E36 Evap Canister Internal Rattle

[kaamacat]

Question. (And I'll admit my search skills could not find anything...so lack-of-skills).

OK... Throwing a P0442 on the car (98 328IS), and pulled the right rear cover to expose and unmount the
Evap canister. (did not disconnect hoses). When I pulled it downward, could clearly hear what sounded like something
inside the unit moving around? Has anyone experienced that, or is this normal.

My thoughts are that something has broken inside the unit (internal solenoid.. not sure what it is), and that
is not functioning properly to hold vacuum, causing the P0442. (Small Eval Leak).

I appreciate the assist in advance and thanks!

[Eric93se]

Have you tried replacing the gas cap? or if you can get it, just the rubber gasket on the cap.

[kaamacat]

Gas cap is new (not OEM though). Emissions station check it and was a pass. (Although I always wonder if their portable unit has the same seal). I
can either replace the rubber or, pull it and place in boiling water and let cool. (works great on radar suction cups to get the original form back) But that
rattle inside just does not sound right.

[Eric93se]

That canister near the gas cap is just to capture gases, the actual carbon canister is under the spare tire in the trunk. Usually the problem is one of the nipples breaks off either that canister or on the one under the spare tire. So if the hoses are on securely and there are no cracks in the tank or on the nipples then they are probably fine (check both tanks).

[romg424]

I just cut the blue hose going to the engine bay near the back of the tank & threw a small CCV filter over it. No lights but then again I have an OBD1 .....