Post by
rgk »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/rgk-u245656.html
Sat Oct 05, 2019 7:57 pm
When I first started troubleshooting this issue, the fuel system would hiss upon opening the gas cap, even after I only ran the car for a minute. I ordered a vacuum/pressure pump, opened up the FSM, and methodically tested every solenoid and valve that was a part of the EVAP system. They all checked out fine.
When I disconnected the line from the fuel tank at the vacuum cut valve, I definitely had hissing vapor blowing in my face, so I knew the gas tank was being pressurized (as opposed to my original belief that it had vacuum). Looking at the EVAP and fuel diagrams, I figured the obstruction had to be either in the vapor-to-canister line, or between the canister and vent. I took everything apart and sucked air through it with my tool. I even tested the fuel cut valve via the vapor line. Results were inconclusive.
Well, I didn't find a definite obstruction, but when I put everything back together, I no longer had any hissing or pressure issues. So, success. I believe the culprit may have been the water separator just downstream of the vent valve, as it was the last thing I disconnected last night, not bothering to put it back. This morning, when I began working on the car, I didn't really realize it at the time, but looking back on it, I don't believe that there was excess pressure inside the fuel tank when I removed the filler cap. My guess is that all the dust and dirt and road grime that has covered the underbody since before I bought the car also made its way into the separator and somehow prevented vapor from escaping through it.