what does this do

[ttscooks10]

I have a 98 ranger 4x4.this tank is hanging by the spare tire.the hanger is rusted off so its just hanging.any ideas of what it is?does the rubber hose connect to something?thanx tim

 

[Dirtman]

Its the charcoal canister. One hose goes to the fuel tank, one just vents and goes no where. It's part of the emissions control system that cleans fuel vapors while filling your tank. If it gets broken or clogged you wont be able to fill your tank and it will throw a code if the solenoid valve in front of it fails.

Bottom line. Fix it.

 

[ttscooks10]

great thanx

 

[sheep herder]

 

[adsm08]

Well it's more complicated that what Dirtman said.

It doesn't just clean fuel vapors out of the air while fueling. It has three lines. One is the vent to atmosphere, one is hooked to the tank, one goes to the intake. It catches fuel vapor either from fueling, or that just naturally evaporates in the tank, and stores it for use. Activated charcoal can store fuel vapors, but when fresh air is pulled over it the vapors are released.