fact is that the task of this filter is not to absorb gasoline vapors, but to deposit them on the surface of the granules so that liquid gasoline flows down and accumulates at the bottom, and then enters the intake manifold. This absorption is called superficial and is designated by the prefix “Hell”. Internal absorption is indicated by the prefix “Ab”. For greater clarity, I recall the picture.

So the adsorber is correct.

What is included in the adsorber system

  1. Pressure meter. It is required to ensure that the pressure in the tank cavity does not exceed critical. As soon as a certain value is exceeded, the vapor is released.
  2. Separator and gravity valve. Fuel vapors settle in the separator when the engine is not running. The gravity valve helps prevent fuel from flowing out of the tank into the separator system if the vehicle rolls over during an accident.

3. Filter. It starts working when the engine is running. Many drivers forget that it should also be changed periodically.

4. Fuel lines.

5. Solenoid valve. Switches operating modes. Diagram of the adsorber system Typical diagram of the adsorber system using the example of the 10th series VAZ.

The adsorber system operates in two modes. If the engine is not running, the vapors accumulated in the tank flow to the separator, where they condense and return to the tank in the form of accumulated drops of fuel.

When the engine starts, the solenoid valve turns on, which redirects the vapors to the adsorber. Vapors that have settled as a liquid are sucked into the intake manifold due to the vacuum of air entering the intake manifold. Then they participate in the ignition of the combustible mixture, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of the engine (due to the fact that the vapors do not evaporate into the environment in vain). The reduction in fuel consumption in this case is indeed negligible, but it does take place.

Useful purposes of the adsorber:

  • use of fuel vapors;
  • reduction of unpleasant odors;
  • control of excess vapor pressure.

Signs and causes of malfunction

You can determine that the adsorber is operational when you start the engine: a click will be heard in the area of ​​the solenoid valve. Indirect signs of a system malfunction (in addition to computer diagnostic indications) are:

  • floating speed on a warm engine;
  • twitching of the fuel level indicator due to the pressure difference in the tank;
  • very slight loss of throttle response;
  • drop in speed when pressing the gas due to depressurization of the adsorber system;
  • a pop similar to the opening of a dry wine cap when removing the gas tank cap, hissing (due to the vacuum in the tank);
  • extraneous sound in the area of ​​the solenoid valve.

Causes of malfunction:

  • valve malfunction;
  • filter wear;
  • depressurization of pipes from the tank;
  • clogging of the tube into the intake manifold;
  • sensor failure;
  • electrical equipment malfunction.

How to disable the adsorber system. Is it worth it?

Disconnect - do not connect. This is easy to do. You can plug all gas and fuel lines leading to the adsorber, separator, solenoid valve, filter, tank and intake manifold. Particular attention should be paid to the connection to the intake manifold. If this hole is left open, there will be air leaks and the speed will float.

Sometimes you encounter a problem at a service station. A car arrives with an active engine fault. Diagnostics points to the adsorber. You lift the hood, but it (the adsorber) is simply not there. There is a single valve connector hanging, and that’s all. Some car owners simply remove the adsorber system, like an automobile vestige (an unnecessary organ). Sometimes emulating a valve in the form of a resistor with a resistance of about 200 Ohms helps, sometimes it doesn’t. For some car models, chip tuning is required to remove the error message on the dashboard. This operation is not cheap. It's better to restore the system's functionality.

What are the consequences of turning off the adsorber? I think that in European countries this could result in a considerable fine. In Russia, it is possible not to undergo technical inspection without additional costs. From a technical and environmental point of view, inoperability leads to:

  • a slight (1-2%) increase in fuel consumption;
  • extremely small reduction in power unit power;
  • environmental pollution;
  • increased smell of gasoline in the cabin and garage.

Maintenance and repair of the adsorber system does not require large expenses; it is better to keep it in good condition.

Diagram of the fuel vapor recovery system on Priora: design and designation of the main elements

The diagram of the gasoline vapor recovery system on Priora is as follows:

Fuel vapor recovery system VAZ-2170

In the diagram, each element has a corresponding name and purpose. The name of each item is listed in the description below:

The purpose of each element of the system is described in detail in the material below.

This is interesting! The vent tube numbered “9” is designed to remove air from the tank as it fills with fuel.

How does a car's gasoline vapor recovery system (adsorber) work?

The principle of its operation on Priora is identical to other brands of cars, so let’s look at the overall picture.

  1. Gasoline has the property of releasing vapors, which usually accumulate in the upper part of the filler neck of the tank. For this, a separator is used, with the help of which these vapors are condensed and returned in liquid form back to the tank.
  2. Some vapors do not condense in the separator, so an adsorber is provided for this. In it, vapors accumulate and are retained (this happens when the car engine is turned off).
  3. After starting the engine, reaching operating temperature, and only with the throttle valve open (this is very important), the solenoid valve opens. When it is triggered, for which the ECU is responsible, gasoline vapor is supplied from the adsorber to the throttle assembly. This process is called purging. Its duration is controlled by the ECU.
  4. The process occurs as follows: the adsorber has a channel connecting it to the environment. As soon as the solenoid valve opens, the engine sucks in air, which, together with gasoline vapor from the adsorber, enters the throttle assembly.
  5. From the throttle, these vapors, along with the air, enter the intake manifold, where they are mixed with a portion of gasoline released from the injectors and are sucked into the combustion chambers of the cylinders. As a result, they are burned, thereby increasing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

The operating principle of the system is quite simple and reliable, but malfunctions occur, which leads to problems with engine operation. What are the signs of a malfunction of the adsorber and its valve on a Priora, and how to determine the failure of parts of this system, we will consider further.

Design and operation of the adsorber purge valve

The KPA is an electromagnetic locking device that operates from the vehicle’s on-board network. The valve consists of:

  • plastic case;
  • valve with spring;
  • windings;
  • metal core;
  • connector

When the vehicle's engine is turned off, no voltage is supplied to the valve and it remains in the closed position. That is, on the motor side, the system that captures vapors is blocked. At the same time, the adsorber begins to “collect” vapors. When the power unit starts, voltage is applied to the valve, causing it to open and fuel vapors to enter the intake manifold. As soon as the ignition is turned off, the control unit is de-energized and the pipeline is closed: no vapors enter the receiver.

Malfunction of the adsorber and adsorber valve on a Priora: main symptoms

The fundamental element of the entire system is the solenoid valve, which is controlled by the ECU. It is because of the failure of this element that problems arise on the car. However, let’s look at the main signs of a malfunction of the gasoline vapor recovery system:

  1. Floating speed. Naturally, there is no need to rush to diagnose the system, since this phenomenon is often associated with a number of other problems, but it should not be ruled out either. Why do the revs fluctuate? The cause is a solenoid valve that may be stuck open. As a result, it turns out that air is sucked into the throttle assembly when starting the engine, which ultimately leads to the appearance of the effect of changing crankshaft speeds. Prior owners often encounter this problem, so it is important to pay attention to the serviceability of the solenoid valve. You will find out where it is located on Priora and how to check it in the sections below.
  2. The engine does not gain full power, which is quite understandable; an element of the fuel vapor recovery system is faulty. As a rule, this can be caused by clogged adsorber, which reduces throughput.
  3. The engine stalls at idle when trying to add gas.
  4. Fuel indication sensor readings are incorrect. It shows either a full tank or an empty one. This usually happens when the pressure relief valve does not cope with its function. The possibility of failure of the gas tank cap, which has a built-in breather, cannot be ruled out.
  5. Increased fuel consumption.
  6. When you unscrew the cap from the neck of the tank, a long hissing sound occurs, indicating that the pressure valve is not coping with the task (the pressure is not equalized). If hissing does not occur at all when unscrewing the lid, then this may also be a sign of a malfunction of the breather in the lid, since depressurization of the product is appropriate.

These signs indicate that there is a malfunction in the gasoline vapor recovery system on the Priora. In addition, if the solenoid valve (purge) fails, the Check Engine may light up on the instrument panel, and the corresponding error codes will be displayed on the on-board computer:

  • P0441 - incorrect air flow through the adsorber valve;
  • P0442 - leak in the gasoline vapor recovery system;
  • P0443 - malfunction of the valve circuit of the gasoline vapor recovery system;
  • P0444 - break in the canister valve wire;
  • P0445 - the control circuit for the canister purge valve closes to ground;
  • P0446 - malfunction of the control circuit of the vapor valve for collecting gasoline vapors EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction).

If one of the errors listed above is displayed on the BC, then you need to look for a malfunction in the gasoline vapor recovery system. Typically, this error can be associated with a failed solenoid valve, a clogged filter element, or a faulty pressure relief valve.

How to disable or remove the adsorber on a car and do you need to reflash the ECU?

You need to understand that when the adsorber is removed, the solenoid valve is turned off, which is directly connected to the controller and controlled by the latter.

This will lead to error p0443, which we already mentioned above. The tubes are also silenced, in particular the one that goes to the intake manifold.

What is the disadvantage of such a shutdown?

The fact is that through the tube that goes to the intake manifold, air is constantly sucked in; even in idle mode, the so-called small purge of the adsorber occurs. At high speeds from 1500 – 2000 and above there is a lot of purging.

In the ECU firmware, constant air leaks and the flow of fuel vapor are taken into account when forming the air-fuel mixture, despite the fact that all this goes past the mass air flow sensor, the causes of the malfunction of which can be found out by clicking on the link.

Causes of malfunction of the adsorber on Priora and features of its self-check

The adsorber contains activated carbon in granular form, which gets wet over time, which reduces the level of air permeability. Typically, such a malfunction is accompanied by error on BC P0441. However, in addition, a more common problem is when coal particles enter the body of the solenoid valve and, accumulating in large quantities, do not allow it to close, which leads to the problem of floating speed on Priora.

The causes of adsorber malfunction are the following factors:

  1. Depressurization of the adsorber housing. Usually occurs in case of mechanical damage. If such a breakdown occurs, the part must be replaced.

  2. Damage to the integrity of the power supply wires of the solenoid valve. In this case, errors P0443/P0444/P0445 and P0446 are displayed. This could be an open circuit, short to ground, or low voltage.
  3. Air inlet fitting and filter element are dirty. Air enters the device through the inlet fitting, as a result of which accumulated vapors are purged. Through the fitting, contaminants enter the adsorber, which leads to a decrease in the level of air permeability. This causes the device to operate ineffectively.

To determine the cause of the malfunction, you will need to focus on the corresponding errors or symptoms. For example, if there is a suspicion of a violation of the seal of the housing, then it is necessary to remove the adsorber and inspect its condition. If no defects are found, then its tightness is usually checked as follows:

  • the connections to the atmosphere and to the solenoid valve are plugged;
  • compressed air is supplied to the remaining fitting connecting the device to the gas tank;
  • the absence of signs of air leakage indicates the integrity of the adsorber housing.

Be sure to inspect the integrity of the power wires of the solenoid valve, and if necessary, call them. If there is a suspicion that the valve is jammed in the open position, then a simple and reliable way to check is to start the engine and plug the fitting connecting the adsorber to the atmosphere with your hand. If after this the engine operation changes, then the cause of the malfunction has been identified, and all that remains is to eliminate it by replacing the part.

It is important to note that if the adsorber is dirty, it must be replaced. This device is non-separable, and if a malfunction is suspected, it must be replaced. As for the resource, there are no exact figures here. The service life depends on many factors, including the quality of the device itself.

This is interesting! The adsorber on Priora has the following article number 2170-1164010. Its price is approximately 500-800 rubles.

Where is the adsorber located on Priora and how to replace it

It should be emphasized once again that often the cause of a malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system is the solenoid valve, so troubleshooting should begin with it. If this part on the Priora is working properly, then there is a high probability that the adsorber has failed. To replace it, you must first understand the location. Typically such devices are located next to the gas tank, but not always. On a Priora, the adsorber is located in the engine compartment. You need to look for it next to the generator under the right headlight. The photo below shows the location of the adsorber on a Priora with air conditioning.

It is important to note the fact that the Priora can have an adsorber, both rectangular and round.

Despite the differences in shape, the products are completely interchangeable.

The photo below shows the location of the element on the radiator side.

Now let's figure out how the adsorber is removed on a Priora. The process will be slightly different depending on the vehicle configuration. If the Priora is 8-valve and without air conditioning, then the process of removing the adsorber is as follows

:

  1. Initially, you should disconnect the hose fastenings “3” and “4” in the figure below. To do this, press the latches and pull the hoses.

  2. Using a wrench at “8”/“10” (may differ), unscrew the fastening bolts (2 pcs.). For unscrewing, it is recommended to use a spanner wrench with a ratchet, since they are the most convenient for unscrewing fasteners in hard-to-reach places.

  3. After this, you can remove the part. There is enough space to remove it, and you do not need to remove the generator or headlight to do this.

  4. Check for serviceability or replace. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. When installing, it is important to observe the tightening torque of the mounting bolts. They are tightened with a force of 1.6-2.8 Nm.

However, the process of dismantling the gasoline vapor trap is not difficult on a Priora without air conditioning, where there is free access to the device. On 16-valve VAZ-2170 models with Halla and Panasonik air conditioners, the process will be slightly different. The difference is that you need to remove the right headlight, under which the adsorber is located. The principle of dismantling the adsorber is to perform the following actions:

  1. First you need to remove the top trim from the headlight by unscrewing the four fasteners using a Phillips screwdriver.

  2. Disconnect the power supply from the headlight from the inside using a screwdriver.

  3. After this, you need to loosen the bumper (right side). How to properly snap off the bumper so as not to damage it is described here.

  4. This is necessary in order to gain access to the mounting bolt, which is located under the headlight. We unscrew it.

  5. Unscrew the Phillips screwdriver located on the side.

  6. The headlight is secured with three fasteners. The third bolt is at the top. After unscrewing it, you can remove the headlight to gain access to the adsorber for subsequent removal.

Interesting! The detailed process of removing headlights on a Priora is described in this article.

Having gained access to the adsorber, disconnect the hoses from the device and unscrew the two fastening screws. We remove the device, check it or change it.

Assembly is performed in the reverse order of dismantling. The example of removing the generator shows how to get to the adsorber on a Priora with air conditioning.

This completes the procedure for replacing the adsorber on a Priora with and without air conditioning. Despite the laboriousness of the process, everything is done very quickly and without the need to visit a car service center.

Instructions for checking and replacing the adsorber valve on a Priora: where it is located, cleaning, article number

A headache on VAZ cars is the solenoid valve or the adsorber purge valve. Let's look at this device in more detail. First, let's find out where it is located on Priora. The photo below shows the location of the canister purge valve on a Priora.

It is located near the right “glass”. The material repeatedly mentioned why the canister purge valve on a car is needed and what function it performs. Below is another reminder of what the part is for.

First, let's understand the principle of operation of the valve. The electrical diagram of the canister purge valve on the Priora along with the pinout will help with this.

The device is a valve that is controlled by electrical impulses. To do this, the design of the device has a winding, which, when power is applied, retracts the metal core, which leads to the opening of a channel through which air passes from the adsorber to the throttle assembly. The part is non-separable and non-repairable, therefore, if there are signs of malfunction, it should be replaced. Below in the photo is the canister purge valve (from Kalina) in cut form.

The device receives two contacts: one from the relay (plus), and the second control from the ECU (ground). The valve opens when a voltage pulse is supplied from the ECU. The operating principle of this device is simple. However, despite this, on all VAZ cars, the canister purge valve is a common cause of floating speed, a decrease in engine power and an increase in fuel consumption. This happens due to the fact that activated carbon granules from the adsorber get into the channel with the valve, which ultimately leads to the device jamming in the open position. After starting the engine, the valve should be closed, but since it jams, it remains open, so air leaks into the throttle assembly at idle.

To check the functionality of the solenoid valve, you need to perform the following steps:

  1. First you need to remove the device from the car. To do this, you need to disconnect the power supply and loosen the clamps (if any) that secure the hoses. After this, remove the part by pressing the latch and pulling it up. Often the latch fails, so you can use a plastic clamp.
  2. Carry out an inspection. After inspection, you can draw conclusions about the serviceability of the product, as evidenced by the photo below.
  3. Now let's proceed to the actual verification. Using a bulb, syringe or compressor, we supply air into one of the channels. Air should not escape from the second, since when the power is turned off, the valve closes. If it is blown through, then there is a high probability of it getting stuck in the open position.

  4. Another way to check is to apply 12V power to the contacts of the device. In this case, a characteristic click will be heard, indicating that the valve has been activated (its opening). We stop the power supply, and at the same time it should click again, which indicates that it is closed and serviceable.
  5. Don't forget to make sure that the valve is receiving power. To do this, we measure it in the chip using a multimeter. The voltage should be 12V. Contact “A” is positive, and “B” is “ground” from the ECU.

The verification procedure is not at all complicated and takes about 10 minutes. Based on the results, a decision is made about the need to replace the valve. If it is not working, then it must be replaced. We buy a new device, which has the code 21103-1164200-02/21103-1164200-03 (the products are interchangeable).

If the malfunction occurs on the road, then you can try to clean the valve if it is jammed due to clogging of the channel with activated carbon. To do this, you need to remove the valve and clean the channel with carburetor cleaner or WD-40. In this case, we definitely gain access to the adjusting screw, which is filled with compound. We unscrew the screw (remember the number of turns so that we can screw it back to the same value, otherwise there will be suction), and clean it.

We repeat the procedure several times, and if there is a compressor, we blow the channel with compressed air to remove contaminants from it. When assembling, be sure to fill the location of the adjusting screw with sealant to prevent suction.

If it is possible to restore the functionality of the device, then it will still serve for some time. However, you should not delay replacing it, as liquids that get inside can lead to winding failure.

And in conclusion, it is worth noting that the optimal way to prevent the adsorber purge valve from becoming clogged with activated carbon is to install a filter at its inlet. A regular gasoline or gas filter is suitable for this, as shown in the photo above.

This is interesting! A valve malfunction may manifest itself as a clicking sound after starting the engine. In this case, the part must also be replaced.

Replacing the adsorber valve with Priora

When all signs of malfunction are present, replacement is required. If a faulty sensor is not replaced in a timely manner, it can cause problems in the fuel system as a whole. To carry out replacement work on the LADA Priora, you will need a multimeter and small pieces of wire.

You need to remove the adsorber first. It needs to be checked. It is necessary to prepare the car and loosen the clamp and disconnect the wires directly from the purge valve. On the car, connect the multimeter probe marked “-” to ground.

Then you need to turn on the ignition. Then check the voltage at the terminal block of the wires. All terminals have their own designation, it is on the block.

Remember, the voltage at the pin is 12V. If it is lower, or is not there at all, then the problem is a discharged battery or a malfunction of the car’s electronic unit.

The sensor is replaced as follows: turn off the ignition, move the valve up, and release the lock. Remove the device from the bracket. For easy assembly, it is better to mark the order of connection to the sensor with a marker.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the clamps and disconnect the hoses one by one. First, the hose going to the adsorber is disconnected, then the hose going to the throttle valve, or rather to its body. Now you can replace the sensor with a new one and assemble everything in reverse order.

How to remove the gasoline vapor separator and gravity valve on a Priora: repair and replacement

Often Prior owners wonder what kind of structure this is, which is located in the left rear wheel arch liner. This device is mistakenly called an adsorber. In fact, this is a separator, which is designed to allow gasoline vapors to condense on its walls, after which the fuel is returned to the tank in liquid form.

One of the most common types of separator malfunction is a violation of the seal of the housing.

This can be determined visually by inspecting the part, as well as by detecting oil stains on the surface and the characteristic smell of gasoline. Damage usually occurs at the fitting through which gasoline flows back into the tank. The photo below shows what a leak in the Priora separator housing looks like. If the hose does not have a clamp, it is recommended to install one.

If the part fails (if the body is damaged, which usually happens when the car does not use locker wheel liners), it must be replaced. It is completely replaced along with the gravity valve and tubes. The removal and replacement process is performed as follows:

  1. Jack up the rear left side and remove the wheel. If there is a fender liner, it must be removed. If it is not there, it is recommended to install it, which will increase the service life of the car body parts and the separator.
  2. Disconnect the fuel drain pipe that comes from the separator from the gas tank by squeezing the quick-release connector clamp to do this.

  3. Use a screwdriver to pry up the tube holder and remove it.

  4. Unscrew the four nuts securing the fuel vapor supply pipes to the separator and gravity valve using a 10mm wrench.

  5. Above the brake hose of the left wheel there is a mount for the gravity valve tube. Unscrew the nut with a “10” wrench.
  6. Above the clamp that connects the pipe of the main and additional mufflers, there is another pipe fastening, which is also unscrewed with a key “10”.

  7. After this, you can unscrew the separator mount (2 nuts at “10”) and remove it from the car along with the bracket.
  8. The separator is removed along with the tubes and gravity valve. After this, you should check the condition of the tubes and body of the product. Replace the device with a similar one along with the tubes.
  9. To remove the separator without removing the tubes, then follow these steps: Disconnect the tube from the separator at the bottom (after loosening the clamp), through which vapor flows from the tank into the device, and gasoline back into the tank.
  10. Unscrew the two nuts securing the separator bracket, then lower the part down, gaining access to the gravity valve (top).
  11. Using a slotted screwdriver, pry up the flange of the gravity valve and remove it from its seat. It is important not to damage the O-ring.

  12. Next, you can remove the separator. If the gravity valve O-ring is damaged, it must be replaced. This is very important, since often, in the absence of visible damage to the separator, the cause of the smell of gasoline not only in the rear of the car, but also in the cabin, is a malfunction of the rubber seal (its damage).
  13. On Priors, such an o-ring is used from Chevrolet Niva cars. And if you are convinced that the part is damaged and cannot be repaired (if the ring cannot be glued), then we buy a new one. The sealing ring for the gravity valve on the Priora from the Chevrolet Niva has article number 2123-116485-10.

  14. If the separator is completely replaced, the gravity valve tube must also be removed. To do this, disconnect the connection of the tubes from the gravity valve to the adsorber.

When purchasing a new separator for Priora, you need to know its number 2170-0116400502. It is equipped with a gravity valve and connecting pipes, so there is no need to purchase anything separately.

This is interesting! Violation of the integrity of the separator housing or the sealing ring of the gravity valve causes not only the smell of gasoline, but also unstable engine operation, as air leaks will occur.

Summing up and whether it is worth removing the adsorber on a Priora car

In conclusion, it is worth noting that some car owners resort to such a solution as removing the adsorber from the car. It is quite possible to do this, but this will require not only physical removal, but also software, that is, replacing the firmware. This process is not discussed in the material, since such processing is incorrect, and not only from an environmental point of view. Removing the adsorber will increase consumption, since gasoline vapor will not enter the throttle assembly for mixing with air and combustion.

And if the issue of ecology and economy does not interest you, then there is another very important argument. After removing the adsorber (canister and separator purge valve), the smell of gasoline will be present in the cabin

. And this is true (check with your friends who have decided to take such a step), so before resorting to such a modification of the car, you should think again. If you are faced with the problem of a constantly clogged adsorber valve, then it can be solved as follows:

  • a gasoline filter (or a gas filter for fine cleaning) must be inserted into the hose that connects the adsorber to the solenoid valve, as shown in the photo below;
  • this will prevent the possibility of coal particles entering the valve from the adsorber and eliminate the possibility of it jamming, as mentioned above.

The problem is solved quite quickly, effectively, and most importantly, without the need to remove the adsorber and its components.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the adsorber and gasoline vapor recovery system is a very important element, which is responsible not only for preventing gasoline vapors from entering the atmosphere, but also preventing the possibility of tank deformation, increasing engine efficiency, reducing consumption, and increasing comfort ( due to the absence of gasoline vapors in the cabin). And most importantly, such a device does not require expensive repairs, and it rarely fails, especially if the adsorber valve is protected from the entry of contaminants into it.

Why do they refuse the adsorber?

Despite the advantages of this design solution, and these are: fuel economy, absence of odor in the cabin, reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere (although many do not care about this), the adsorber has a number of significant drawbacks, due to which many seek to disable it or completely remove it.

Disadvantages, they are also signs of malfunction:

  1. Expensiveness of the product (not for all cars). Replace or remove? More often, preference is given to the second option. For example, on an Acura MDX the price of the product varies within 10,000 rubles. For VAZ – from 800 rubles.
  2. A malfunction of the device leads to interruptions in the operation of the unit: the engine does not pull (poor acceleration of the car, stalls when driving uphill, transporting goods, floating idle speed on a warm engine, if the tank is plastic, then with a clogged adsorber, constantly compressing and unclenching (in the absence of a bypass valve in the lid), it may eventually burst due to the pressure of gasoline vapors; if it is metal, then it will become deformed. One of the characteristic signs of a malfunctioning adsorber is a hissing sound when the fuel tank lid is opened, caused by the movement of air into the tank (not out) and the appearance of the smell of gasoline in the cabin, incorrect fuel level.The appearance of error p0443 (the cause of the error is a clogged or faulty solenoid valve).
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