Just to get folks all on the same page...
The metal tank above is an exansion tank that isn't used on all Fiero years. It came in with the slightly higher capacity fuel tank in later Fiero models to make sure there is enough expansion room in the system when you stuff the tank. Depending on how much the fuel expands, that tank may actually have liquid in it. Besides containing expansion overflow, it protects the next item.
The full name of the black charcoal canister is "Evaporative Emission Control Canister." All cars built since about 1973 have this or a similar device to catch vapor that tries to exit the tank. Prior to this you had Vented gas caps on most vehicles that just let raw fuel vapor into the air. Most people are talking about this device when they say Vapor Canister or EVAP can/canister. This device will be ruined if liquid fuel enters it.
There are more notes about the evap can in my cave. (emissions section) If you are looking for vacuum leaks, don't forget to test the canister... just pull and block its lines. The purge valve on top of the thing can go bad and that is the easiest way to check it.
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The only thing George Orwell got wrong was the year.
The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)
+ for you
